Proper Pruning & Tree Care

Several staff members here at the Johnson Tree Company are certified by the state of South Dakota and International Society of Arboriculture. As certified arborists, we take an oath to educate the public on proper tree care. We take this oath seriously, and below you will find a few simple steps to help guide you in proper tree maintenance.

1. Do not "top" trees.

Many tree owners feel that "topping" their trees enhances the tree's safety and reduces its storm risks. They also feel that a tree that is "too tall" is dangerous. These two tree myths are simply not true.

Below is an illustration that helps explain the difference between topping and pruning.

	Year 1 The topped tree is an ugly stub and a remnant of a once lovely tree. If pruned properly, size is reduced but form and beauty are retained.
	Year 3 Vigorous sprouts have sprung out of the topped tree in large numbers and are growing with abnormal rapidity. The pruned tree adds growth more slowly and distributes it more normally.
	Year 6 In a relatively short time, the topped tree is as tall—and far bushier and more dangerous—than it was to begin with. The properly pruned tree is safer, more beautiful, and its size better controlled.
Courtesy of Tree City USA Bulletin No. 8, National Arbor Day Foundation

Topping trees is a practice that causes unnecessary stress and increased risk to a tree's health. In a typical tree-topping job, limbs are chopped to stubs, which in turn causes many detrimental side effects. Some of these effects include tree starvation, shock, and increased vulnerability to insects, disease, and decay. (To see a local example of improper trimming, click here.) Even though you may notice rapid, new growth from the stub-cuts, the tree eventually develops a dense and dangerous crown. This in turn defeats the purpose of the original intent in topping the tree. (To see another local example of improper tree care, click here.)

The only way to completely remove the risks associated with tree ownership is by completely removing your tree(s). The only way to substantially reduce the risk is by hiring a certified arborist company for a proper arboricultural pruning.

For more information about the dangers of topping trees, visit the International Society of Arboriculture's web site.

2. Hire a certified arborist to properly care for your trees.

This can't be stressed enough. Certified arborists are educated and trained to assist you in planning your tree care and maintaining your tree's health and safety. It's worth your time and money to hire a true expert. Be sure to ask prospective tree service companies if they are ISA certified. Some organizations claim they have "company certified professional arborists," which is misleading. Statements such as this are made in an attempt to gain credibility. The only certificating organizations in our area are the South Dakota Arborists Association and the International Society of Arboriculture. (To see an example of tree work completed by a self-certifying tree service, click here).

For more information about the importance of hiring a truly certified arborist, visit the International Society of Arboriculture's web site or the American Society of Consulting Arborists.

3. Beware of individuals or companies who sell themselves under the guise of a "tree care expert" or "company certified" or "self certified" without authenticating credentials. If they are not certified arborists, they are not experts and may seriously damage your trees.

Do not hire a person who uses the following terms in reference to the work they do: stubbing, heading, heading-back, stubbing-off, tipping, hatracking, topping-off, dehorning, lopping, or roundover. These are all forms of tree topping that should not - and will not - be practiced by a certified arborist.

4. Be familiar with proper pruning techniques and other tree care operations.

For extensive information on pruning, mulching, insects and diseases, as well as treatments and other vital tree information, contact an arborist at the Johnson Tree Company or visit the International Society of Arboriculture's web site.