Science-based Tree Pruning and Preservation
The best way to preserve trees is to actively manage their structure and promote overall health. Certified Arborists at Tree133 specialize in science-based care of large tree species in urban environments. Properly caring for large conifers such as the native Douglas-fir and majestic bigleaf maples requires technical arborist skills far beyond basic tree cutting. With experience in over 200 species of trees the ISA Certified Arborists at Tree133 provide knowledgeable advice and professional care for your trees.
Professional Care for Lasting Results
Tree133 follows industry best practices for tree care as defined by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and the ANSI A300 standards.
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Professional arborists at Tree133 utilize the “natural pruning system” (ANSI A300) to promote the characteristic and sustainable form of each tree species or cultivar in your landscape. This is particularly important for large shade trees. Correct pruning of large conifers and deciduous trees requires careful attention to tree structure, long-term health and resilience to seasonal weather events.
Healthy Trees and People Sharing Landscapes
Healthy trees provide value to your property and the greater community. Trees growing in an urban environment and city landscape - rather than in native forest - often require active management to promote good structure and sustainable growth. Tree pruning may be requested for a variety of reasons.
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Safety for people and property
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Size management in small urban landscapes
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Building clearance
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Powerline clearance
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Disease and pest management
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Each tree and species is unique. They are living, growing organisms that are impacted by weather and site conditions. Pruning can improve tree structure by developing a strong and upright trunk, improving branch architecture and promoting growth in desirable directions.
Pruning for Risk Mitigation
Pruning to reduce the likelihood of branch failure, or whole-tree failure, is a primary consideration for large trees in urban areas. These failures are influenced by many factors including species, growth habit, health conditions, site conditions and more. Risk mitigation pruning focuses on carefully reducing limb length and leverage throughout the tree crown or within specific portions. Our Certified Arborists will also occasionally reduce tree height for risk mitigation. In some cases, complete tree removal may be the only option to effectively mitigate the risk of whole-tree failure.
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Please note; crown reduction for risk mitigation pruning is not the same as “tree topping.” Topping is simply a term for “over-pruning” of trees. Topping is an antiquated and highly detrimental practice that permanently damages the tree, leading to structural decay and to development of poorly attached branches with a greater likelihood of failure.
Improve Structure
Professional tree pruning will promote positive and sustainable growth by improving branch architecture and encouraging growth in desirable directions. “Structure pruning” of young trees will minimize future conflict with buildings, vehicles, walkways, lighting and more. A tree that is well-structured for the site will require less maintenance and provide greater benefit for your property.
Clearance Pruning
Effective clearance pruning reduces interference with people, activities, infrastructure, electrical and communication wires, buildings, traffic, lines-of-sight, desired views and growth of other plants. Clearance pruning also simplifies property maintenance, including roofs, gutters, windows, siding, etc.
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Branches causing interference will be reduced (shortened) or removed to obtain required clearance. Wherever possible, Tree133 utilizes “directional pruning” to encourage future growth in a positive direction.
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The professional arborists at Tree133 are thoroughly qualified to work safely around electrical and communication wires.
Restoration Tree Pruning after damage
Restoration pruning helps improve a tree’s structure or appearance after wind/snow damage. It may also be necessary after a cheap tree maintenance such as topping or lion-tailing. Restoration is performed by selective removal and/or reduction or branches, sprouts and stubs to encourage growth in a more natural form. The most effective restoration is usually accomplished over several pruning cycles.
Pruning to Maintain Tree Health
This type of tree pruning includes removal of infested, infected, damaged or rubbing branches to maintain overall tree health. This approach can reduce the spread of pests, such as bronze birch borer, within the tree or to adjacent trees, especially when combined with appropriate pest control treatment.
Wildlife Habitat
Pruning can have a positive or negative impact on habitat. Professional arborists at Tree133 strive to educate our clients about the habitat value of their trees and, where appropriate, preserve wildlife habitat in urban landscapes. Watch one of our Arborists create a wildlife snag.
Support Systems: Cabling & Bracing
Trees that have been damaged or structurally jeopardized can be preserved for years to come with custom measured tree support systems. Each tree support system is unique to the individual tree and for which is it designed. Tree133 utilizes top-quality cabling and bracing materials that are specially designed for tree support applications. Depending on the situation, we might utilize dynamic (rope-style) cabling with non-invasive strap attachments to provide damping of the upper canopy during wind/storm events. Other situations will require extra-high-strength steel cable with drilled attachments. For bracing applications, we often utilize heavy-duty threaded steel rod above and below the weak union. For very large trees, we have the capability to install multiple rods up to 3/4-inch diameter.
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We carefully design each support system based on documented industry standards and careful inspection of your trees.
Storm Response
Active Tree Management for Health & Longevity
The care plan and frequency of pruning prescribed for each tree may change over time. Sometimes, the best thing to do for tree health is… absolutely nothing. Trees have evolved for millions of years without any help from humans. However, in urban environments, when we live near and around trees, active management is often necessary. Tree preservation benefits all of us.
