Trying to make sense of a quote or curious about some common arborist tree pruning techniques and what they mean?
Here are a few simple descriptions to get you started. Let's start with 'tree-topping', a practice that is no longer recommended by qualified arborists.
Tree-topping
Tree-topping is a historical pruning technique, and is generally no longer recommended by qualified arborists, except for hedge reductions. This method involves cutting back all branches at the top of a tree to an arbitrary height, leaving stubs.
Why we don't recommend tree-topping
Contrary to common belief, topping a large tree does not enhance its safety; in fact, it increases the tree's hazard potential. While there are effective ways to reduce a tree's height, topping is not one of them. This practice removes a significant portion of the tree's foliage, leading to temporary starvation and risking the tree's health. The tree may either die or develop vigorous, fast-growing epicormic growth from the stubs and trunk. Moreover, topping creates large wounds that expose the tree to insects and diseases, further compromising its health. Additionally, topped trees lose their natural form and beauty permanently, resulting in unsightly, dense, unnatural growth. The rapid growth of new branches after topping exacerbates the problem, often causing the tree to surpass its original size within a year or two.
Tree topping may cause other issues. For example, new limbs may grow from the outer part of the trunk instead of the center like a normal branch. This results in a weak attachment, causing the new limbs to frequently break off in the wind once they reach a certain size.
When you top a tree it may result in higher expenses over time. While the initial cost may seem lower and offer more tree cutting for less money, the tree will require re-topping annually due to its accelerated growth rate. If the tree dies it potentially devalues your property, creates a risk of property damage from limb failure and should be removed.
There are several other techniques that can be used as an alternative to help achieve your desired outcome. Your Urban Arborists quotation specialist will create a bespoke solution to help you achieve your goal. The Urban Arborists team is highly skilled in all arboricultural techniques, adhering to the most up-to-date arboricultural practices.
Dead-Wooding
Dead-wooding is the process of eliminating dead branches from a tree's canopy to promote safety, health, and aesthetics. Neglecting dead-wooding can result in branches breaking off unexpectedly, posing risks to individuals and property. Moreover, dead branches can compromise the tree's appearance and lead to complications within the canopy.
Precise pruning is crucial to safely remove dead branches without causing harm to the branch collar. Dead-wooding is generally carried out annually, often in conjunction with thinning. Regular dead-wooding, like other pruning techniques, is highly recommended for maintaining optimal tree health.
Crown Reduction
Crown reduction involves decreasing the overall size of a tree, which is a recommended approach for size reduction instead of topping. This method entails making multiple small cuts to shorten the branches to suitable laterals while maintaining the outer edge of the new smaller canopy. When executed correctly, the tree should retain a natural appearance, with the pruning cuts not overly noticeable from a distance.
The Urban Arborist estimator will evaluate the possibilities for your tree during the quoting process. Typically, the maximum reduction in a crown reduction is 30%, although some trees may not be suitable for such extensive reduction, and certain species may not be appropriate for this type of work.
Urban Arborists will collaborate with you to determine the most effective approach to achieve your desired outcome. It is essential to consider the reason for wanting to reduce the tree's size. Many individuals mistakenly choose crown reduction out of concern about the tree falling on their property or to increase light exposure. In such cases, general thinning is often a more suitable solution.
Tree Thinning
Thinning involves reducing the density of a tree's crown by selectively removing limbs. Typically, trees are thinned by up to 30%, with the removal of weak, damaged, crossing, and misplaced branches significantly enhancing the tree's health, safety, and appearance.
Some reasons for thinning may include:
Safety: Thinning reduces the risk of the tree toppling over or branches breaking.
Aesthetics: Proper thinning enhances the tree's visual appeal.
Health: Thinning promotes better airflow within the tree's crown.
Balance improvement: Thinning can rectify uneven growth in trees.
Light: Thinning allows more light to penetrate the canopy, reaching the ground below.
View enhancement: Thinning opens up views through the branches.
Fruit production: Thinning can support fruit yield.
Crown Lifting
Crown lifting involves removing the lower branches of a tree up to a specified height, typically done to create more space for people, buildings, or vehicles beneath the tree.
In general, it is recommended to lift a tree's crown by a maximum of around 25% of its total height, depending on the tree species. This method can significantly enhance light exposure for a property, especially for larger trees, allowing sunlight to filter through from below.
Combining crown lifting with other pruning techniques can help achieve the desired outcomes. Contact Urban Arborists for your complimentary tree assessment to determine the most suitable approach for your needs.
Tree Pollarding
Tree pollarding is a practice originating from Britain. It is not widely used in New Zealand as it is suitable for a specific group of tree species and may cause damage or tree death if applied to the wrong tree. This practice involves cutting off the upper branches of a tree, resulting in a shorter, denser growth of new branches. Due to the significant amount of foliage removal involved, obtaining resource consent may be necessary when pollarding large trees.
Urban Arborists are trusted tree specialists servicing all areas of Auckland. Explore our tree pruning page to see how we can work with you to achieve your goal, and see our point of difference.
Comments