Shaping

Raising the Canopy

Trees without a central leader can be “topped” by shortening the branches and stems

Selectively removing lower branches to provide greater clearance beneath the tree

​Most often, trees are pruned for ‘people reasons.’  The trees were just fine before man developed the saw and began cutting them.

Reducing

Topping trees with a central leader permanently changes their appearance and the trees will require maintenance

• ​Shorten the branches and stems reducing the size of the canopy, making trees smaller and sturdier
• Reduce leveraged width up in the tree, reducing wind sail, the wind resistance of the tree
• Reduce the likelihood of storm damage
• Allow more light
• Improve view by trimming branches that interfere with lines of sight
  

(415) 388-5094

Thinning

• Improve aesthetics by reducing stray points or uneven growth

• Even out trees that lean toward the sunlight by trimming back the sunny side

• Reduce weight, making the tree stronger​
  
• Reduce the wind sail, the wind resistance of the tree
  
• Help overall balance
• ​Improve safety in storms
  
• Allow more light
  

Topping

• ​Topping is cutting the vertical stem or leader and primary upper limbs back to stubs at a uniform height
• Promotes lower growth                              
• Ideal for hedges or improving views

Deadwooding

• Remove dead branches that could fall and cause injuries or property damage
  
• Improve appearance
  
• Reduce supply of material available to fire, disease and insects that can harm the tree
  

Safety Pruning

• Remove unsafe branches that could fall and cause injuries or property damage
  
• Make trees sturdier in the wind, especially over buildings
  
• Reduce leveraged weight up in the tree by thinning or trimming to reduce wind sail, the wind resistance of the tree
  
• Remove branches that grow into buildings and utility lines
  
• Remove branches for defensible space for fire safety