Pro Tree Service

Recognize A Hazardous Tree!

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 16:31:00 GMT

What is a hazardous tree?

It’s a tree that shows a potential risk of failure, a tree or part of a tree has a defect that makes it predisposed to failure. And/or the tree has a potential for damage, such as it’s located so that failure presents a threat to people or property.

To help you spot a hazardous tree we have complied a short list of 7 things to be aware of:

Dead trees (including those killed by insects and disease) are very dangerous. Don’t wait to have these trees removed. You’ll be able to tell if a tree is dead by the fact that there are little to no leaves on the tree, the tree and it’s branches are brittle, and when you scratch at or remove some bark you do not see any green.
Broken hanging branches may fall unexpectedly. Again, a warning sign of a dead or declining tree.
Material may fall from a tree (including nests) without warning. This is due to the branches not being able to support even subtle changes in weight.
Signs of disease, especially mushrooms or conks (perennial fruiting bodies), are evidence of weakened tree structure.
Leaning trees at greater than 10 degrees from vertical pose high potential for failure.
Cracks in trunks and branches also indicate weakened tree structure.
Soil heaving or uplift around roots indicates the tree may be ready to fall at any moment.

What can you do? BE OBSERVANT. If you suspect a tree may be a risk, have a tree expert come out to assess the tree and give recommendations. DO NOT under estimate the dangers of a declining tree. Even trees as small as 6″ in diameter have fallen and killed unsuspecting bystanders.

Do not hesitate to give Pro Tree Service a call at 850-815-0637 if you are concerned about a tree and live within the Tallahassee/Big Bend area.

What Are Leaf Scars: Should You Be Worried?

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 17:33:00 GMT

When picking out plants for your new landscaping project, you undoubtedly look each plant over before pu rchasing any. Some people get weary of a plant if they spot marks or scars on the plant’s leaves. Though it might look concerning, plant scars are not something to worry about and prove that the plant is healthy.

If you’re concerned about the health of your trees or other plants, call the experts for a professional opinion. Our tree service in Tallahassee by Pro Tree Service is ready to handle all your tree health concerns.

What Are Leaf Scars?

There are two different meanings to the phrase leaf scar. The first is the most obvious when a leaf has a healed hole or tear but remains damaged on the edges. Such wounds to the plant can happen at any point while growing, but they show the plant is healthy enough to heal.

The other time you may hear the phrase leaf scar is when trying to identify trees up north in the winter. When the leaves fall, they leave behind a scar on the twigs and branches they fell off. Each type of tree has a unique tree scar when the leaves fall.

How Do Plants Get Scars?

Plants can get scars in many ways, just like any other living thing does. Even a gentle bump could be enough to scar a fragile plant. Exposure to poor weather conditions or pests can leave the leaves with healed holes and tears.

The process is slightly different if you’re talking about the scars left behind from fallen leaves. The leaves are attached by a petiole when the leaf blade is alive. After the leaf ages and falls off, it leaves an open wound where the petiole had been. When that spot heals, you can use the scab to identify the type of tree.

However, don’t mistake leaf mining marks for a leaf scar. These may look similar, but leaf miners are tiny insect larvae that live in and eat the leaves of plants.

Can Leaf Scars Be Prevented?

Just like us, injuries and scars are a part of life. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to prevent leaf scars. However, there are things you can do to reduce the number of scars your plant acquires in its lifetime.

For example, you can try to keep pests away and move the plant as few times as possible.

Will Leaf Scars Harm My Plant?

So, what are leaf scars, and should you be worried if you see one? The good news is that you don’t need to worry about your plants. Scars may change the leaf shape or texture, but they won’t harm your plants’ overall health. So, when picking out plants at the nursery, don’t avoid the ones with blemishes. It doesn’t mean they won’t make a great addition to your residential or commercial landscaping; it just means they’ve lived a life with a story.

If you’re not sure whether the marks on your plants are scars or signs of a plant disease, you should call an expert for a professional opinion. Call Pro Tree Service today to learn more about tree health care services.

Qualities of a Trusted Tree Service Provider in Tallahassee, FL

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 19:06:00 GMT

As a homeowner in Tallahassee, FL, it is important that you maintain the aesthetic appeal of your home, both inside and out. When it comes to the landscaping around your house, there may be a wide variety of tree care and lawn care needs. For many residents, lawn maintenance and tree care is a full-time task to ensure that the aesthetic appeal is kept up all year long.

At Pro Tree Service, our certified team of tree care professionals understands how important it is to keep your lawn looking great in Tallahassee, FL, and the surrounding area. That is why we make customer satisfaction our number one priority. From tree removal to tree pruning and everything in between, we offer the best tree service possible so that you can rest assured your yard will continue to look great.

Why Contact a Tallahassee, FL, Professional for Tree Services

As we have said, lawn care and tree maintenance can certainly be full-time jobs. The front yard and back yard need to be taken into account, but homeowners may not have the time or energy to do a fantastic job on their yards. After all, they have jobs and families to consider. That is why homeowners should enlist the help of a professional tree service company such as Pro Tree Service which will do an excellent job with the tree care for a reasonable price.

In addition to the lack of energy and time to dedicate to tree care, many homeowners are not well-versed in the particular needs of the trees and other plant life they have as a part of their landscaping. When you hire a professional tree company, the team members provide you with the tree services you need and have the specialized knowledge of a certified arborist.

Pruning and trimming need to be done at certain times for certain trees. If done during the wrong season, the tree could suffer greatly and potentially become diseased or die. Then you would need expert tree removal and stump grinding. When it comes to exceptional tree care, it is best to contact professionals for their tree services.

Top Qualities of a Good Tree Service Provider

Now that it is clear why professional tree services are needed for your Tallahassee, FL, home, how do you go about finding the right tree service business in the area? Below are some of the most important qualities for a tree service company to have:

Insured and Licensed

Because of the nature of tree services, it is vital that the company you hire to care for your yard is insured. Liability insurance will cover any damage that may be done to your property should something unexpected occur during the tree service process. They should also have workers’ compensation insurance just in case injuries or deaths happen while on the job. This protects you as the homeowner and your family from any liability during the project.

Licensing is also very important. In the state of Florida, it is illegal to run a tree removal company without the proper licensing from the state.

Experience with Regional Trees and Plant Life

While it is one thing to be able to snip a few branches or have some small trees removed from your yard in Tallahassee, FL, it is quite another to take on the care and maintenance of all varieties of trees and plant life. Not all trees are created equally or have the same maintenance schedules. Your tree service company should have intimate knowledge of all types of trees and plant life to know when the best time is for tree trimming, tree pruning, and planting.

Specialized Training and Certifications

Much of the knowledge that is needed for tree care comes from specialized training and certifications. Your tree service business should have certifications from such organizations as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), and they should be trained in AED, CPR, emergency aerial rescue, power line safety, and climber safety.

State-of-the-Art Equipment

In order to be a reliable and efficient tree service company, it is crucial that they have state-of-the-art equipment as well as the training needed to use those machines. Most tree service companies in Tallahassee, FL, are not going to arrive at the homes of clients with only an ax. Depending on the job, they may need a stump grinder (to grind stumps after tree removal), crane (which will need a trained crane operator), backhoe, and other specialty equipment.

Variety of Services Including Tree Removal and Tree Trimming

Before you hire a Tallahassee, FL, tree company, be sure they offer the tree services you need. For instance, our team at Pro Tree Service offers the following tree service options:

Tree Trimming

Tree Pruning

Tree Removal

Emergency Tree Service

Stump Grinding

Tree Health Care

Land Clearing

Whatever your particular tree service need may be, make sure the businesses you consider offer it.

Affordable Prices and Free Estimate

The cost of the tree service is always something to factor into your decision. When you call a Tallahassee, FL, business to find out more about their services for your trees, you should also inquire about their prices and get a free estimate. If it is a fair price (compared to other companies you have contacted), then you may be able to hire their team.

Timely Service

During your search for the right tree service provider in Tallahassee, FL, let the business know what your timeline is for the completion of a project or how soon you need their services. If they cannot accommodate you and provide you with timely service, you need to continue your search.

If you are a resident in Tallahassee, FL, and you are looking for a tree service provider that offers quality services, the guarantee of an amazing job, and a reasonable price, call us at Pro Tree Service.

Our Tallahassee, FL, tree service team keeps their focus on you, the homeowner because we guarantee 100% satisfaction. We are experienced, professional, and family-owned and operated. The guys at Pro Tree Service in Tallahassee, FL, are happy to help you with your insurance claims and will provide you with a free estimate for the job. We put the owner of the home in control so that you know you are getting the great work you expect.

Call today for project requests or to check out some reviews from our previous customers. From tree trimming to emergency tree service and much more, we can handle any job you may have!

Seasonal Tree Tips for Havana, FL

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 17:09:00 GMT

Did you know there are nearly 5,000 plant species native to the Sunstate State alone? Trees take several years to gain their massive sizes and require the most maintenance when they do.

If your home has trees, ensuring those trees remain healthy by instilling a little tree health is important. Not sure how to handle your tree during the seasons? Keep reading to learn tips that will ensure your trees continue to thrive.

Florida is an attractive state for bugs to thrive, and it’s almost to a fault for homeowners who have lakes and trees. Trees can easily become an easy home for pests without the right care. Rats, ants, and termites are just a few pests who find shelter in trees.

Regular tree cutting and tree pruning can help reduce this issue. The pair will also ensure the overall look and esthetic if your tree remains attractive throughout each season. You should clip trees once the bloom fades.

During Spring, it’s best to prune off any bad limbs and spread mulch across planting areas. Soil should also be moist, and not soaked.

For those who do not know, muscle is a great way of maintaining tree moisture during hot months. Mulch also helps prevent tree roots from frosting over during colder months.

The same goes for the summer season. Removing dead limbs will help prevent a lack of foliage in future seasons.

In Fall, it’s best to prune your trees and upkeep mulch around roots in the winter. This will ensure water and temperature regulation.

Tree Health Care Tips

Consulting With a Tree Health Expert

Watering your trees and removing clutter is not always enough. In many instances, it may be a good idea to get the opinion of a certified arborist.

For example, you can get a better understanding of what a soil test is and how to utilize it. Soil testing is a must for any tree and will make a difference for homeowners who want to upkeep their Christmas trees .

Using the right soil is important in maximizing tree health as it delivers the necessary nutrients. In other cases, your tree may become a hazard. For example, you may want to get a tree expert if you are dealing with storm damage, a dead or diseased tree, or wish to extract trees in the home.

Hiring a professional will prevent injury risks, safety, and health. You will also avoid the chances of paying more out of repairs.

Stump grinding is also something best left in the hands of professionals. Removing stumps will ensure your property remains pest and hazard-free.

Professional Tree Care in Havana, FL

Florida is home to lush, warm climates throughout the year, which makes it a perfect home for many trees. When you live in an area, like Havana, your property may be home to trees.

Whether you decide to remove trees, maintain tree health through basic care, or get emergency assistance, contacting a professional tree service is the best way to go. Pro Tree Services offers free estimates with every visit and amazing deals for every service.

Tree Health

Thu, 30 Dec 2021 19:58:00 GMT

Do you have trees at home, at work on company premises, or anywhere else? Have you ever imagined that trees need care, just like humans? Whether you are aware or not, trees do need care, just like us. It is the degree or level of care that varies between us and trees. However, just like you would not let your beard stay ungroomed for years, you should not do the same for trees.

How Proper Tree Health Care is Observed

Tree Health

So, what exactly is tree health? In-plant health care, tree health is focused on studying factors that affect the vigor and productivity of trees. Tree health can be expressed by describing the symptoms or damage, or through assessments of crown conditions. This cuts across all tree species. When health is affected, symptoms show, and can be understood once one understands plant health care. Different tree species show different symptoms based on the health issue that has attached the trees. Ill health in trees refers to situations where tree health deviates from the normal, healthy state causing death or anomalous growth. Trees lose their health when disease, or insects damage and attack trees. This leads to a decline in the normal function of trees. Tree appearance also changes.

Plant Health Care

We should take plant health care seriously. In the event that symptoms emerge on our plants, it is necessary to contact a certified arborist. An arborist is certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and is tasked with serving the tree care industry with his/her expertise. Being a member of the International Society of Arboriculture means one has all the relevant expertise to handle tree care needs and can be trusted with tree care solutions. The International Society of Arboriculture ensures each arborist complies with the professional code of ethics and offers the right expertise to the industry. Any authorized arborist has the capacity to offer tree service in any company, assess and understand plant care issues and factors that affect plant health in the market. Symptoms of an ill tree include discolored leaves, dead branches, early leaf drops, among others. The causes of the symptoms could be minor, other times they could be complex and would need professionals like a certified arborist to provide more information about the condition. A proper plant health care program ensures the best tree care solutions for all plants. Reliable tree care solutions not only ensure proper care to your plants but also boosts the health of the surrounding plants, ensuring all of them remain healthy.

Tree Health Care

Tree health care is part of plant health care and it mainly focuses on trees. Pro Tree is dedicated to monitoring your tree’s health, making sure that your trees are beautiful and remain healthy both in the short and long run. Trees play an important role in our lives. They supply oxygen, wood, food, and shade, among others. Trees growing in the urban areas don’t last due to the harsh environment they’re put through under power lines, fumes, or being too close to roads. Having healthy trees is not an accident. You must give each tree proper care to get the health you desire for them.

You can start by mulching them. Mulching refers to covering the soil or ground to make more favorable conditions and nutrients for plant growth, development, and efficient crop production. Mulch simply means covering the soil. Mulching provides an excellent path to improving soil quality and establishing a natural barrier to protect the roots of the tree, providing a favorable environment for the growth of healthy trees.

Consulting an arborist for more information before mulching is however still the best option to give your tree the best tree care. The root system is the core of any plant. When planting a tree or any plant, the soil should be favorable enough for the kind of plant it is being prepared for. The deeper the roots sink into the ground, the stronger the root system and the better and healthier the plants will grow.

Insects and Diseases

Insects and diseases are the greatest threat to tree health. While some insects are beneficial to trees, some are hazardous. Pollinating insects such as bees, ensure the reproductivity of trees, as seed spreaders are major players in the tree ecosystem. Apart from bees, an insect-like wasp, fly, beetle, or butterfly drink nectar, eat pollen from flowers and deposit them in other flowers, pollinating new blooms. Such an insect is a life determinant for a tree. Eliminating any insect of this kind is a risk to tree life.

On the other hand, an insect can be dangerous to trees. Through its feeding activity, an insect can degrade wood and timber products and cause deformities by boring into tree stems during feeding. The emerald ash borer, for example, can eat large amounts of bark, breaking through stems. Insect attacks on the tree expose it to secondary infestations as it opens entry points for pathogens. This weakens the defense mechanism of the tree. Weakened stems also become weak and cannot support the tree. There are birds that equally damage the bark of trees, leaving a very thin layer of protection, making the tree susceptible to diseases. An abnormal change in the appearance of the tree should be treated as a possible indication of damage to the tree’s health. The symptoms should be examined by a tree professional and addressed as soon as possible.

Healthy Trees

Trees are an important part of any landscape. How then, can you tell a healthy tree from an unhealthy tree? There are many signs to look out for to distinguish a healthy tree from an unhealthy tree. A healthy tree has a strong and stable trunk. The trunk is the main part of the tree and bears all the strength. The trunk grows regularly. It is also strong. The trunk grows straight, undisturbed by the pressure of the surrounding areas. The trunk always has a straight, upright appearance, with visible strength and stability to the tree structure. The trunk experiences new growth in itself and branches also grow from the trunk. The trunk also has strong, stable bark. The bark is strong enough to protect the tree from any minor damages. Lose or peeling off bark signifies a troubled tree. The tree also has a lot of leaves, healthy leaves. A healthy tree usually has no dead or broken branches. Healthy leaves also signify a healthy tree. Changing leaf colors if not dictated by weather or the species could also be indicative of poor health.

How Can You Tell if a Tree is Healthy?

You can tell that a tree has good health by looking at the tree species, among other factors.

The first indicator of health is the presence of only one leader (the trunk) since a truly healthy tree must have a central leader to keep it together, resulting in a strong and perfectly formed tree.

Secondly, there must be new growth consistently. Each year, the tree must sprout some more as measured compared to the preceding one. However, the tree’s characteristic growth rate must be put under consideration before taking the growth scar difference as the only indication.

The presence of full branches is also an indicator of tree health because dead or broken branches could be indicative of a more serious issue.

A strong/robust bark is also an indicator of tree health. The branches and the leader should have an intact bark, meaning there is no peeling or looseness of the bark.

The last indicator of a healthy tree is the leaves or in evergreens, the needles. The season often determines the size and color and thus one should check it to determine the health of the tree in question.

How Can I Make my Tree Healthy Again?

When a tree shows signs of illness, call on a certified arborist to evaluate the tree. There are common problems that affect most trees. One is the weather. Extended periods of drought or winter can negatively impact a tree based on what type of tree it is. At times the weather leaves deep cracks in the bark, giving room for fungi infection, insect infestation, and other factors that could jeopardize tree health. A species that does well in winter or drought should be planted in the respective weather condition. Pruning branches can help save certain plants that are not used to drought conditions. Pruning removes a significant chunk of canopy mass. Removing toxic or excessive canopy leaves the tree in the right shape and form for growth. When properly done, it can put back all tissues in line for healthier growth.

Winter Burn contributes to significant discoloration of the foliage. Effects of winter burn are more visible where the tree is later exposed to the sun and wind. Burlap wraps can help protect the tree from winter burn especially if it is young. Luckily, many trees can survive winter burns by regrowing their plant foliage to replace the destroyed ones. pruning helps where only buds are left since pruning up to a quarter-inch above the still-alive bud gives the tree hope of survival.

Fungi is another threat to the life of any tree. Most fungal diseases get to the tree through the roots and open wounds on the bark of the tree. Once infected, it is difficult to control the fungi. Fungi can be removed by pruning the infected area. This is before the infection spreads.

Who Can Tell me What is Wrong With my Trees?

If anything is wrong with your tree, contact an arborist for assistance. Come to us at Pro Tree for help. We understand the science of trees and have programs designed to ensure quality tree care, with unmatched maintenance for quality trees. We make you our top priority from the moment you get in contact with us

Emergency Tree Service in Crawfordville FL

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 01:05:00 GMT

Lightning strikes, a storm blows through, or disease occurs. There are many reasons why a damaged tree may need to be removed.

Even if you take precautions, you might find yourself in a situation where emergency tree services are needed.

When is emergency tree removal warranted? What can a professional arborist do to help? Keep reading for an overview of when to call an emergency tree service in Crawfordville, FL.

This is one of the main causes requiring a professional tree service in Florida.

Due to rain loosening the soil and high winds shifting trees, it’s common for storms to cause tree damage. Perhaps trees have completely fallen over, they have damaged branches, or there’s excess debris on your property.

If a tree has fallen over and caused damage to a house, car, or other property, don’t try to move it yourself! This can be dangerous. Call an emergency tree service and they’ll come to assist you.

A Storm Caused Tree Damage

Trees Are Sick or Weak

Maybe you’ve noticed that trees on your property have damaged limbs, rotting roots, a hollow trunk, or any other sort of abnormal weakness.

These are signs that your trees should be checked by a professional as soon as possible. A weak tree can fall over at any moment, causing damage to anything in its path. Plus, if the tree has a fungus, that fungus can spread to other trees too.

If you think your tree might be sick but you’re not sure, call a certified arborist . They’ll be able to tell you.

A Tree Is Leaning

A leaning tree is a sign that it might not be stable.

If you’ve noticed your tree is leaning more than it used to, it’s time to call an emergency tree service.

Take note of which way your tree is leaning and if it’s likely to cause destruction if it were to fall in that direction. This will also help you decide how urgent it is.

You’re Moving and Need Trees Removed Quickly

When you’re moving and need to make your house and property look as great as possible, sometimes tree removal is necessary.

If you need an unattractive tree removed quickly, a certified arborist will be able to help. Let them know what your timeline looks like, and they’ll remove the tree and any debris as soon as possible.

A Tree Is Too Close to Power Lines

Not only can trees that are too close to power lines be an issue if a storm knocks the tree over, but power lines near trees can also be a huge fire hazard .

If you notice a tree is dangerously close to a power line, and definitely if it’s touching the power line, call an emergency tree service immediately. They’ll safely remove the tree to ensure it doesn’t cause damage.

Use the Best Emergency Tree Service in Crawfordville, FL

When choosing an emergency tree service, you want someone experienced and professional, as well as someone who can get to you quickly.

Pro Tree Service is your answer. If you find yourself facing a tree disaster in the greater Florida area, their emergency response team will be there for you in no time to solve all of your tree problems.

Need emergency tree service in Crawfordville, FL now? Contact Pro Tree Service today.

Common Tree Diseases to Look Out for in Tallahassee, FL

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 13:08:00 GMT

Having trees at home can be great to improve the air quality of where you live, make your garden look beautiful, and have a place to sit in the shade when you decide to stay outdoors during summer.

Yet, like any being, they require care. While some trees can recover from diseases if treated early on, others need a removal service from a tree company to avoid a hazardous situation.

To guarantee your tree health , it might be worth knowing some symptoms linked to tree diseases. Continue to read to find out more.

Fusiform Rust

Caused by a fungus named Cronartium quercuum, this stem disease is known for being a pretty destructive one in the Southeast area.

Native pine trees are more likely to be affected by it. In fact, loblolly and the slash pine are susceptible to fusiform rust and are more likely to suffer severe damage.

Common signs that a tree has fusiform rust include:

Rust-colored spores within a branch or broken trunk.
Yellowish-orange blisters on the galls.
Cigar-shaped galls on the primary stem of the tree.

Due to steam breakage, trees with fusiform rust may be a safety hazard. So, if they’re located in an urban area, an emergency tree service is needed as tree removal is a must.

In other cases, simply removing the bark from the infected steam can be a useful form of treatment.

Brown Spot Needle Blight

Caused by Scirrhia acico la, this fungal disease mainly affects the longleaf pine. Most times, when young seedlings are infected, they end up dying.

Yet, if in their later stage, these seedlings can overcome the disease while the tree grows.

Some of the symptoms linked with brown spot needle blight include:

Brown or small yellow spots with a purple outline on the needles.
At the base, infected needles are green, while at the tip, they’re dead and have a scorched look.
Needles killed by this fungus have an embossed appearance.

While in the nursery, these young trees infected with brown spot needle blight require some tree care with certain fungicides. Meanwhile, outdoor trees need as a treatment tree pruning and copper-based fungicide.

A controlled burn is a great way to treat trees in the forest. It is helpful to kill the fungus.

Ganoderma

Many shrubs and trees in Florida are susceptible to being infected with this disease. It occurs when the pathogen, Ganoderma Lucidum, gets inside the tree through a tear or damaged roots. This infectious agent severely attacks the root system, often leading to the death of the tree.

Some symptoms of Ganoderma include:

The leaves change to a yellow coloration.
While the sapwood decays, the tree starts to lose its vitality and luster.
Fruiting bodies start to appear on the lower part of the trunk.

Usually, when fruiting bodies start to form, there’s not much to do for the tree, and the disease results in death. Currently, there’s no effective treatment for Ganoderma. The best thing you can do to avoid it is to ensure that the tree’s roots don’t get damaged.

Tree Health Is a Must

When it comes to taking care of trees, prevention is key. Like people, they show signs when they’re unwell. You just have to pay attention to them.

Are you searching for a professional tree service? Our certified arborists can help you with tree trimming, tree cutting, and more, ensuring your tree health. Contact us now .

A 2021 Guide in Pruning Mature Trees

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 16:41:00 GMT

When your home’s or business’ landscaping includes mature trees, it is important that you consider the when, why, and how for pruning a mature tree. As you likely know, it is critical to prune trees and bushes (especially to remove dead or dying branches) to ensure their continued health and vitality as well as the overall appearance of your landscaping.

The task of tree pruning for mature trees is much different than pruning young trees. Because they are mature and well-established, pruning trees with age to them takes specific skills and training. All trees should be pruned at certain times and in specific ways, so it is important for the health of the trees that your pruning is done in accordance with the type of trees you have as well as the age of the tree.

At Pro Tree Service in Tallahassee, Florida, our well-trained tree pruning experts are here to help residents and business owners in Tallahassee and the surrounding areas care for their mature and young trees throughout the entire year. We are dedicated to providing the best possible tree care to all of our clients, and the health of your trees is our #1 priority.

To help you understand the particulars of dealing with a mature tree and its pruning needs and pruning techniques, we have assembled a guide for you concerning pruning older trees on your property.

Why Is Tree Pruning Necessary for Mature Trees?

First and foremost, it is critical to understand why pruning an older tree is necessary. The primary focus when pruning a mature or older tree is on human safety, more than anything else. Older trees tend to have much larger branches and a more complicated branch structure. When the weather becomes windy or severe, any damage to these branches or weaknesses in them can be dangerous for the homes around the trees. Foliage mass, defects in the branches, and weight of the branches can cause failure in poor weather. Motion is reduced when the branch is shortened, and this eliminates the potential for damage in the wind.

If it is necessary to remove live foliage from branches, be sure to do so in a limited capacity. The foliage helps with sugar generation and removing that foliage causes an older tree to react and expend more energy in healing.

Also, when it comes to pruning an older tree, the focus should be on tertiary and quaternary branches rather than primary ones. Pruning primary ones can leave serious wounds, reducing the ability of the tree to heal before its new growth cycle. Tree care professionals must also be careful that they do not remove interior low branches less than approximately four inches in diameter – this is not structural pruning and only creates bad wounds.

When Do You Prune Trees that Are Mature?

The question of when the best time is to do your tree pruning is hotly debated in the world of tree care, but most specialists will agree that spring is the best time to inspect your trees and identify the winter damage. Without the leaves or flowers, you can more easily see the damage. Likewise, without the activity within the tree, pruning after they have bloomed will leave you with less sap or the possibility of insect or disease invades.

The ideal time for pruning the trees on your property, though, will depend on the type of trees. For trees that bloom in the spring, they should be pruned after they bloom in the spring but never in fall or winter. This ensures plenty of new growth the following spring for trees like maple, birch, and walnut.

Those that flower in the summer can be pruned in late winter or early spring while they are dormant. Pruning at the wrong time of year can actually weaken the tree and new growth is not encouraged. Early spring is ideal for fruit trees like crab apples and cherries as well as trees such as spruce or juniper.

Finally, those trees which do not produce flowers can be pruned during their late wintertime dormancy unless you are just pruning off small twigs or dead, dying, or diseased branches. This can be done whenever necessary.

Pruning Trees for Height or Clearance

When you are pruning trees for height or clearance, it is a matter of dealing with the crown. When reducing height, you can reduce the crown. But definitely do not do anything that equates to “topping” the tree. Essentially, you are just cutting off the top of the tree. This is very bad for any and all trees and can take years for it to be restored back to full health. To help the branch heal, be sure to make your cuts outside of the branch collar.

For clearance, it is a matter of shortening or removing low branches to allow for cars or people to walk under it. Raising the crown as a pruning technique can be helpful as long as at least two-thirds of the total height has live branches.

Contact Our Tallahassee, FL, Tree Pruning Specialists

At Pro Tree Service in Tallahassee, Florida, we are dedicated to making sure that your landscaping and the trees in it are in the best possible condition. We have the knowledge, skills, and training in pruning to promote new growth in your trees, keep them looking healthy, and ensure that they are the shape and aesthetic you are looking for at your home or business.

Our tree pruning specialists strive to set the standard in Tallahassee and the surrounding areas for professional tree services. We are happy to give you a free estimate on your pruning needs, and our team can handle any size job. The pruning team at Pro Tree Service in Tallahassee, Florida, has over 20 years of experience in the tree care industry, and we are all certified tree experts. That means we know exactly the right time to prune trees (late winter, early spring) and how to do so in order to keep your trees healthy and fruitful.

Contact us today to discuss your landscaping and pruning requirements and to make an appointment with our tree care experts.