Cost of Tree Trimming and Pruning

Tree trimming is a lot more important than you think. It affects your tree's health in many positive ways and improves its appearance significantly. Trimming is beneficial for trees in many ways, including its health, look, and safety. It eliminates dead and damaged branches that can be dangerous to you and your family. On the other hand, aesthetic trimming ensures that your tree has a good shape and is at a desirable size. If your trees have overgrown branches, trimming can correct the situation and bring back the safety in your property. It is crucial to trim a tree if its limbs are tangled in power lines because it can cause power outage or fire if unaddressed.

When Should I Trim my Trees?
This is a very common question we get from property owners. The simple answer is in the late part of winter. There are several benefits to pruning trees in their dormant state:

• Reduced Sap Flow- After trimming, the cut wounds produce sap, and it can attract insects and disease-causing fungus. When trees are trimmed in their dormant stage, the production of sap and resin is reduced.
• Reduced Risk of Blight- Prune your tree at the latter part of winter to lessen the risk of them having fireblight, which is common among flower trees.
• Encourage New Growth- When flowering trees are pruned in winter, the chance of them growing new bloom in the next season is increased. But, this is not the case for trees that bloom in early spring. These trees should be trimmed once the flowering stage has passed.

When Not to Trim Trees
As much as possible, don't prune trees in the fall because they don't heal well during this time. The healing of cut wounds is the longest in the fall. This results in your tree being susceptible to insect infestation, diseases, and other bacterial infections. However, if a branch is dead or rotten, you can cut it away regardless of the season.

Tree Trimming Methods for Different Tree Species
To get the most out of pruning, you should make sure to prune them according to their natural form. There are five common pruning methods you can use on your trees:

1. Preventive Pruning- It is ideal to start pruning in the early stages of the tree's life. It helps correct the structure and shape of the tree and trains it to have a proper form. Eliminate branches that grow in the wrong direction as well as those that are broken and too close to each other.
2. Crown Reduction- This method entails removing large limbs off the treetop. You should be careful in performing this technique, especially when making lateral cuts, as it can cause dieback among trees. Most arborists avoid using this method, especially to conifers, because it can put the tree at risk of pyramidal crown damage.
3. Crown Thinning- You can trim no more than one-fourth of the tree's crown. Thinning is useful if you want to improve the tree's health because it opens the way for air to flow better and allows light to penetrate through the branches. Remove branches that brush against each other, broken, or branches forming a V-shape and keep the healthy ones.
4. Crown Cleaning- This technique involves removing dead, damaged, and decayed branches. It doesn't intend to enhance the shape of the tree and focuses on getting rid of problematic branches.
5. Crown Raising- This trimming technique is mostly used for clearance to allow vehicles and pedestrians to have a better view of the way. This method involves eliminating branches near the ground.

Trimming Your Tree

DIY Tree Trimming
Perhaps you have one or several trees in your yard that you want to trim because it has grown unhealthy and unattractive. While DIY pruning is doable, you have to be reminded that it has its risks and disadvantages.

If you are skilled, well-equipped, and experienced in trimming, by all means, do your own trimming project. However, if it's your first time doing it, and you are not sure which steps to take, you may need the assistance of a professional arborist.

Pros

• Can save you money if you have your own equipment
• Trimming young and small trees is relatively easy if you the basics of trimming
• Free firewood

Cons

• It's costly to buy or rent equipment
• Risk of falling branches and limbs on your neighbor's property
• Improper pruning that can lead to the tree's decline
• Labor intensive
• Overwhelming cleanup of the debris
• Risk of getting injured from falling or getting cut by a chainsaw
• Further, the US Department of Labor recommends all trimming within ten feet of a power line be performed by a professional tree trimmer for safety reasons.

Cost of Hiring a Tree Trimming Service
It is almost impossible to provide an exact amount for tree trimming service without seeing the tree personally. Some variables drive the cost of the service, which is why it is essential to inspect the tree beforehand. Some of the factors to look into are the size, age, and location of the tree. Most tree care companies will give you an estimate free of charge.

The following data gives you an idea of the average of tree trimming based on size:
Less than 25 feet tall-$65-350
25 feet to 55 feet tall- $200- $925
More than 60 feet tall- $350- $1500

Expect the service cost to go higher by $200 if you asked for emergency service.

Choosing the Right Tree Trimming Company
Like any other services you use in your home, you want to make sure that the tree care company you are hiring is qualified. Ask for the following things when deciding on the tree company to choose:

• Ask for references
• Get a copy of their insurance
• Obtain the company's business license
• Find any complaint records with the BBB
• Make sure the contract includes the entire details specific to the service

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Remember that pruning is crucial for the health and aesthetics of your tree. It prevents issues with the health and safety of your tree from arising. Always go to a professional arborist if you have a large tree that needs trimming to avoid risks of injuries and damages that can take place when performing DIY trimming.