Pruning techniques

We understand from vast experience how various trees will respond to pruning and can apply the appropriate methods for each given tree species and form while avoiding improper practices.

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Kent Tree Care understands that it is important to prune according to tree growth types and genetic forms. Some trees grow as wide forms (decurrent) while others grow narrow and upward (excurrent) and these trees will always attempt to keep this form even after major crown breakage or reduction.

Correct and proper pruning is crucial because it

  • Removes dead, weak, crowded, diseased or hazardous interfering branches
  • Can be used to increase light and air penetration
  • Trains growth patterns of young trees
  • Maintains and improve tree health or structure
  • Creates less risk of storm damage
  • Provides clearance for structures and overhead lines

The term natural target pruning is also important to understand; based on the trees biology and physiology. In natural target pruning every effort is made to ensure that the bark is not torn and or a dead stub left to rot. Rather the trained arborists know exactly how and where to make the cuts with sharp and clean saws in order to enable the tree the best chances of recovery and long-term health.

Kent Tree Care understand the specifications for correct pruning practices and follow the guidelines recognized by the International Society of arboriculture Kent Tree Care is prepared to correctly perform these types of pruning to meet your specific needs.

Explained below are the most often applied pruning techniques according to proper specifications

Kent Treecare
The Arboricultural Specialists

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Pruning Trees and Shrubs

All trees need direction and correction as they grow in order to produce healthy stable structure. This correction and direction is accomplished by pruning, thinning or removing deadwood.

Thinning before and after thinning consists of the selective removal of branches to increase light penetration, air movement, and reduce weight while also helping retain the tree’s natural shape.

Crown Lifting before and after rising consists of the removal of the lower branches of a tree in order to provide clearance for sidewalks or streets and also is applied to enable a view or vista affect.

Reduction reduces the height and/or spread of a tree; generally the size of a tree. Consideration should be given to the ability of a species to sustain this type of pruning. Pruning cuts back to a lateral limbs that are to be cut must leave a branch attachment at least 1/3 the size of the parent limb. Compared to topping, reduction helps maintain the form and structural integrity of the tree.

Other techniques of pruning considered for special applications

Crown Restoration often follows storm damage when the structural integrity and shape of the tree has been negatively impacted

This type of pruning is applied as a “rehabilitation” effort often to restore the previously topped tree. It will take multiple series of applications and several years to make a change towards the natural shape of the tree.

Hazardous Reduction can be used to decrease the potential for breakage during storms but should be carefully applied in order to not remove too much material from the crown of the tree.

Vista Pruning is used to open a tree or raise a tree for a specific view.