Pruning the Street Trees of San Francisco
Though it may seem simple, tree pruning is actually
extremely complicated, technical and dangerous.
As a homeowner, you want your property to exemplify San
Francisco’s deserved reputation for beautiful trees, such as the Cork Oak and
Bailey’s
Acacia and also its spectacular park lands. If your home is your castle . .
. then your yard is your realm. The same can be said of commercial property
managers and municipalities – it is not simply the structures that require care
and maintenance. The surrounding areas need as much upkeep to preserve a
welcoming appearance and safe setting – particularly if there are trees on the
property.
Tree pruning or tree trimming is the most common tree care
service and should be left to a professional arborist. An "arborist," you say?
Sounds a little urbane, doesn’t it? When you think of tree climbers – you may
think of a lumberjack dressed in a red flannel shirt with a blue ox companion
and named Paul Bunyan. Actually an arborist is a specialist in the care
and maintenance of trees. Though they may fell trees, arborists are also experts
on tree surgery, the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of tree diseases and
control of pests.
Even if you are an accomplished DIYer, the one task not
recommended to perform yourself is pruning trees and shrubs. Here are the
reasons why it’s best to leave your tree pruning and shrub pruning to the pros and
hire Arborist Now for all of your tree care needs:
Tree Pruning is a Dangerous Job
The necessary equipment alone is an eye-opener and not for
the faint-hearted – simply consider the ladders and hand saws and the chainsaw!
Combine these and toss in heights and the physical effort needed to utilize the
equipment and it becomes fairly obvious why pruning trees has a high injury
rate. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics lists tree pruning as one of the most
dangerous jobs in the workforce, so it easy to imagine the dangers that
await an amateur.
Hazards to homeowners:
One of the main factors contributing to this danger is that the average
homeowner cannot easily distinguish a rotted branch from a healthy one. If a
person transfers their weight onto a rotten branch, it could give way beneath
causing serious injury, possibly death or cause major damage to property and to
the tree itself. Further, tree pruning requires the use of sharp tools at
elevated heights. Special safety precautions to coordinate the use of a
chainsaw while standing on a ladder are not common knowledge for the average
homeowner. Arborists have the tools, training and safety equipment needed to
prune trees effectively and safely.
Unpredictable threats to property: Tree stability can be
unpredictable and the limbs are liable to fall in unpredictable manner. Once a
branch is cut, it may fall in an unexpected way and cause grave injury to
someone nearby, crush the roof of a car or seriously damage another structure.
Arborists are trained to properly assess, plan, and carry out pruning projects
without causing property damage. Additionally, arborists are insured and bonded,
so any unforeseen costs to your home are covered.
Poor pruning techniques may cause future damage, danger and decreased property values: Trees and shrubs require consistent, expert pruning for proper health and strength. Trees that have not been properly pruned are often weakened and become hazardous. It is possible that a single strong gust of wind could blow down a branch or a whole tree that has not been properly pruned. An unfortunate example is "tree topping," the highly discouraged practice of trimming off a significant portion of the tree’s crown under the myth that it will encourage additional branches to grow. The result is a sadly deformed tree that is ugly and severely weakened. It is more likely to develop disease and rot, becoming an unsightly hazard.
Top Three Pruning Techniques
Crown Cleaning
Crown cleaning is the process of removing certain branches
of a tree to reduce the risk of falling branches and tree decay that may lead
to the removal of the tree. This method consists of selecting and removing
branches showing signs of decay or disease. Tree cleaning is preferred for
older trees because it does not unnecessarily remove healthy tree branches.
Crown Thinning
Crown thinning is performed to increase sunlight exposure
and clear air passages around a tree. This method involves reducing the density
of the tree branches by selectively pruning branches at the crown of the branch
as opposed to its interior. Most often this method is used to improve the
landscaping aesthetic and allow property owners receive more natural sunlight
into their structures.
Structural and Safety Pruning
Structural and safety pruning is performed to reduce height
or spread of a tree. This method of tree pruning is most often done to make a
path for a utility line or to clear vegetation away from buildings. One thing
to note with reducing trees is that not every tree can handle this type of
pruning, so the overall health of the tree needs to be considered before
starting. This method is utilized when tree growth is a safety hazard for
people, property, utilities, traffic or other potentially dangerous situations.
Safety – first and foremost!
Cleanup and Recycling after Tree Pruning
Once trees or shrubs are pruned, there are options for
debris cleanup and removal. We are happy to tailor our cleanup and recycling
services to meet your specific needs. Arborist Now debris cleanup services
include:
- Complete removal of all debris with raking, moving the debris
offsite, and clearing walkways, driveways, and roofs
- Log removal
- Cutting the wood to various lengths for firewood
- Brush chipping for removal or to be left in piles at
property owner’s discretion
- Moving wood to a desired location
- Working with existing employees/contractors
The smart homeowner recognizes personal limitations and the
dangers of DIY tree and shrub pruning. Poor pruning done by a novice undermines
the value of your landscape and detracts from its overall appeal. Having
a certified
arborist do the pruning actually protects you, your home, your family, and the tree.
The experts at Arborist Now are proficient in tree pruning
services and all other tree care and maintenance needs for residential,
commercial, municipal and institutional properties – just give us a call!
