Tree Trimming
As ISA Certified Arborists, we take great pride in caring for our local trees, and we understand the value that these trees represent to our clients & community. Our team of arborists are happy to help you protect and grow this asset by developing a pruning plan with a science-based approach. Our Arborists adhere to ISA Best Management Practices for Pruning and the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) backed American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard for pruning practices- ANSI A300. Whether you are looking to have deadwood removed from your shade trees, or crown cleaning and shaping of your ornamental trees and shrubs, call us for a free consultation with one of our ISA Certified Arborists who will deliver an effective pruning plan for your trees.
Pruning Services
Shade Tree
Our skilled arborists delicately shape and prune your shade trees, promoting optimal growth while maintaining a balanced canopy. We abide by ISA and ANSI best practices to safely remove any hazards, provide appropriate clearance from any structures, walkways, or other obstacles from your yard, and improve the overall aesthetic of your property with appropriate vista pruning or canopy reductions. Many trees require seasonal specific pruning, so it is vital that species/seasonal requirements are considered.
Ornamental Trees
Pruning ornamental trees often requires a different skill set than the traditional pruning of larger shade trees. Flowering ornamentals such as Japanese Maples, Redbuds, Magnolias and the Flowering Dogwood, all require different pruning plans to maximize their beauty and overall health. At Rooted Arbor Care, we are well versed in maximizing the beauty of flowering ornamentals due to our arborists' deep understanding of each species ideal growth habit, optimal flowering cycle, and pruning tolerances.
Shrub Shear & Shape
Shrub shearing is the removal of new growth to create a more formal, albiet less natural, shape. Shrub pruning is a process that removes both old growth and targeted new growth to help maintain the plant's overall size while keeping its natural growth habit. Pruning is typically better for the long-term health of the bush or shrub, but when done correctly, formal style shearing can be a sustainable practice while delivering a formal appearance. Our team of Arborists can help identify the right method for the health and beauty of your landscape.
Fruit Bearing
Fruit trees require early "training" to optimize their growth habit and fruit-bearing potential. Training or pruning a young fruit tree is similar in concept to structural pruning young shade trees. However, fruit trees require a different pruning plan to maximize fruit yields and display the mechanical strength necessary to support the weight of fruit. Specialty pruning is required into maturity to continue to see high fruit yields. It is important to consult with an ISA Certified Arborist to determine your goals for your fruit tree.
Pruning Gone Wrong: Outdated and Misguided Pruning Practices
Avoiding poor pruning practices is crucial for the long-term health of your trees and shrubs. Unskilled or improper pruning can lead to permanent structural issues, increased disease susceptibility, and diminished aesthetic value. Hiring an ISA Certified Arborist is essential. Our arborists possess the knowledge and ability to properly prune your trees and will tailor a pruning plan with consideration for species-specific needs. ISA Certification and training ensures that all pruning best practices are adhered to, and that your tree will be precisely pruned to promote vitality while reducing the risk of potential damage. Unfortunately, many tree companies lack the appropriate training to provide the best care for our urban forest. Some of the most common pruning mistakes are described below.
Tree topping eliminates most of the foliage in the tree, which limits its ability to create and store energy through photosynthesis. When a tree can no longer feed itself, it is significantly more vulnerable to insects and diseases than typical. If the tree survives the initial shock and uptick in pests, the tree may pose serious mechanical risk due to poor branch attachment of rapidly growing limbs. This rapid growth starts a hazardous cycle that typically can only be mitigated by continuous topping; ultimately leading to the death of the tree.
Lion Tailing is the effect of over pruning the interior canopy of the tree. Lion tailing poses many concerns like rapidly growing water sprouts, weakened branch structure, sun scalding, and changes in the wind load of branches that often lead to mechanical failure. The reduction of so much interior canopy also reduces the trees’ ability to photosynthesize during months of high heat.
Improper pruning cuts can have lasting negative effects on your trees. Pruning cuts close to the trunk, or “Flush Cuts”, can create large slow-healing wounds, that often act as an entry point for harmful pests and pathogens. Flush cuts and heading/topping cuts often lead to trunk decay, which can compromise the structural integrity of the tree.
Failing to sanitize pruning saws and tools before pruning can have detrimental consequences for overall tree health. Unsanitized tools may carry pathogens from previous pruning work that may be spread to your tree when pruning. Properly sanitizing pruning tools is a crucial practice that helps mitigate the risk of harmful pathogen transmission.
Poorly Planned Seasonal Pruning: Seasonal Pruning needs vary from species to species. Pruning trees in the wrong season may disrupt their growth cycle or fruit and flower yields. Many species are susceptible to certain pests and pathogens at certain times of the year, so it is vital that pruning occurs at the appropriate time.
Tree topping leads to both unhealthy and unattractive trees.
Wounds left by spikes worn during pruning.
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512 Sonderen St.
O’Fallon, MO 63366
