Dr Alex Shigo known as “the father of modern arboriculture” said that “Pruning is one of the best things an arborist can do for a tree but one of the worst things we can do to a tree”
A couple of things we need to consider before pruning
- Pruning is wounding
- Trees flourish without us, they are self-optimizing organisms
Then, why prune trees at all?
The main objective of pruning is to extend the serviceable life of trees. We are managing urban trees largely in the context of human needs. This becomes a balancing act between tree health, risk abatement, amenity and aesthetics.
Sometimes arborists are referred to as tree surgeons, and much like doctors we need to manage trees with a mentality of minimising harm. Alot of the time less is best. Minimising the sizes of wounds so that the trees natural systems can better work to help the tree defend itself from pests and diseases.
In this way it maybe better to consider formative and structural pruning before issues arise rather than when they become a problem that can only be solved by severe pruning or removal.
Trees are a major investment; we can help guide you on how to manage your trees over time to help you best achieve the vision you have for your landscape.