Tree Pruning & Arborist Care

Pruned properly, to the industry standard

ANSI A300 is the national specification for how trees should be pruned: where cuts are made, how much live crown can come off, and what stays. Every pruning job we do follows it, and the person making those calls is Pierre Melton, ISA Certified Arborist MA-5911A. That is the difference between a tree that closes its wounds and thrives, and the topped, stubbed trees you see failing all over Northern Virginia.

What we prune for

• Safety. Deadwood over roofs, walkways, driveways, and play areas.
• Clearance. Limbs off the house, the shed, and the driveway, without ruining the tree's form.
• Structure. Young shade trees trained early grow into strong mature trees. This is the cheapest tree care you will ever buy.
• Health. Crown cleaning that removes dead, rubbing, and diseased wood.
• Fruit and ornamentals. Crapemyrtles handled correctly, no "crape murder."

Cabling and bracing

Mature oaks and maples with split trunks or heavy co-dominant leaders can often be saved with a properly installed support system instead of removal. It preserves shade, property value, and a tree that took eighty years to grow.

When to prune in Virginia

Winter dormancy is prime time for most hardwoods, when structure is visible and disease pressure is low. Deadwood and hazards, though, should come out whenever they are found. Spring flowering trees wait until after bloom. If you are not sure, ask, the assessment is free.