Why tree pruning by a qualified arborist is important

It is important that anyone seeking advice on trees should only engage an AQF Level 5 qualified Arborists to provide consultations. All work by Tree Culture is carried out by Joshua Geyle, qualifications:  Cert. IV & V, Diploma, Arb/Hort, Melb University.

Before having your tree pruned, please ensure the following:
The tree pruning works are carried out for valid reasons and safely. The tree pruning will reduce risk to the users of the site the tree pruning complies with the Australian Standard AS 4373-2007 ‘Pruning of amenity trees’.

Examples of tree pruning:

Crown Modification

Crown modification changes the size and or form of the tree through the use of various pruning techniques.

• Reduction pruning; reducing the length of branches and stems back to side laterals or stem.
• Crown lifting; removing or reducing low branches to a specified height
• Pollarding; controlling tree size and shape by annual or biannual pruning back to a pollard head.
• Remedial or restorative pruning; used for trees that have suffered die-back, or storm damage, vandalism, or lopping damage to improve tree form and appearance over time from the growth that remains.

Crown modification pruning is generally applied for specific purposes

• Reduce the likelihood of branch, stem or whole tree failure when managing risk
• As a passive bushfire control measure
• To improve views or modify shading
• For the clearance of infrastructure and other built form

Habitat & environmental pruning

Arboriculture is more than just about trees. The trees are part of the urban forest, providing a wide range of environmental and societal benefits and values.

Our arborists are trained to actively preserve, or create habitat values and benefits whenever and wherever the opportunity arises. Habitat and environmental creation can include the following;

• Turning a dead or diseased tree into a ‘Habitat tree’.
• Bird or bat box installation.
• Carving bird or bat hollows into existing trees.
• Coronet cuts can mimic natural branch or stem failures, greatly improving tree appearance and blending in habitat trees sympathetically with their surroundings.

Hedge pruning and shaping

Our qualified arborists can manage and advise you on hedges of all ages, shapes, and sizes. We have a wide range of hedging tools and equipment to suit any situation.

Deadwooding

The removal of dead limbs is usually done for aesthetic reasons or risk management. Where carried out correctly, the removal of dead branches from trees will have little to no adverse impact on tree health.

The removal of dead branches from tree crowns is not always necessary. Cracks and hollows in decaying timber can provide valuable habitat to birds, lizards, spiders, and insects. Dead branches provide perching sites for many bird species that would otherwise not visit the tree. Shortening large dead limbs that may fall is an effective way to reduce the likelihood of failure while maintaining habitat values.

Formative Pruning

Formative pruning is important for the development of sound structural form in the majority of young trees. It should only be conducted by trained and experienced arborists.

Formative pruning should occur regularly during the establishment phase of the growth of the tree. Minor formative pruning to remove broken for unstable branches may be required at planting and is usually applied annually or biannually depending on the species until the main structure has been established as required for the circumstances and species.

Contact us for expert pruning services.