Pruning to reduce risk is common and good goal, especially here in Iowa where we have high winds. By removing large dead limbs you reduce the risk of damage to your family and property. By reducing end weight on over extending limbs, pruning back to a strong lateral, we can reduce the risk of that limb failing.

Structural pruning is a crucial practice in tree care that focuses on shaping a tree’s framework for long-term health and stability. This technique involves selectively removing branches to promote strong, well-spaced growth, minimizing future problems like weak crotches or crossing limbs. It is especially important in the first 10 years of life for a tree.

Sometimes trees grow too close to structures on you property and you need clearance to prevent damage. When performing clearance pruning, we keep in mind the goals of the home owner and the health of the tree. We track how much foliage we are removing and use proper pruning cuts to control the size, number, shape, and placement of the wounds we create, leaving the tree with its best chance at compartmentalization. 

Healthy properly placed trees add value to your property! A well maintained tree adds both monetary value and beauty to you property. Likewise, a dead or severely damaged tree can lower you safety and property value.  It's best with trees to prevent stress and damage than try to "fix" the issue after it appears.

Canopy restoration is often a multi-year process used on damaged trees. We focus on removing broken/damage limbs and dead limbs. This reduces risk to your property and helps prevent future safety hazards and rot. Leaving the tree with wounds it can compartmentalize instead of large jagged wounds covered in water sprouts.

Topping or "inter nodal" pruning is an over pruning practice that should be avoided. It can result in wild epicormic growth, decay, and even tree death. "Lion Tailing" is another over pruning practice where all or most of the internal branches on a limb are removed, resulting in a greater leverage on a limb in the wind and increases the likelihood of limb failure.