Pruning and Tree Trimming

One of the most common reasons for

tree pruning

is to remove

dead branches

that pose a

safety

threat or property hazard. It is also often necessary to remove branches that may interfere with power or phone lines. California law requires certain minimal clearances between trees and

power lines

, with penalties for violations. You can spend many, many hours to read the details here, here and here - or you can call us and we'll solve the problem for you. This video (the outcome starts at 2:01) shows why you don't want to do it yourself.

In this process, branches and stems are selectively removed at their point of origin to reduce the density of the tree without altering its overall shape. Crown thinning is often done to allow more light to pass through. It is also sometimes needed to reduce weight and wind-resistance for a diseased or

stressed tree

. Properly done,

thinning

can enhance the strength of a tree by promoting diameter growth in the remaining branches.

Removal of the lower branches can be desirable to keep them away from buildings and traffic, to let in more light, and to open up an attractive view.

This procedure is done to reduce the overall size and extent of the crown.

Crown thinning

is generally preferred to crown reduction, which can be harmful to the tree if done to excess, and which is only a temporary measure because the tree will usually soon grow back to its original size. But reduction is sometimes done to prevent trees from interfering with overhead telephone and power lines. It can also be performed to reduce the stress on an aged or diseased tree.

Young trees can be trained with

pruning techniques

to create a more attractive shape and appearance. It is common to remove lower branches during early growth, and branches that compete with the central leader. The selective removal of branches that are too close together, or with too low an angle from the main trunk, will result in a more

healthy tree

at maturity.