Photo by Jimmy Chan

Originally Posted On: https://surpriselandscapemaintenance.com/tree-trimming/

Why would you trim your tree?

A tree may need trimming for a variety of reasons. One way, could be to remove diseased or storm-damaged branches. Another, to thin the crown to permit new growth and better remove obstructing lower branches. Other common reasons are to shape a tree for design purposes and reduce the height of a tree.

Some more pressure to trim could be from the HOA’s. They are consistently checking for limbs on the house and trees hanging over the sidewalk below 7ft. Some of the HOA’s require maintenance more often then others, by allowing only so much growth measured in inches. The City also has a big influence on landscaping, tree trimming and overgrowth. Furthermore, like the HOA’s they have rules that if broken they will fine the home owner.

The most common thing to use is a latter with trimmers or a chainsaw but latter’s can be dangerous. An extension pole trimmer or chainsaw would be best but any other manual saw blade with lopper on a pole will due.

Why Arbor Tree Trimming Standards?

When tree trimming is professionally done, the tree looks beautiful. The purpose of thinning a tree out, is to allow air and sunlight to penetrate though the tree for photosynthesis. Tree thinning will extend the life of the tree, manipulate the tree to grow correctly, and keep the tree from blowing over in a storm.

Tree trimming involves practice to get the tree to the right standards. Tree trimming requires the right equipment and disposal of trimmings. Most companies are charging $500 to trim and thin a tree that is full and about the size of a two story building.

Cutting a Tree That is Big

Cutting a tree that is big is about safety and tools. Trimming a small tree, there is still some skill that is involved to make a tree look good. Think of it as art, especially when thinning the inside and shaping the outside. If there are big branches hanging over a fence or roof do not cut the whole branch, instead cut into smaller pieces that will not damage anything. Make sure to always know where each branch piece is going to fall and position yourself accordingly.

Large trees require a pole chainsaw and a tall latter. Some people have climbed their trees to trim them but that is not recommended. In the case of a big tree where you want to remove big branches in the upper area of the tree, it may be best to hire experts.

When To Trim

To minimizes sap loss and stress to the tree, trimming during the winter is perfect. It also minimizes the risk of fungus infection or insect infestation because both fungi and insects are likely in dormancy at the same time as the tree.  Trees sometimes have to be replaced if they have overgrown the area or have roots that lifted the sidewalk or curb or catch a disease.

Some last words, if you feel the job is too much just hire the professionals. If you do it yourself remember to be safe and trim no more than 30% of the tree at a time because the tree can go into shock and possibly come down with a disease and could affect nearby landscaping.