Tree Pruning in Oklahoma
Pruning is much more than the simple act of sawing off limbs. Proper pruning is an art based on scientific principles of plant physiology. At its most basic level, pruning trees involves removing damaged, dead or structurally weak limbs, which will improve a tree’s health and reduce the chances of personal or property damage caused by falling limbs. More advanced pruning methods aid in improving the tree’s structure and long-term health.
Proper pruning encourages growth, increases flower and fruit production, improves plant health and removes damaged limbs, all which give aesthetic appeal to a tree. Pruning at the right time and in the right way is critical, since it is possible to kill a tree by neglect or over-pruning. Pruning at the wrong time can be damaging to tree tissues.
Why is pruning necessary?
Pruning is a recommended practice that provides many benefits for your trees. These benefits include:
The removal of hazardous and or dead branches that could potentially damage property or harm bystanders
Regular maintenance provides needed clearance away from homes, power lines, side walks, driveways and roads to reduce the risk of harm to persons and property
Helps to identify and solve current and future tree defects
Reduces the risk of storm damage to your trees and property
Trees that are properly trimmed and pruned regularly grow and develop into an aesthetically pleasing form
Allows for more sunlight to reach the inner portion of the tree promoting tree health
ANSI Standard Pruning
When it comes to pruning, our arborists follow the ANSI A300 pruning standards. Tree pruning is not only dangerous but requires proper handling of specific tools & climbing gear, cutting techniques, and pruning methods. Under the ANSI A300 pruning standards
- When pruning a tree:
- Cut branches back to the collar
- Do not leave stubs
- Do not make unnecessary heading cuts
- Do not top trees without good reason to do so
- Do not remove all the inner branches leaving foliage at the tips of the limbs
- Do not remove more that 25% of the foliage from a single lead
- Do not remove more that 25% of the canopy of a tree per year
- Do not unnecessarily damage parts of the tree
- Use a protective coating on cuts larger that 4"
- Do not spike trees while pruning
- Winter pruning
Winter is an excellent time to prune dead and hazardous branches out of trees. It is easier to spot potential hazards such as cracks, defects and deadwood in leafless trees, and apply corrective pruning when necessary.
Some trees such as Oaks and Elm trees should only be pruned in the winter months.
Most trees can be pruned year-round, if pruned properly. Some pruning operations are easier to do in the winter, especially if their are no leaves in the tree to obstruct your view to see further in the tree or foliage that makes it harder to move around in the tree.
Winter is the best time for an arborist to locate deadwood by looking for changes in branch color, fungus growth, cracks, and other symptoms that can help them make this determination. Since the leaves are off, the view of the entire tree’s architecture is visible and a thorough check can be performed.
Also when the ground is frozen there is almost no damage at all to the lawn/ground. This is especially helpful if you have soft ground under your lawn.
Oklahoma’s premier licensed and insured tree care professionals.
Our certified and trained tree care experts will help determine the best pruning practices for your trees. Our tree pruning services are customized to your tree’s needs, we will inspect the structure of your trees and develop a proposal that clearly identifies needed services and costs associated. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our tree care experts today!
