Pruning Trees & Shrubs

All trees need direction and correction as they grow in order to produce healthy stable structure. This correction and direction is accomplished by pruning, thinning or removing deadwood. ATP professional arborists have specialized training and equipment, as well as a “trained-eye” for what needs to be done. Pruning enhances the appearance and value of the landscape but also can produce safer more people-friendly conditions.
No cut should be made on a tree without a reason because it could potentially change the entire growth pattern of a tree and affect the structure. The pruning of trees is the most common maintenance practice applied in tree care. ATP understands from vast experience how various trees will respond to pruning and can apply the appropriate methods for each given tree species and form while avoiding improper practices.
Correct and proper pruning is crucial because it:

Remove dead, weak, crowded, diseased, or hazardous interfering branches
Can be used to increase light and air penetration
To train growth patterns of young trees
To maintain or improve tree health or structure
Creates less risk of storm damage
Provides clearance for structures and overhead lines

ATP understands that it is important to prune according to tree growth types and genetic forms. Some trees grow as wide forms (Decurrent) while others grow narrow and upward (Excurrent) and these trees will always attempt to keep this form even after major crown breakage or reduction. The term natural target pruning is also important to understand based on the trees biology and physiology. In natural target pruning every effort is made to ensure that the bark is not torn and or a dead stub left to rot. Rather the trained arborist knows exactly how and where to make the cuts with sharp and clean saws in order to enable the tree the best chances of recovery and long-term health.
The professionals at ATP understand the specifications for proper pruning practices and follow the ANSI Z300 standards. These are guidelines recognized by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). ATP is prepared to correctly perform these types of pruning to meet your specific needs.

Below are the most often applied pruning techniques according to proper specifications:

cleaning shall consist of the selective removal of one or more of the following items: dead, dying, diseased, weak branches and water sprouts from a tree’s crown..

crown cleaning: before & after
Thinning shall consist of the selective removal of branches to increase light penetration, air movement, and reduce weight while also helping retain the tree’s natural shape.

Crown Thinning: before & after
raising shall consist of the removal of the lower branches of a tree in order to provide clearance for sidewalks or streets etc. and also is applied to enable a view or vista affect.

Crown Reduction Reduction reduces the height and/or spread of a tree, generally the size of a tree. Consideration should be given to the ability of a species to sustain this type of pruning. Pruning cuts back to a lateral Limbs that are to be cut must leave a branch attachment at least 1/3 the size of the parent limb. Compared to topping, reduction helps maintain the form and structural integrity of the tree.

Crown Reduction (note the dotted lines representing reduction)

Other techniques of pruning considered for special applications;

Crown restoration often following storm damage when the structural integrity and shape of the tree has been negatively impacted. This type of pruning is applied as a “rehabilitation” effort often to restore the previously topped tree. It will take multiple series of applications and several years to make a change towards the natural shape of the tree.
Hazardous Reduction can be used to decrease the potential for breakage during storms but should be carefully applied in order to not remove too much material from the crown of the tree.
Vista Pruning is used when one wants to open a tree or raise a tree for a specific view.

ATP offers a training “One Day Module atp” that introduces proper pruning practices according to internationally recognized specifications. Please check out the listing in the Arboriculture Training section. We are also able to provide a custom program for your group at our location or yours.

[ Back ]

Asia Tree Perservation Ltd. (ATP) is incorporated in Hong Kong and also has an office in China. ATP services the Asian region. This includes Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Korea, Japan, India, Vietnam, The Philippines as well as other countries located in Southeast, South, and East Asia.

ATP: Hong Kong

Asia Tree Preservation, Ltd.
C. 5th Floor, Windsor Mansion
29-31 Chatham Road
T.S.T. Kowloon, Hong Kong
Office: (852) 8124-1229
Mobile: (852) 9124-8291
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it