Your Neighbors. Your Arborists.
You might already be familiar with the concept of pruning, but did you know there are different types of pruning? Below, our expert team from Boutte Tree, your go-to tree service experts in East Point, GA, discusses the primary types of tree pruning so you know which tree service your plants need.
Dead Branch Pruning
Dead branch removal is a vital form of tree maintenance that focuses on preserving tree health. With deadwood removal, we eliminate all decaying, rotting, dead, or infested branches to prevent further harm to the tree. Dead branch removal protects trees from disease and can encourage growth, as it ensures trees can access necessary nutrients without dead branches blocking sunlight.
Crown Thinning
Dense tree canopies often have issues with poor airflow or minimal light access. By carefully removing weak branches near the top of the tree, we can ensure that the strongest structural aspects of the tree enjoy airflow and access to sunlight.
Crown thinning also strengthens the tree’s structural integrity, as the trunk and lower branches will no longer have to carry such a heavy load. This can reduce the risk of branches falling during storms. If we notice structural concerns, like a significant lean, we might also recommend other types of directional pruning.
Crown Raising
Crown lifting involves removing lower branches to raise the overall height of the canopy. Like many types of pruning, crown raising promotes growth and can improve your yard’s functionality and style. If you struggle to access portions of your yard because of low-hanging branches, we might recommend removing them.
Crown Reduction
Crown reduction is essentially the opposite of crown raising in that it lowers the overall height of the crown. The purpose of crown reduction is to prevent trees from becoming too top-heavy so they don’t topple over. This form of structural pruning involves removing thinner branches near the top to avoid adding to the tree’s weight.
Functional Pruning
Functional pruning involves the removal of branches blocking sideways or hanging near electrical lines. Functional pruning becomes necessary in urban areas where tree overgrowth is not just an annoyance but a safety hazard.
Pollarding
Pollarding involves cutting back tree limbs to a bare state on a routine basis to encourage growth. Pollarding typically must begin at the tree’s youth stage to ensure that the plant continues growing in a consistent, routine manner.
Because pollarding and tipping involve significant cutting of young plants, these methods are not recommended for many trees and must be conducted by highly experienced ISA-Certified Arborists.
Tree Topping
Tree topping is an outdated, extremely harmful pruning practice that should not be conducted on any trees. Topping involves cutting back all of the tree’s largest branches, ultimately preventing the plant from growing again.
Are You Looking for Tree Pruning Experts in East Point?
Now that you know about the types of pruning and the distinct purpose each serves, contact us at Boutte Tree to schedule your pruning appointment with our certified experts.