TRIMMING & PRUNING

The best time to prune depends on the tree species and your pruning goals. For most deciduous trees, late winter to early spring (while dormant) is ideal because it promotes vigorous growth and allows us to see the tree's structure clearly. However, we can safely prune most trees year-round when needed for safety or health reasons. Some species, like oaks, should be pruned during dormancy to reduce disease risk. Flowering trees have specific timing based on when they bloom. During your consultation, we'll recommend the optimal timing for your specific trees and explain our reasoning.

It depends on the tree's age, species, and condition. Young trees benefit from structural pruning every 2-3 years to establish strong form. Mature trees typically need maintenance pruning every 3-5 years to remove deadwood, improve structure, and reduce risk. Fast-growing species or trees in high-traffic areas may need more frequent attention. Trees with structural issues, storm damage, or disease concerns should be evaluated immediately. Rather than following a rigid schedule, we recommend proactive monitoring and pruning when your trees actually need it—not just because time has passed.

While many people use these terms interchangeably, pruning is the proper arboricultural practice of selectively removing branches to improve tree health, structure, and safety. It's performed by trained professionals using science-based techniques and specific cuts that promote proper healing. "Trimming" often refers to indiscriminate cutting for aesthetic purposes—sometimes causing long-term harm. We practice proper pruning according to ANSI A300 standards, making strategic cuts that benefit the tree rather than just reducing its size. Our goal is always long-term tree health, not just quick cosmetic fixes.

Crown thinning and crown reduction serve different purposes for tree health and structure. Crown thinning involves selectively removing branches throughout the canopy to improve light penetration and air circulation while maintaining the tree's natural shape and size. This technique reduces wind resistance, promotes interior foliage growth, and helps prevent disease by improving airflow. Crown reduction, on the other hand, decreases the overall height or spread of a tree by carefully pruning back branches to lateral limbs. This is often used when trees have outgrown their space, need clearance from structures or power lines, or require reduced weight on heavy limbs. Our ISA Certified Arborists evaluate each tree's specific needs and recommend the appropriate pruning technique to maintain both health and aesthetics.

Yes, proper pruning is one of the most effective ways to protect your trees from storm damage. Strategic pruning reduces wind resistance by thinning dense canopies, removes weak or damaged branches before they fail, and improves the tree's structural integrity.

We focus on eliminating deadwood, reducing weight on overextended limbs, and correcting co-dominant stems or poor branch attachments that are vulnerable during high winds or heavy snow. Regular structural pruning, especially for younger trees, develops strong branch architecture that can better withstand Northern Michigan's severe weather.

Our certified arborists identify potential failure points and use proven ANSI A300 pruning standards to significantly reduce your trees' risk during storms while maintaining their natural beauty and health.