Winter Tree Assessment

During the summer, a healthy tree often has so many leaves that the stem structure is hidden. In fact, arborists like to see trees with dense canopies. That green summer garment can make it hard to see and assess the form of the tree, however. Assessing form allows us to prescribe the most beneficial pruning needed, though the work may be done during the growing season. 

Many urban landscape trees receive either no pruning or too much pruning. Knowing that pruning off living branches and their leaves hurts the tree, we limit our work to actions that will address some observed “defect” that pruning could help with. What we don’t do is prune trees just because…fill in the blank. Professionalism in our industry includes knowing what to cut and what to leave, and not overselling the cutting side.

The most useful pruning a tree can get is early in its life, while growing into a mature tree. This is called structural pruning, and the effect on future form is like how a good early educational track can really set a person up for a more successful life as an adult. Keys to structural pruning include identifying and maintaining a central leader, removing poorly anchored and redundantly placed branches, and establishing the height of lowest permanent branches.

At Legacy Tree Company, we have the knowledge and experience to accurately assess your tree’s form, and to prescribe the right kind and amount of pruning needed for that particular tree. Have us take a look!

Click here to find out more about our Albuquerque tree removal services.