Types of pruning we do
Crown cleaning removes dead, dying, diseased, and broken branches — the single most valuable pruning for safety. Crown thinning selectively removes limbs to improve light and air movement and reduce wind resistance. Crown raising lifts the lower canopy for clearance over drives, roofs, and walkways. Crown reduction carefully shortens a tree that has outgrown its space, using proper reduction cuts back to sound lateral branches — not stubs.
Why we never top trees
Topping — cutting a tree back to stubs — is one of the most damaging things you can do to it. It starves the tree, triggers a flush of weak, fast-growing shoots poorly attached to the stubs, exposes the wood to decay, and creates a bigger, more dangerous tree within a few years. If a tree is genuinely too big for its spot, the right answer is proper crown reduction or, sometimes, removal and replanting with a species that fits.
Timing matters
Dead, broken, and hazardous limbs can come off any time. For most structural and maintenance pruning, the dormant season (late fall through winter) is ideal — the tree isn't actively growing, wounds close cleanly in spring, and the structure is easy to see without leaves. We time oak pruning to avoid the warm months when possible, since fresh wounds can attract the beetles that spread oak wilt.
What Affects the Cost
Every job is different, so we quote after seeing it — free and with no pressure. These are the factors that move the price:
- Tree size and how much of the canopy is being worked
- The type of pruning (a light clearance trim vs. a full structural prune)
- Access and whether the spider lift or climbing is needed
- Number of trees and debris/chipping
Tree Trimming & Pruning — FAQ
How often should my trees be pruned?+
It varies by species and age. Young trees benefit from structural pruning every few years to build good form; mature shade trees often need attention every 3–5 years for deadwood and clearance. We can set a sensible schedule during an estimate.
Can pruning save a storm-damaged tree?+
Sometimes. If the main structure and enough live canopy remain, careful pruning can help a tree recover. We'll give you an honest assessment of whether it's worth saving.
Do you do large, high pruning jobs?+
Yes — our spider lift reaches high canopies and tight spots safely, so we can prune big trees without damaging the tree or your property.