TREE PRUNING & TRIMMING
Tree Trimming and Pruning in Dothan, Alabama - B&D Tree Service
WHY PRUNE YOUR TREES?
While trees in nature can thrive without human intervention, in our southern Alabama environment, they are frequently stressed to the point where they require our assistance to maintain their health and shape. No one wants a sickly, poorly-shaped tree in their front yard!
That's where tree pruning and trimming come in. If you have any of the following situations, pruning is probably a good option.
branches touching or hanging over your roof
branches obstructing your driveway, walkway or yard
broken or hanging branches that could fall
dead, diseased or damaged branches
a tree that's too big or blocking your view
PROPER PRUNING IS NOT A DIY JOB!
We've seen a lot of bad tree pruning that leads to the decline (and sometimes the death) of beautiful trees. It takes professional knowledge and experience to prune a tree properly, using the correct pruning practices, techniques, and tools. Our certified professionals ensure that your trees are pruned in a way that meets your goals while also protecting the tree. The end result is a healthy tree that will give you years of continued growth and beauty.
Pruning a tree, particularly a large tree, is dangerous work. Residential tree pruning often requires climbing high into the tree while carrying a chainsaw, then leaning out with the chainsaw to make precise cuts that don't harm the tree. This is definitely not something you want to tackle yourself! It's best to leave these types of high-risk jobs to trained professionals who have the safety gear to protect themselves and your property.
YOUR TREE PRUNING OPTIONS
Pruning For Crown Reduction
Trees that have been allowed to grow naturally can occasionally become too tall, wide, or thick for the space in which they are planted. If you don't want to cut down the tree, then crown reduction may be an option. This type of pruning reduces the overall size of the tree by removing up to a quarter of the foliage from the end of each branch. This isn't the same as "shearing" a tree - it's precision work that cuts each branch at just the right spot.
Pruning For Crown Thinning
If there isn't enough sunlight and air flow through the center of the tree, or if there are structural defects or competition between branches in the tree, we may recommend crown thinning. By carefully removing selected branches throughout the tree, we can restore balance to the tree and open it up to stimulate interior growth and reduce wind resistance (which is good for when storms come through).
Pruning For Crown Raising/Lifting
If you are having trouble walking or driving under a tree on your property, raising the tree canopy might be a good idea. Crown raising entails removing specific lower branches to provide clearance to a predetermined height. To avoid large wounds, this type of pruning should be done before a tree matures.
Pruning To Enhance Your View
If your tree has grown so much that it's blocking your view, we can selectively thin the framework of limbs or specific areas of the crown to allow or enhance your view. Essentially, we open a “window” through the trees for a view.
Pruning To Clean Up A Tree
Trees are living creatures. And, like all living things, they can be injured, become ill, and die. We remove broken, dying, or diseased branches to leave only healthy tree parts. We also remove anything that should not be there, such as overgrown ivy or other climbing plants, nails, unused or broken cabling, rope swings, and so on.
BEFORE WE START
The minimum legal working distance from high-voltage power lines that run pole to pole is 15 feet. To ensure the safety of our employees and the community, we must notify Alabama Power or your local utility office before beginning any work within that 15-foot radius. Together, we will devise a strategy for safely completing the work. Usually, they will either drop the cables for us or trim the limbs far enough away so that we can do our job safely. This is all handled by us, so you do not have to worry about anything. Please be aware that this requirement may have an impact on scheduling and that we have no control over timing for your utility company.
Answers to your questions about tree pruning and trimming in Dothan, Alabama
Frequently asked questions
How often should I prune my trees?
It depends on the age of your tree. For the first 2-3 years after planting, no pruning is recommended.
Following that, young trees should be pruned every 2 to 3 years, while mature trees require pruning every 3 to 5 years.
Additional pruning can be done as needed.
How will I know if my tree should be pruned?
Many times, you'll be able to see that tree pruning or trimming would be beneficial.
For example, branches may be hitting your roof or blocking a walkway, or you may notice dead or broken branches.
Plus, you can always contact us for a tree consultation.
Can I trim or prune my trees myself?
It is not something we would recommend. The risk of injury (or worse!) is high due to the heights involved and the dangerous equipment used.
The tree professionals at B&D Tree Service have received extensive training in tree care safety procedures.
We are happy to answer any questions you have, and our experienced estimators can walk you through how the job will be completed and what it will take to do it correctly. You might be surprised at how inexpensive quality tree work can be in our Southern Alabama service area, especially when compared to doing it yourself!
My tree is near power lines. Can you still prune it?
If a tree or limb touches a power line, contact your local utility company to determine whether it should be removed. If a limb has fallen on a power line, contact a professional to remove it. For your own safety, do not attempt to remove trees or tree limbs from power lines!