Our climbers work from ropes or a bucket truck to remove deadwood, lift limbs off roofs and driveways and thin dense crowns so wind can move through them.
What is the difference between trimming and pruning?
People use the words interchangeably. In practice, “trimming” usually means shaping or clearance cuts, such as cutting back limbs over a roof or driveway. “Pruning” tends to mean selective cuts for the health and structure of the tree, such as removing dead, crossing or weakly attached branches.
Most jobs include both. The goal is always to make the fewest cuts that achieve what you need, made in the right place so the tree can seal the wounds.
When people call us
- Branches rubbing on the roof, gutters or siding
- Low limbs over the driveway or blocking views from the house
- Dead branches in the canopy above areas people use
- Dense crowns that catch a lot of wind ahead of storm season
- Young trees that need structural pruning while cuts are small
What's included
- Deadwood removal from the crown
- Clearance pruning from roofs, driveways and structures
- Crown thinning and crown raising
- Structural pruning for younger trees
- Chipping and removal of all cut material
Practical considerations
We do not top trees
Cutting the top off a tree triggers weak, fast regrowth and decay. If a tree is too big for its space, reduction pruning or removal are better options.
Timing
Deadwood can be removed any time of year. Many structural cuts are best made during dormancy, but safety pruning should not wait.
When pruning is not enough
If a tree has serious decay or structural defects, pruning may only delay the problem. We will tell you honestly if removal is the better choice.
How the work goes
- 1
Walk the tree
We agree which limbs need to go and why.
- 2
Estimate
You get a clear description of the pruning to be done.
- 3
Prune
Climbers make selective cuts and lower larger limbs.
- 4
Cleanup
Brush is chipped and the yard is cleaned up.
Tree Trimming & Pruning questions
How often should trees be trimmed?
It depends on the species, age and location. Many mature shade trees near homes benefit from a check and deadwood removal every few years; trees close to roofs may need clearance more often.
Can a damaged tree be saved by pruning?
Often, yes. A tree that has lost a limb or part of its crown can frequently be pruned back to healthy wood. Trees with major trunk splits or root failure usually cannot be saved.
Will pruning hurt my tree?
Correct cuts in the right place, without removing too much of the live canopy at once, help the tree. Over-pruning and topping are what cause harm.
