www.treesaregood.org

This brochure is one in a series published by the International Society of Arboriculture as part of its Consumer Information Program.

 

Pruning Techniques

Specific types of pruning may be necessary to maintain a mature tree in a healthy, safe, and attractive condition.

 

Cleaning

is the removal of dead, dying, diseased, weakly attached, and low-vigor branches from the crown of a tree.

 

Thinning

is selective branch removal to improve structure and to increase light penetration and air movement through the crown. Proper

thinning opens the foliage of a tree, reduces weight on heavy limbs, and helps retain the tree’s natural shape.

 

Raising

removes the lower branches from a tree to provide clearance for buildings, vehicles, pedestrians, and vistas.

 

Atlanta Tree Pruning