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While trimming small trees in the yard may seem like a simple DIY project, pruning is much more than simply sawing off limbs or giving the tree a "haircut" by removing outer foliage. If too much live tissue is removed, an otherwise healthy tree can become stressed or decline. Proper pruning is based on the scientific principles of plant physiology. It promotes beneficial growth, improves plant health, removes damaged limbs and can increase flower and fruit production (if desired). Together, these benefits enhance the aesthetic appeal of your tree and add value to your property. At Tree133, we use scientifically sound practices to improve tree structure and promote long-term health. We follow best practices from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI A300) regarding pruning methods, techniques and even the tools we use. Our Certified Arborists follow ANSI standards in all aspects of our work. We are careful to: Retain foliage to protect tree health Preserve branching structure to promote strength and resilience Protect other parts of the tree during pruning Use only non-invasive climbing techniques (no spikes) for pruning Effective pruning requires combination of scientific knowledge and practical experience. It can feel overwhelming to those not familiar with the techniques. Here at Tree133, we can answer your questions and work with you to determine the best approach to care for your trees. Click here to contact us today ! Before Katsura after pruning

In this webinar for professional arborists, Craig Bachmann reviews proper cutting techniques and angles. Contact Tree133  for specialized technical services and arborist skills training.

If you are a climbing arborist, when was the last time you inspected your gear? Is there something in your bag that needs to be retired or replaced? Craig was invited to chat with Tchukki Anderson at TCIA about gear inspection for tree care professionals. Follow this link to listen on your preferred platform. Craig and Tree133 are committed to sharing our knowledge to help fellow arborists improve skills and safety on the job. Submit a training inquiry  to learn how we can help improve skills for you and your crew.

Two common "defects" in large conifers are codominant structure – multiple competing tops – and the development of "overextended" limbs beyond the natural canopy shape. Both of these increase the likelihood of a large failure and resulting consequences. However, there are proven methods to manage these conditions and provide peace of mind for homeowners. Subordination Pruning This technique for managing codominant structure “slows down” the growth of one leader and promotes dominance in the other. By intentionally removing the the top of one leader with a carefully placed pruning cut (3-4 inches diameter). This type of gentle subordination will encourage the tree to naturally direct energy into the taller remaining top. Please note: this is not the same as "topping" a tree. Topping is simply a term for over pruning with large cuts that cause structural decay and lead to the development of poorly attached branches. Canopy Reduction The proven strategy to manage overextended limbs is reduction pruning. With this technique, the length and end-weight of large limbs are reduced by 15-20%. This “shortens the lever arm” and directly reduces the likelihood of failure. Targeted pruning at the end of the limb, using cuts up to 3 inches in diameter, promotes rapid wound closure. Retaining interior foliage protects tree health and encourages lateral growth, rather than extension. Please note : canopy reduction is very different from the antiquated practice of “wind thinning” or "windsailing" of conifers. These detrimental practices remove entire branches with the intention of allowing wind to pass through the tree. There is no scientific basis for this practice. Removing entire limbs actually promotes development of longer, larger limbs that are more likely to fail and more damaging when that happens. Cable Support Systems In codominant trees, limbs and foliage tend to grow outward on each stem and naturally create leverage. This generates outward force on the point of attachment. Further, narrow "v-shape" unions between codominant stems are significantly weaker compared to more open "u-shaped" unions. These factors increase the likelihood of failure at codominant unions. Subordination and/or canopy reduction pruning is the first step to mitigate this risk. Installation of a cable support system provides a higher level of protection which is particularly valuable when the tree is located near significant targets (e.g. structures, vehicles, pedestrians, etc.) If you have questions or concerns about large conifers on your property, contact Tree133 .

If you live in or around Seattle, you might have seen our "big blue truck" and maybe our dog, Jack - he's the best "backseat driver" in the crew. The truck has served us well... but even with outstanding service and maintenance from the experts at Jeff's Auto - Sandpoint , it is time to retire this 16-year-old workhorse. So... We have just acquired a "new-to-us" truck. While it looks a bit burlier than planned, it provides Tree133 with the power and reliability we need to pull our work trailer on the steepest Seattle streets. Thanks to the pros at McNamara Signs , the new truck is easy to spot on the road and at the job site. For professional tree care service - or to meet Jack - contact Tree133 .

Have you ever seen a tree that looks like it's propped up on legs? The tree likely grew on debris or sprouted on a nurse log, rather than rooting directly in the ground. This Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla)  in the Lake City neighborhood in North Seattle had died and was going to be removed. It was possible to excavate around the roots and actually see the structure and nurse log. For 40-50 years, the nurse log provided ground cover and reduced soil erosion around the roots, even as the tree endured periodic flooding and moisture from Thornton Creek. If you have questions about tree care and maintenance or want more information about a tree risk assessment, contact a professional arborist at Tree133 . If you live in Seattle, check out the Thornton Creek Alliance , a group working to restore Seattle's vital creek ecosystem.

In this webinar for tree care professionals, Craig offers techniques for proper work positioning along with tips on making your tree climbing experience safer and easier. To learn more about professional training support for your team, contact Tree133 today ! Recorded on 5/29/20 at Evergreen Washelli Memorial Park in Seattle, WA.

Craig was invited into the the TreeStuff Micro Rigging Lab at TCI Expo 2019 to talk about rigging angles to minimize load in the tree. Craig and Tree133 are committed to sharing our knowledge to help improve the safety and skills of fellow arborists. Submit a training inquiry to learn how we can help improve skills for you and your crew. * Read Joe Harris' article Working the Angles

Removal of Hollow Western Hemlock – Shoreline, WA Western Hemlocks (Tsuga heterophylla) are notorious for decay in the roots and lower trunk, caused by Heterobasidion annosum (annosus root rot) and other organisms. When the decay spreads, it becomes defused throughout the trunk and can cause sudden whole-tree failure resulting in property damage or injury. Declining limbs in the upper canopy are a common indicator of declining health and the need for a risk assessment. For this particular tree, we observed dead limbs in the mid-canopy and indications of decay in the lower trunk and root flare. To further investigate the condition of the trunk, we worked with Chris of Rippey Arboriculture LLC to perform sonic tomography and resistance drilling. The results identified significant interior decay and an elevated likelihood of failure. As the tree was adjacent to a residential street and high-voltage wires, the client wisely decided to have the tree removed. For safe access and maximum control, Tree133 utilized an articulated lift for this project. We also incorporated technical rigging to avoid the high-voltage wires and carefully lower cut material. Careful planning and using the right tools enabled Tree133 to complete the job safely and efficiently. Removing this Hemlock eliminated a significant hazard to the homeowner, their family and their neighborhood. The client was shocked to see the extent of decay in trunk wood and was grateful to have the tree removed safely. If you have concerns about trees on your property, contact Tree133  for a professional risk assessment .

Analysis of Big Leaf Maple Failure – Kirkland, WA This Big Leaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum) had failed before we arrived. The tree was located on a neighboring property. During a windstorm, a large limb fell and damaged the client’s fence. Making matters worse, the neighbor suggested our client had damaged the tree during a recent landscaping project and was therefore responsible. Tree133 was requested to evaluate the remaining tree and determine the actual cause of failure, to help with neighbor negotiations. As the limb had fallen several weeks prior to the site visit, the small debris had already been cleaned up and only large wood remained for inspection. The challenge was to determine cause of failure with limited evidence. During the site visit, we carefully inspected the condition of wood material on ground. We also reviewed pictures of debris, provided by client, and performed an assessment of the remaining tree. Through this process, we found the actual cause of failure. The evidence was clear and convincing for a knowledgeable arborist. The actual cause of failure was decay originating an old cut made when the neighbor removed another limb several years ago. Progression of that decay compromised the limb attachment and caused the failure that damaged the fence. Our assessment also identified other declining limbs and defects in the tree that presented further risk to both properties. Our findings were documented in a professional Arborist Report that enabled our client to obtain compensation for the fence repair and convince the neighbor to perform appropriate tree maintenance to reduce the risk to everyone. If you have trees with broken limbs, contact Tree133 for a risk assessment and quality tree care.

We're excited to announce that Joanna Bachmann has joined the Tree133 team! Since our founding, Joanna has been supporting Craig and the family business from the sidelines - even learning some basic tree climbing skills and volunteering at tree industry events. We are excited to announce she has now joined Tree133 officially  as the Manager of Operations & Business Development. With proven experience as a sales trainer and manager, instructional designer, librarian and teacher, Joanna will wear many hats (or helmets) at Tree133. She's improving our systems, creating content and helping us grow the business. You may hear from Joanna as she helps us coordinate scheduling, meet her on a job site taking photos or see her out-and-about in North Seattle representing Tree133 at local events. We are excited to have her expertise and energy as a member of our team!

Check out Craig's newest article for tree care professionals in this month's TCI Magazine: Thinking Critically About Life Safety Carabiners. Additional articles and podcasts from Craig: Climbing Gear: A Growing Risk to Tree Companies   Importance of Equipment Inspection   Craig Bachmann is a Certified Treecare Safety Professional, Certified Arborist/TRAQ, Certified Tree Worker – Climber Specialist  and an experienced safety/skills trainer. He is also an event head judge for the International Tree Climbing Championship .