Just a “Standard Pruning”

Although it may sound easy (and Wachtel Tree Science crews may make it look easy), pruning a tree to the ANSI A300 standards can be more complex than you may think. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is an organization that writes standards by which professionals of various industries need to abide. The A300 Standards, specifically, are the leading set of  recommendations for the care of trees, shrubs, and other woody landscape plants. Within this incredible resource are 147 pages, covering practically every aspect of tree care. Tree pruning, supplemental support systems (cabling/bracing), tree planting, and tree risk assessment are only a few.

Before a crew ever arrives to prune out a storm-damaged branch, to clear branches away from your house, or to improve the branch structure and aesthetics of your trees, a work plan must be developed. Objectives are defined, including consideration for a tree’s maturity and condition, and the specifications for work must be prescribed and agreed upon. Some general pruning guide-lines, as specified in the A300, are listed below:
• Smaller diameter cuts should be preferred over fewer, larger cuts to achieve objective.
• Interior and lower branches should be retained when compatible with objective.
• The majority of reduction cuts of live branches should be made in the outer crown.
• Following a reduction cut, the remaining branch should be at least 1/3 the diameter of the stem or branch being removed.

The descriptions within a pruning proposal may seem lengthy but they are designed to improve clarity for the work to be performed on your property. Only once a detailed plan is established and agreed upon can we get to the action—the pruning of the trees themselves! With a blend of modern equipment and tree climbing techniques, our team of Certified Arborists will perform to current industry standards in pruning. Our commitment to following the latest science and staying up-to-date on industry trends keeps us prepared to care for trees at the highest level possible.

Contact our office or your Wachtel Tree Science arborist to ensure your trees are pruned and prepared for their ever-growing future!

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