Leave the pruning of large trees to Zimmerman Tree Care professionals who have the necessary experience and proper equipment. We consider the natural form of large trees whenever possible. Most hardwood trees have rounded crowns that lack a strong leader, and such trees may have many lateral branches.
The four most common types of tree pruning are:
- Thinning-selectively removing branches on young trees throughout the crown. This promotes better form and health by increasing light penetration and air movement. Strong emphasis is on removing weak branches.
- Raising - removing lower branches on developing or mature trees to allow more clearance above lawns, sidewalks, streets, etc.
- Cleaning – remove dead, diseased, detached and broken branches to reduce the risk of branches falling and eliminate the movement of decay, insects and diseases from dead or dying branches into the rest of the tree.
- Crown Reduction - removing larger branches at the top of the tree to reduce its height. When done properly, crown reduction pruning is different from topping because branches are removed immediately above lateral branches, leaving no stubs. Crown reduction is the least desirable pruning practice. It should be done only when absolutely necessary.