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Category: Tree Trimming

Tree trimming ideas and solutions for Long Island homes, condos, businesses and apartment complexes.

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Planting Trees Tree Pest Management Tree Pruning Tree Services Tree Trimming

Prepping For Hurricanes

Tree Work Done Right

Getting Ready For Fall

Preparing your trees for hurricane season is an important step to minimize damage and ensure the safety of your property and surroundings. Here are some guidelines to help you prepare your trees:

Regular Pruning: Regularly prune your trees to remove dead or weak branches. This reduces the risk of these branches breaking off during strong winds. Proper pruning also helps improve the overall health and structure of the trees.

Trim Overhanging Branches: Trim branches that are close to your house, power lines, or other structures. These branches can become projectiles during a hurricane and cause significant damage.

Remove Weak or Diseased Trees: If you have trees that are already weakened or diseased, consider removing them before hurricane season. These trees are more likely to topple during high winds, posing a danger to your property and safety.

Stake Young Trees: If you have young or newly planted trees, consider staking them securely to help them withstand the strong winds. Use soft materials to prevent damaging the tree bark.

Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your trees. Mulch helps retain moisture, improves soil structure, and prevents soil erosion during heavy rains.

Watering: Keep your trees properly hydrated leading up to hurricane season. Well-hydrated trees are more likely to withstand the stress of high winds.

Inspect and Reinforce: Inspect the health and stability of your trees. Look for signs of disease, rot, or structural issues. If you identify any problems, consult with an arborist or tree care professional. They can recommend necessary actions to strengthen or mitigate risks.

Avoid Heavy Pruning Before Storms: While pruning is important, avoid heavy pruning right before hurricane season. Pruning stimulates new growth, and the new growth may be more vulnerable to wind damage.

Secure Loose Items: Remove or secure any loose items near trees, such as garden furniture, tools, and decorative items. These objects can become projectiles and damage your trees or nearby structures.

Consult an Expert: If you’re unsure about the health or safety of your trees, consider consulting a certified arborist. They can provide expert advice on which trees might need attention and how to properly prepare them for hurricane season.

Have a Post-Storm Plan: Have a plan in place for dealing with fallen branches or trees after the storm. This could involve having the contact information of local tree removal services or knowing how to safely clear smaller debris yourself.

Remember that safety should always be your top priority. If a hurricane is approaching, follow evacuation orders and ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones first. Trees can be replaced, but lives cannot.

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Planting Trees Tree Pest Management Tree Pruning Tree Services Tree Trimming

Is Tree Trimming Eco-Friendly

Tree Work Done Right

Am I Hurting The Environment?

Tree work can be considered eco-friendly if it is done with proper care and consideration for the environment. Here are a few factors to consider:

  1. Tree Preservation: If tree work involves the removal or trimming of trees, it is important to prioritize the preservation of healthy trees whenever possible. Removing trees should be a last resort and only done if they pose a risk to people or property. Trimming should be done in a way that promotes the tree’s health and maintains its natural form.

  2. Sustainable Practices: Eco-friendly tree work involves employing sustainable practices. This can include using hand tools instead of heavy machinery whenever feasible to minimize damage to the surrounding ecosystem. Additionally, using environmentally friendly practices for waste disposal, such as recycling or composting tree debris, can contribute to eco-friendliness.

  3. Native Species and Biodiversity: When planting new trees or landscaping, it is beneficial to choose native species that are well-adapted to the local environment. Native trees typically require less maintenance, support local wildlife, and help preserve biodiversity.

  4. Expertise and Certification: Hiring professional arborists who have the knowledge and expertise in tree care is important. Certified arborists are trained to assess trees, provide proper care, and make informed decisions regarding tree work. They can ensure that the work is done in an eco-friendly manner.

  5. Environmental Impact: Tree work should consider minimizing the impact on the surrounding environment. This includes protecting the soil from erosion, avoiding damage to nearby plants and wildlife habitats, and using organic alternatives to chemical pesticides or fertilizers, if necessary.

Overall, tree work can be eco-friendly when it is approached with a focus on sustainability, conservation, and the well-being of the ecosystem. It is important to hire professionals who prioritize environmental considerations and follow best practices for tree care.

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Planting Trees Tree Pest Management Tree Pruning Tree Services Tree Trimming

What Is A Tree Surgeon?

Tree removals

What Do You Do Exactly?

We are tree surgeons (for the most part) and that is a professional who specializes in the care and maintenance of trees. Our primary role is to ensure the health, safety and aesthetic appeal of trees. Here are some of the tasks typically performed by a tree surgeon:

Pruning: Tree surgeons prune trees to remove dead, damaged or diseased branches. We also shape the tree to enhance its appearance and promote healthy growth.

Tree Removal: When a tree poses a safety risk or is no longer viable, a tree surgeon may be called upon to safely remove it. We use specialized equipment and techniques to fell the tree and ensure that it doesn’t cause any damage to surrounding structures.

Tree Planting: Tree surgeons assist in tree planting initiatives by selecting suitable tree species for specific environments and ensuring proper planting techniques are followed.

Tree Maintenance: We provide ongoing care to trees, which may involve fertilizing, watering and protecting them from pests and diseases. We may also provide advice on tree care practices to property owners.

Tree Health Assessment: Tree surgeons assess the health of trees, looking for signs of disease, pests or structural issues. We can diagnose problems and recommend appropriate treatment or management strategies.

Tree Preservation: In urban areas or construction sites, tree surgeons play a vital role in preserving valuable trees. We develop strategies to protect trees during construction activities, such as installing root barriers and implementing pruning practices to minimize damage.

Emergency Tree Services: In the event of storms, high winds or other emergencies, tree surgeons are often called upon to assess and mitigate tree damage. We may remove fallen or hazardous limbs, stabilize damaged trees or perform emergency tree removal.

Tree surgeons require specialized knowledge and training in tree biology, pruning techniques, climbing and the safe operation of equipment such as chainsaws and wood chippers. We often work outdoors, at varying heights and may collaborate with landscape architects, property owners or local authorities to ensure the well-being of trees in their care.

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Planting Trees Tree Pest Management Tree Pruning Tree Services Tree Trimming

Tree Service Trends

fallen trees

Trends In Tree Services

What we see from our up-top point of view: here are some trends in the tree service industry. 

Sustainable Practices: With growing environmental awareness, tree service companies are increasingly adopting sustainable practices. This includes promoting tree preservation, advocating for replanting, using eco-friendly equipment and methods, and implementing proper waste management.

Advanced Technology: Tree service companies are incorporating advanced technology to improve efficiency and accuracy. This includes using GPS and GIS technology for precise tree identification and mapping, drones for aerial inspections, and specialized equipment for tree removal and pruning.

Safety Emphasis: Safety has always been a priority in the tree service industry, and it continues to be a prominent trend. Companies are investing in employee training and safety equipment to minimize risks and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Integrated Pest Management: As pests and diseases can adversely affect tree health, many tree service companies are implementing integrated pest management strategies. This approach focuses on preventing and controlling pests through a combination of techniques, including biological controls, cultural practices, and minimal pesticide use.

Urban Forestry and Tree Care: With increasing urbanization, there is a growing focus on urban forestry and tree care. Tree service companies are working closely with municipalities and property owners to maintain and manage trees in urban areas, including tree planting, pruning, and disease control.

Customer Education and Engagement: Tree service companies are recognizing the importance of customer education and engagement. They are providing resources and information to help customers understand the value of trees, proper tree care practices, and the benefits of professional tree services.

Collaboration and Partnerships: Collaborations between tree service companies and other industry stakeholders are on the rise. This includes partnerships with landscape architects, arborists, environmental organizations, and government agencies to collectively address tree care and preservation challenges.

Remote and Digital Services: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote and digital services in various industries, including tree services. Virtual consultations, online scheduling, and digital payment options are becoming more common, providing convenience and reducing physical contact.

Sustainable Wood Utilization: Rather than disposing of trees as waste, many tree service companies are exploring sustainable wood utilization options. This includes repurposing wood for furniture, construction, and biomass energy, thereby minimizing waste and promoting circular economy principles.

Professional Certification and Accreditation: Professional certifications and accreditation programs are gaining importance in the tree service industry. Companies and arborists are seeking certification from organizations like the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to best practices.

This is what we are seeing and managing? What do you see?

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Planting Trees Tree Pest Management Tree Pruning Tree Services Tree Trimming

LI Tree Pruning Ideas

Tree Pruning Tips

Pruning To Reduce Risks

Pruning is the most common tree maintenance procedure. Although forest trees grow quite well with only nature’s pruning, landscape trees require a higher level of care to maintain their structural integrity and aesthetics. Pruning must be done with an understanding of tree biology. Improper pruning can create lasting damage or even shorten the tree’s life.

Pruning To Remove Dead Branches, To Improve Form, And To Reduce Risk.

Because each cut has the potential to change the growth of the tree, no branch should be removed without a reason. Common reasons for pruning are to remove dead branches, to improve form, and to reduce risk. Trees may also be pruned to increase light and air penetration to the inside of the tree’s crown or to the landscape below. In most cases, mature trees are pruned as corrective or preventive measures, as routine thinning does not necessarily improve the health of a tree.

Maximize Growth & Wound Closure By Pruning Before Spring Growth

Most routine pruning to remove weak, diseased, or dead limbs can be accomplished at any time during the year with little effect on the tree. As a rule, growth and wound closure are maximized if pruning takes place before the spring growth flush.
A few tree diseases, such as oak wilt, can be spread when pruning wounds provide access to pathogens (disease-causing agents). Susceptible trees should not be pruned during active transmission periods.

Pro Pruning Techniques

Specific types of pruning may be necessary to maintain a mature tree in a healthy, safe, and attractive condition.
Cleaning is the removal of dead, dying, diseased, weakly attached, and low-vigor branches from the crown of a tree.
Thinning is selective branch removal to improve structure and to increase light penetration and air movement through the crown. Proper thinning opens the foliage of a tree, reduces weight on heavy limbs, and helps retain the tree’s natural shape.
Raising removes the lower branches from a tree to provide clearance for buildings, vehicles, pedestrians, and vistas.
Reduction reduces the size of a tree, often for utility line clearance. Reducing a tree’s height or spread is best accomplished by pruning back the leaders and branch terminals to secondary branches that are large enough to assume the terminal roles (at least one-third the diameter of the cut stem). Compared to topping, reduction helps maintain the form and structural integrity of the tree.

Pruning Young Trees

Proper pruning is essential in developing a tree with a strong structure and desirable form. Trees that receive the appropriate pruning measures while they are young will require less corrective pruning as they mature.

A good structure of primary branches should be established while the tree is young. These limbs, called scaffold branches, are a mature tree’s framework. Properly trained young trees will develop a strong structure that requires less corrective pruning as they mature. For most young trees, maintain a single dominant leader growing upward. Do not prune back the tip of this leader or allow secondary branches to outgrow the main leader.

Don’t Top Trees!

Topping is perhaps the most harmful tree pruning practice known. Yet, despite more than 25 years of literature and seminars explaining its harmful effects, topping remains a common practice.
Topping is the indiscriminate cutting of tree branches to stubs or to lateral branches that are not large enough to assume the terminal role. Other names for topping include “heading,” “tipping,” “hat-racking,” and “rounding over.”

Alternatives To Topping

Sometimes a tree must be reduced in height or spread, such as for providing utility line clearance. There are recommended techniques for doing so. Small branches should be removed back to their point of origin. If a larger limb must be shortened, it should be pruned back to a lateral branch that is large enough (at least one-third the diameter of the limb being removed) to assume the terminal role. This method of branch reduction helps to preserve the natural form of the tree.

However, if large cuts are involved, the tree may not be able to close over and compartmentalize the wounds. Sometimes the best solution is to remove the tree and replace it with a species that is more appropriate for the site. Contact us to schedule a consultation on your tree care needs, and for more info on this topic.

  • Check for increased pest activity — spring is the time when pests emerge, so it is important to look out for any significant changes to your trees and shrubs.
  • Do a spring cleaning. Make sure wood chips aren’t piled on the trunks of your trees or shrubs and weed near your plants
  • Consider the tiny creatures. Wait until the average temperature is over 50° before you deadhead flowers or remove last year’s plant debris. Many beneficial insects overwinter on dead plants.
  • Look for dead or dying branches. These are easier to spot once plants start to leaf out — prune as needed.
  • Start a compost pile. If you don’t already have one, it’s easy to build a simple frame using pallets or scrap wood. Start the pile with the spring cleaning material!
  • Feed the soil! Add organic matter like compost or leaves to your soil instead of chemical inputs. Avoid traditional fertilizers.
  • Refresh and replenish wood chips.
  • Attract pollinators like birds, butterflies, and bees to your yard.
  • Install birdhouses and birdbaths. Plant native wildflowers. Make a DIY bee hotel out of scraps of wood and bamboo.
  • Begin to treat emerging insects — not all insects need to be treated, but many have a small window of time to get under control. Don’t wait to treat.
  • Call us to schedule a spring inspection of your large tree.
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Planting Trees Tree Pest Management Tree Pruning Tree Services Tree Trimming

Spring Tree Maintenance Tips

frosty buds

Spring Yard Maintenance

Spring is officially here! At Long Island Lumberjack, spring is our most anticipated season. There are so many things happening in the world of trees including tree pruning, regrowth, pest management, mulching and soil improvement. Want to know more about what to look for in your yard? Check out our handy spring checklist to get you and your yard back on track after a long cold winter… Unsure of how to take care of your trees and shrubs once they start to bud? Here is a short checklist for spring. It is an excellent time to:

  • Check for increased pest activity — spring is the time when pests emerge, so it is important to look out for any significant changes to your trees and shrubs.
  • Do a spring cleaning. Make sure wood chips aren’t piled on the trunks of your trees or shrubs and weed near your plants
  • Consider the tiny creatures. Wait until the average temperature is over 50° before you deadhead flowers or remove last year’s plant debris. Many beneficial insects overwinter on dead plants.
  • Look for dead or dying branches. These are easier to spot once plants start to leaf out — prune as needed.
  • Start a compost pile. If you don’t already have one, it’s easy to build a simple frame using pallets or scrap wood. Start the pile with the spring cleaning material!
  • Feed the soil! Add organic matter like compost or leaves to your soil instead of chemical inputs. Avoid traditional fertilizers.
  • Refresh and replenish wood chips.
  • Attract pollinators like birds, butterflies, and bees to your yard.
  • Install birdhouses and birdbaths. Plant native wildflowers. Make a DIY bee hotel out of scraps of wood and bamboo.
  • Begin to treat emerging insects — not all insects need to be treated, but many have a small window of time to
  • get under control. Don’t wait to treat.
  • Call us to schedule a spring inspection of your large trees.
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Tree Pruning Tree Services Tree Trimming

Cost Saving Tree Tips

Tree removals

Cost Saving Tree Maintenance Tips

Effective Ways To Cut Down Tree Care Costs

Do you have trees on your land? If so, then you know they need maintenance and care to maintain their health and vitality. However, tree care can be expensive – even prohibitive! Taking care of trees may be expensive, but fortunately, there are ways to save without jeopardizing the trees’ health or compromising their security. So here is some helpful advice and that can allow you to save costs while still receiving the whole range of tree care services you need. 

Hire An Experienced Tree Pro

If you think of tree maintenance, you probably picture an oak tree in your backyard. But you probably should have realized that tree maintenance entails more than simply removing diseased branches and adding compost to the soil. Preventative tree care is crucial for a flourishing yard, yet it is often overlooked. Preventative tree maintenance helps mitigate future difficulties, including insect infestations, storm damage and more.

Hiring a professional tree expert to assist you in caring for your trees properly is a great long-term investment that will pay dividends in the form of reduced tree care expenditures. Professionals have the knowledge, experience, and tools to handle any emerging tree care issue. They can also guide what treatments are essential to maintain tree health. You may save money by hiring an arborist because they can help you find discounts available via various programs and partnerships. They can also help you create a preventive care plan to address problems before they become catastrophic.

Use Organic Products

Trees are essential to every landscape, whether a suburban backyard or a rural farm. Despite their obvious benefits to the surrounding area (beauty, shade, and differentiation), they pose a health risk if not properly maintained. Maintaining the health of even a single tree in your yard can help improve its appearance and value. Tree maintenance may quickly become relatively inexpensive with the correct information and supplies. Thankfully, several methods are available to reduce tree care costs.

Caring for trees involves more than simply keeping them hydrated and fertilized. A lot can be done to safeguard the plants you’ve worked so hard to put into your yard. Cleaning up the area beneath the tree’s leaves and around its trunk is one of the first tasks you should tackle each spring. Insects won’t be able to lay their eggs near the tree’s roots as easily over the summer. Carefully water your trees at the base of the plant rather than the leaves and branches where pests might hide. Other options for pest management include non-toxic insecticides.

Avoid Using Pesticides During Tree Care

To save money on tree care, you should stop using pesticides. It can sound contradictory, but using pesticides will increase your expenses. Pesticides may have unintended consequences, such as the development of insect resistance and the spread of disease. When inhaled or ingested, they may cause health problems for people and animals alike. Consider using neem oil or horticultural oils, which may be found at your neighborhood hardware shop or garden center, as an alternative. Horticultural oils suffocate insects and prevent them from feeding on plants, while neem oil has been demonstrated to repel pests and fungi. Using these methods instead of insecticides can help your trees grow for many years.

Choose A Good Location For Trees

Some trees are as fragile as paper. An alteration to a tree’s normal surroundings, however little, might either delay or prevent the tree from reaching its full potential. Trees need a cool environment, rich soil, and regular watering to thrive and look their best. Don’t plant a tree just wherever; consider how much natural shade it will provide under normal weather conditions. Please don’t put your tree in a spot where it will receive too much sun or none.

Consider the soil in your yard carefully before you plant a tree there. Put down pavers or use a combination of sand and peat moss as a foundation if the soil doesn’t drain properly or has a significant level of clay. You should also prepare a watering system before you plant your tree since this will be crucial to its early success.

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Tree Removal Tree Services Tree Trimming

Is It Time To Have Trees Trimmed Or Pruned

Tree Pruning Times

Is It Time To Have Trees Trimmed Or Pruned

While your front lawn may not look like the above photo, there are several signs that it’s time to trim your trees. But do you know what they are? Weak branches, excess growth, deadwood, and uneven development are some signs you need to have your trees trimmed. These conditions can be dangerous and can also affect your property. Falling trees and branches can damage property and are a particular hazard during heavy winds.

Excessive Growth

When trees reach a specific size, you need to have them trimmed. While they may look lush and appealing, they can be hazardous. Thick branches can catch the wind, causing damage. Thick limbs can tangle with siding or phone wires. You can effectively maintain the beauty of your trees – and their health – by keeping them trimmed. You will also prevent future problems, including pest invasions.

Trees grow unevenly, and excessive growth can present a safety risk during high winds or storms. Uneven development can cause poor weight distribution and property damage. Also, unhealthy growth can contribute to decay or the death of the affected limbs. It can also cause uneven dissemination of sunlight throughout the whole tree. When these issues appear, it may be time to call Long Island Lumberjack to schedule a tree trimming or pruning.

Proper trimming is essential for the health of your trees. Aside from lowering the aesthetic charm of your garden, overgrown trees can also harbor pests, making it unsafe for people or pets to access the house.

Some signs it’s time to get your trees trimmed

Deadwood

Healthy trees will drop bark naturally. But unhealthy branches will not produce new bark, resulting in exposed, smooth layers of wood underneath the bark.

There are many signs of deadwood on trees, including decaying branches, bare spots, and large fungi. It is easy to spot deadwood in the spring and summer, but you may have to look closer in the autumn or winter to see the signs of decay. Call a licensed tree professional, like Long Island Lumberjack, to determine the cause and provide a remedy if you see large fungi or clinging dead leaves. If you see deadwood on your trees, you may need to get them trimmed. A certified tree specialist can properly remove deadwood, assuring your home’s safety and avoiding additional damage to your tree. Deadwood is often a sign of a more significant issue, perhaps a rotting branch. Always call a professional to have deadwood cut out.

Excessive Weight

Trees need to be trimmed to keep their shape and prevent damage to the property. If they have excessive weight, they may break or become unstable during storms. Improper weight distribution can lead to property damage and injury. Excessive weight on a tree can also lead to decay and damage to the branches. Branches that cross each other need to be pruned to redistribute weight. You may need to have a tree pruned for various reasons, including safety, construction, or client needs. When pruning a tree, it is essential to ensure it will not harm it. If you notice a large amount of weight on the tree, it may be time for trimming. Branches that are bent or twisted may require professional service. It is probably time to prune if you see excessive weight on your tree. Branches can form in unappealing places and pose a hazard to nearby structures. Eucalyptus trees, for example, can become extremely heavy if the root system can no longer support the weight. Unchecked growth can cause a tree to topple over. To reduce this risk, consider pruning your tree as soon as it is visually overgrown.

Uneven Growth

If your trees grow unevenly, it may be time to trim them. This uneven growth can also indicate pests or diseases. It is essential to keep branches from crossing each other, or they can fall and damage your home or property. When you notice uneven growth, you should schedule an appointment with a tree-trimming service as soon as possible. Here are some other warning signs that your trees need trimming. Overgrown trees can also be a safety hazard. Overgrowth can make your trees unbalanced, making them appear bedraggled and out of proportion. Uneven growth can also make them seem unbalanced, making them look unkempt and untidy. Besides looking unsightly, overgrown trees can also hinder proper nourishment. Regular trimming will improve the health of your trees. Another symptom that you need to trim your trees is if you notice dead branches or split bark. If your trees have a lot of dead branches or split bark, this can suggest several health problems. It can also signify insectivores feasting on the bugs in your trees. Insectivores can cause severe damage, and you should take care of what’s attracting them – insects – as soon as possible. Also, keep in mind that trees shed their leaves and branches naturally. Excessive amounts of dead matter can be hazardous to your home or property.

Weak Trunk

Weak tree trunks are not uncommon, and they mean your trees need trimming. Trees with large leaves, forked trunks, or internal decay are likely unhealthy and need trimming. Look for cavities, disfiguration, or fungi, which may suggest an upcoming problem. Weak tree trunks may also signal that the branches are rubbing with each other, which indicates internal decay and a need for close monitoring. Weak branches may cause property damage or be hazardous during strong winds. Dense branches are dangerous because they are so dense that they weigh down on limbs, causing them to break or cause other damage. A thick, overly dense branch may threaten your home even if the tree looks healthy. We can prune a weak branch to remove the threat and encourage healthy new growth. Besides the physical signs of weak tree trunks, you should also look for other signs of problems. If you notice that the tree trunk has a crack or split, it could have a pest infestation or disease. A broken branch might also be pointing to a nearby power line or other electrical wire. You should call a tree service professional if you notice dead wood or a crack in the tree’s structure.

Dead Branches

While dead branches are a normal part of the growth cycle of a tree, it is vital to keep them trimmed regularly. A branch with a large area of smooth wood near the crown is likely dead. When this happens, the branch could fall suddenly and cause much damage. Dead branches near the crown are hazardous, and you should have them removed as soon as possible. The same holds if a branch is over half the size of the tree. When a tree grows too tall, it needs to be trimmed regularly to prevent it from becoming unstable. Over time, it will begin to decay, which can spread to other branches. A tree can fall in a storm without pruning and lose its entire structure. Dead, dying, and twisted branches are apparent signs that you need to prune. If you notice one or more of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to call an Ottawa tree service for an estimate. While deadwood is a sign that your tree needs to be pruned, it can also indicate a fungus or pest problem. When a dead branch or limb is close to a power line, it can cause damage to nearby trees and power lines. In addition, dead branches can lead to several problems, including mold, rot, and insect infestations. If you notice deadwood, call a professional to prune it correctly and prevent it from spreading the disease.

Bowing Or Snapping Branches

Snapping, bowing, or breaking branches are signs you need to get them trimmed. A broken branch can strike something nearby, causing injury or property damage. In addition, these damaged branches may become dangerous if you do not remove them quickly. If you have recently experienced severe weather, you should inspect your property and take immediate action to prune any damaged branches.

In addition, broken branches may indicate severe disease or a pest problem. Proper pruning will prevent decay or the spread of disease to the rest of the tree. Call a tree-care professional if you are unsure how to prune broken branches. If the problem is more complex, contact a Long Island Lumberjack to perform the necessary work. You can even hire a professional to trim your trees if you aren’t sure you’re doing it correctly. Regular pruning can keep your yard looking aesthetically pleasing and reduce the risk of insect infestation. Branches with unsightly growths can also pose a health risk to visitors. Keeping trees pruned will enable you to enjoy unique shapes and textures, including topiaries or espaliers. If you’re wondering if you need to get your trees trimmed, it’s a good idea to call an a tree professional like Long Island Lumberjack today. We will be able to explain the process to you and provide recommendations that will work best for your trees.

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Tree Crowning Tree Services Tree Trimming

Tree Topping Crown Reduction What’s Better

Tree Crowns Reduction

Tree Topping Crown Reduction What’s Better

If you’ve recently looked at your property, perhaps you’ve noticed that some trees are taller than what’s acceptable to you and your neighborhood or HOA. It’s time to do something about them before they outgrow their allotted space. Your primary question is, how will you be able to safely cut down the tree to an acceptable size?

Tree Trimming & Pruning

Most tree owners usually turn to tree trimming (also known as pruning) to reduce the size of their trees and keep them in shape. Trimming a tree holds excessive growth in check. Trimming can also reduce leaf diseases by increasing airflow through the tree’s canopy.

A tree service professional should maintain large trees. We may prune mature shade trees to thin the canopy and create an open tree; this increases air circulation and light penetration. The best time to prune shade trees is during the dormant period, just before seasonal growth (March to April). Do not remove over one-quarter to one-third of the total growth. If you must remove over one-third of the canopy, remove a bit of the growth over a few seasons.

Methods of Pruning

There are many pruning types, but tree topping or crown reduction is the most common. Which of these two will keep your tree healthy and beautiful? Which tree service professionals recommend? Read on for all you need to know about these two choices.

What Is Tree Topping?

We also know tree topping as rounding over, hat-racking, or tipping. This technique involves removing the large branches from the treetop and leaving only lateral branches and stumps on the tree.

Is Topping Trees Good or Bad?

Tree service professionals like Long Island Lumberjack agree you should never use tree topping as a primary pruning method. Unfortunately, tree topping is not an advisable option for controlling tree size. Someone should only implement this method when you are removing an unwanted tree.

Effects of Tree Topping

Tree topping leaves the tree with lateral branches and stubs that are still too small to take on the role of producing and delivering food throughout the entire tree. It, therefore, causes many problems for the tree. Topping also triggers the regrowth of unappealing and vertical branches, which will scar the tree with awful water sprouts and branches.

Branch wounds sustained by the tree during topping heal slowly. The tree is susceptible to insects and fungal decay during the healing process. Because topping leaves the tree uncovered without its branches and foliage, it can also cause intense bark damage.

Benefits Of Topping Trees

Topping comes in handy when a tree has undergone extreme damage from a natural disaster. In such an event, tree topping may be your only alternative to repairing the tree. In other cases, however, you should fully know that the price of tree topping exceeds the benefits. Tree topping can leave a tree in shock, unable to nourish itself. This inability to create energy can cause disease and even sudden tree death. Tree topping can also generate risky conditions for its locations, so you should steer clear of topping.

What Is Crown Reduction?

Crown reduction is one of the most prevalent methods that Long Island Lumberjack uses to manage the size of a tree and keep its shape. It’s also more ideal and better for the tree than tree topping. Crown reduction involves reducing the foliage of the tree while still keeping the general framework of the crown; doing this trims the overall shape of the tree and controls its size. In a general sense, we cut limbs on the uppermost portion of the tree canopy shorter to decrease the tree’s height. However, we only remove them to the subsequent lateral growth to ensure that they heal faster and grow again correctly.

We strongly suggest that you only cut 20% or less of the tree’s canopy at once to prevent the tree from suffering.

Effects of Crown Reduction

Unlike tree topping, crown reduction on trees is not harmful. You improved the health of the trees since you have had them appropriately trimmed and eliminated limbs or branches suffering from pests or disease. Crown reduction also provides satisfying results where aesthetics are concerned. Having your trees trimmed can also increase the production of fruit-bearing trees and ensure better quality fruit. Crown reduction also helps increase sun exposure and air circulation on trees.

And The Winner Is…

The best choice is crown reduction rather than tree topping when dealing with large trees. Crown reduction keeps the tree’s size balanced; it preserves the plant’s natural shape and ensures good tree health. Tree topping is a harmful procedure.

Hire a Professional For Your Tree Services

Tree topping, crown reduction; which is better? You finally know the answer. But pruning large trees can be dangerous. If pruning involves working above the ground or using power equipment, hiring a professional tree service is best. The pros at Long Island Lumberjack can determine the pruning necessary to improve your trees’ health, appearance, and safety. The professional tree service team at Long Island Lumberjack can also provide the services of a trained crew with the required safety equipment and liability insurance.