Mature Tree Pruning Big is Beautiful

This is a great question—and a common one!

Our shortest answer is: generally, no. Trees are resilient and resourceful organisms that are shown to survive and often thrive in difficult areas or conditions. It is also in their genetics (and best interest) to remain upright. Trees cannot move, and therefore do their best to exist in the space which they were planted or self seeded - this sometimes means growing towards available light which we can sometimes perceive as “leaning”.

If there is any question in regards to a tree's health or safety, our recommendation is to have someone who holds a current ISA certified tree risk qualification (TRAQ) inspect it. A TRAQ qualified professional can inspect the tree for structural defects or give feedback about whether human interference (like digging, clearing surrounding forest, or past pruning) have compromised your trees.

Topping involves making (often radical) reductions in height that disrupt the natural growth pattern of the tree.

Firstly, if we can agree that nature generally has a reason for its design, then we don’t want to disrupt the natural form and growth patterns of the trees we care for.

Secondly, topping can compromise the long-term integrity of the tree by:

• creating internal structural defects
• introducing decay, pests or disease
• creating weak attachment points.

The conversation around topping can be a lengthy one but in short, topping is a temporary and ineffective solution that will actually make a tree more hazardous in the long run. It should be, at best, avoided, or at worst, undertaken in a carefully considered, intentional way.  

We're so glad that you're concerned about how your trees will be pruned because their long term health is important.

As ISA certified arborists, we specialize in pruning trees and shrubs of all sizes and we follow the ISA standard of care.

To protect your tree's health and longevity, we also specialize in spurless climbing because spurs can damage the tree and allow disease to enter.

We offer a variety of pruning strategies including crown cleaning, thinning, restoration, clearance pruning, pruning for fruit or structure.

We also offer skilled pruning of fruit trees every spring, and hedging every fall. Whatever the situation, our goal at Grow Tree Care is to maintain a healthy balance of what is good for the tree and meeting your objectives.

The term “spiral pruning” comes from a forestry practice of thinning edge trees on fresh cutblocks. These are trees that are used to growing and experiencing wind forces as a stand that are now exposed after harvest. 

In an urban setting, this is rarely the case and we see mature trees being thinned unnecessarily - especially in the mid and lower canopy. Studies and anecdotal evidence have shown that thinning mature conifers reduces the ability of branches to bump into and brace each other during weather events - which can lead to branch failure.

Our general recommendation is to reduce limbs at the tips:

• to lower the force exerted on a long heavy branch at its attachment point, and
• to reduce the overall surface area of the canopy receiving the brunt of our winter winds.

Thinning may also be appropriate in the upper portion of a conifer where branches are still developing and are more elastic.

Nothing, if you are planning to remove the tree.

If not, spurs can significantly damage the tree, opening up the cambium to infection and decay. When climbing on spurs, every step creates a puncture wound that has the potential for fungal or bacterial infection. Fungus and bacteria can penetrate the trees’ natural defenses and cause premature failures. Spurring wounds can also last for decades, and sometimes weep, creating an aesthetic issue on top of the damage that can compromise an otherwise healthy tree.

Spurs should only be used on trees slated for removal.

We love trees and gardens as much as you, and recognize the love and effort that goes into cultivating a healthy garden. Our climbers and crew members will make their best efforts to work around existing plants and shrubs without damage while in your space. Falling debris is manipulated by hand and rope to ensure the smallest footprint is left behind.

It’s amazing what humans can do with a bit a rope and know how! We aim to leave your garden as tidy (or tidier) than it was before we came.