Why We Prune

Pruning has roots in ancient times and the reasons behind pruning are as diverse as the cultures that practiced them.

As arborists and stewards of the urban forest - we see the “why’s” of pruning expanding to become something more than risk reduction or increasing light to the lawn. These motivators too often underlie the short life span of our trees in the fabricated landscape. But expanded visions of “why” we prune can also be used to pave the way for a healthier landscape, a new aesthetic and a new ecology.

Fundamental ‘Why’s’ of Pruning

• To Optimize health by removing the burden of dead material within the canopy.

• To Encourage strong architecture for stability and resilience

• To Maintain overall size or scale of the plant to ensure proper clearance from surrounding structures and pathways.

• To Rejuvenate old or weak plants.

• To Encourage maximized Fruiting and Flowering.

If done properly, pruning is one of the most powerful tools we have in the effort to conserve trees in the urban landscape.