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Trimming & Pruning
Correcting, preventing, and beautifying

Comprehensive Approach

At San Jose Tree Services, we go beyond tree trimming by using a formative and comprehensive approach. Our certified arborists assess each tree and the pruning is specifically tailored to the needs of each tree. All trees vary, whether it’s with the tree’s growth habits, changes with the environment, and/or the location in which the tree or trees are planted.

Why Is Proper Pruning So Important?

Proper pruning can improve the trees longevity, safety, health, and beauty. When a tree is improperly pruned it can reduce the overall life span of the tree, cause the tree to be more hazardous, require more frequent pruning, create irreparable damage to the trees structural integrity, and ruin the natural aesthetics of the canopy.
Oftentimes we are called in to repair or fix a tree that was improperly pruned in order to reestablish its structural integrity or aesthetic appearance. Sometimes the tree has been so damaged by improper pruning that it is irreparable and will never recover.
Some examples of poor pruning are:

  • Topping
  • Pruning at the wrong time of year
  • Overly pruning a stressed tree
  • Lion tailing 
  • Using spikes to climb 
  • Pruning only the interior canopy and not the exterior or entire tree
  • Making improper pruning cuts
Crown Thinning on Privet Tree.

When Is The Best Time To Prune Trees?

The simple answer is during the fall season. This is particular to the bay area. Trees can also be pruned in other times of the year but they must be assessed carefully before doing so. Although at times it is more complex than this. Taking into consideration the trees health, species, presence of pests or diseases, life stage, location, and overall condition.
Each tree must be assessed to determine whether it is in a condition to prune and then what method of pruning the tree needs most.
Examples:

  • Most species of Conifers should only be pruned in the cooler winter months to avoid causing health stress and attract species of bark beetles. 
  • When a tree is stressed it is in a vulnerable state, and If excessive pruning occurs it will use its energy to heal and develop new leaves rather than use it for defense and growth. It can also kill a tree if in poor condition. This was the case for many trees overly pruned during prolonged droughts.
  • Most Fruit trees should be pruned while dormant and before bud break. 
  • Trees that are older should be pruned carefully and minimally to ensure they remain healthy. 
Pruning Tips

What Types Or Forms of Pruning are Best For Trees?

Not all trees require the same approach or method of pruning. To determine the best method the following should be considered:

  • Presence of structural issues
  • Balanced or imbalanced canopy
  • What types of pruning were performed previously
  • Identifying the trees natural beauty and growth form

Here is a list of trimming or pruning techniques used to accomplish proper care:

  • Crown cleaning: removal of dead, Dying, Diseased, Broken, and weekly attached branches. 
  • Crown thinning: The selective removal of braces to increase light penetration and air movement, removal of crossing and rubbing branches, and to decrease branch end weight. 
  • Crown raising: The removal of lower branches to provide clearance or reach a desired canopy height. 
  • Crown reduction: The reduction of the overall canopy size and height. 
  • Crown restoration: pruning to reshape a tree back to a more natural form after being damaged by storm, vandalism, or improper pruning. 
  • Pollard: Pruning vigorous shoots back to the knob. 
  • Palm Pruning: Removal of old, hazardous, and unsightly fronds and remove fruiting clusters. Also reshaping of trunks on date palms. 
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER

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We are fully certified & insured!
Certified Arborist #WE-8846A
Contractor Lic. #985639
Qualified Applicator Lic. #138201
Bonded #100226718
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