Proper Tree Pruning for Healthier, Stronger Trees
Proper pruning is essential to a tree’s long-term health, structure, and resilience. Regular pruning helps reduce risk, improve durability, and prevent future structural issues or disease.
Tree pruning is a highly technical service that requires experience, training, and a deep understanding of tree growth habits. Our ISA Certified Arborists carefully assess each tree to remove deadwood, correct poor branch structure, and address overcrowding while maintaining natural form and function. We also provide specialized structural pruning for young Wisconsin trees to reduce branch failure, improve longevity and health, and reduce future maintenance costs.
Benefits of Tree Pruning Services
Explore the key ways professional pruning improves tree health, safety, structure, and overall landscape appearance.
Structural Pruning
Selectively pruning branches in younger trees to strengthen long-term structure and reduce future maintenance costs.
Removal of Damaged Branches
Eliminates dead, broken, or diseased limbs to support healthier growth.
Reduce Disease Occurrence
Pruning out selective branches within a crown to reduce the occurrence of fungal diseases while improving aesthetics and the future growth of the tree.
Storm Risk Reduction
Removes deadwood that could fall during high winds or severe weather.
Improved Property Clearance
Raises the crown and clears low-hanging limbs near buildings, driveways, and walkways.
When to Prune Trees
If branches are overhanging structures, limbs are falling after storms, or it’s been several years, it’s time to schedule pruning. Contact a Wachtel Tree Science ISA Certified Arborist for a professional assessment and timing recommendation.
Most trees can be pruned year round, especially in the winter. Dormant season pruning often allows for better visibility and reduced disease risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about tree pruning, timing, and why professional care matters for long-term tree health.
What is the difference between tree trimming and tree pruning?
Trimming focuses on appearance, cutting branches to maintain shape and size. Pruning targets tree health and structure, removing dead or damaged branches to prevent future problems.
Do all trees and plants need pruning?
Yes, most trees will need pruning at some point in their lives to address structural problems such as rubbing branches and/or multiple leaders. Other concerns can be corrected as well with pruning such as clearance issues and certain tree disease problems.
How much of a tree should I prune at once?
This may change over time. A younger, more vigorous tree can withstand more pruning compared to an older, mature tree. A general rule of thumb is to avoid taking out more than 25% of living material from a tree at any one time. As alluded to earlier, the dosage of pruning may vary based on the age, condition, and objectives for the pruning.
Should I use tree paint on wounds after pruning?
Painting pruning cuts is usually not necessary. This was very common at one time, though research has shown that pruning paint can cause more harm than good. The only time pruning paint may help is when insect/disease issues play a role in tree health as in the case of oak wilt or Dutch Elm Disease.
Can too much pruning kill a tree?
Yes, over pruning can kill trees. If too much live material is taken from a tree, the tree may not be able to recover and can die as a result.
Where do you cut when you prune?
Final cuts for pruning should be done at the “target” cut location. This is the point on a branch that contains all branch material, which is just beyond the branch bark collar and ridge yet avoiding leaving a branch stub.
