Pruning and Trimming

Why prune?

Landscape trees are assets that increase in value as they grow, and if properly maintained they can provide lasting benefits. Pruning is maintenance commonly undertaken to control growth, maintain amenity, protect people and property, and promote tree health.

Common reasons for pruning include:

• Formative pruning of young trees.
• Improvement of form and aesthetic appeal
• Removal of dead, dying or diseased branches.
• Removal of defects / improve structure of established trees to reduce risk
• Management of size and shape.
• To provide clearance i.e. buildings, paths, entertaining areas, overhead utilities,
• Hedge trimming
• Creating habitat (nesting hollows)

Our arborists help to determine your requirements and advise on the most appropriate pruning, working to Australian Standard AS4373-2007 Pruning of Amenity Trees. Often, when trees are properly pruned, it’s hard to see an immediate difference. However, improper pruning can cause irreparable damage and may shorten a tree’s life.

Young trees

Pruning young trees is an investment.  Pruning during tree establishment is important for developing good form and structure. Formative pruning can reduce the need for remedial pruning in the future.

Established trees

Pruning established trees is undertaken to address a specific requirement; to modify or manipulate growth and form, improve appearance, enhance tree/site amenity, maintain tree health and reduce risk.

Hedge trimming and restoration

Regular trimming of hedges defines shape, encourages foliage to thicken and maintains hedge size and screening effect. Hedges that have lapsed for several seasons can lose shape and definition, resulting in lost space from the surrounding garden.

Restoring overgrown hedges to a more suitable size is often achievable, though this may need to be carried out in stages over several seasons. Our staff can advise if you are unsure about restoring your hedge.

Palms

Pruning of palms is generally undertaken for maintenance to remove dead fronds, flowers and/or fruiting clusters, keeping the palms attractive and safe.  To maintain good health, removal of live and healthy fronds should be avoided.

Habitat pruning

Want to attract birds to your garden? Habitat pruning creates hollows for wildlife in individual branches. Dead and dying trees that would otherwise be removed can be repurposed to create habitat for a variety of wildlife.