Tree Pruning

Professional Tree Pruning in Edmonton

Need certified arborists for tree pruning? Edmonton locals know the benefits of scheduling regular tree pruning services:

• Reduce the danger of branch failure.
• Improve a tree’s structure by removing dead, diseased branches.
• Keep driveways and roads safe.

Trusty Tree Services is there when you need professional tree trimming in Edmonton. Our arborist services are top-notch. Complete our services form or give us a call at 780-860-5500 to speak with an Edmonton arborist about your unique tree care needs.

Experienced Tree Pruning in Edmonton Property Owners Can Rely On

Although Edmonton is one of Alberta’s largest cities, in spring and summer, it’s also one of the province’s most beautiful places to walk. Why? Because of the foliage and plants. Locals love the downtown area for its well-maintained greenery, and on the outskirts of the city, they know there is value in hiring a professional and certified arborist to maintain their own urban forest. Homeowners looking to upgrade their home’s curb appeal should prioritize tree pruning in Edmonton.

From ice storms to windy days, those same homeowners see damaged and falling branches. Those who don’t know why regular pruning is important also see dead trees, slow growth, and a lack of fruiting during summer. That’s where your local Edmonton arborist comes in. Trusty Tree Services is proud to serve all of Edmonton and the surrounding areas. With care for commercial, municipal, and residential properties, our customers love the professional service they receive and the difference it makes for their plants. To learn more about how we can help you, call our friendly team at (780) 860-5500.

Our Different Types of Edmonton Tree Pruning Services

Edmonton’s beautiful yards and parks have both large and small trees, along with shrubs and low-growing foliage. Your experienced arborists at Trusty Tree Services are highly trained in maintaining them all, including mature and young trees. Read on to discover more about our experienced services for tree pruning in Edmonton.  

Large and Mature Trees

While it’s common to think mature plants are already established and happy to do their own thing, they still require regular pruning to ensure safety and prevent rot and breakage. Since it’s no easy feat to prune a large or mature tree, extra attention must be paid, and the right knowledge is required to do the job correctly. Older trees don’t heal as quickly as younger ones do, which means our team of Edmonton tree pruning experts must be careful about which branches we remove and how we trim existing ones.

Those without a background in botany may not be aware of this and can end up killing part of their largest tree or the entire structure. Larger and older species will have less trimming and removal, but removing limbs may be required to clear a path or prevent future disasters. As ISA-certified arborists, we know exactly what needs to be done to maintain tree health. We are also fully insured while on the job and follow the proper safety protocols. When handling any type of tree pruning, Edmonton residents should trust our professional tree care service providers.

Young and Newly Planted Trees

While pruning mature species is more about safety and preventing breakage and rot, caring for young and newly planted trees helps them to grow. If you plant one and leave it to its own devices, there’s a chance it will develop issues such as an irregular shape or growth pattern. The longer you leave these issues, the more they will develop, leading to more serious issues in the future. Trees that go untouched for 6 to 10 years often have structural issues. But too much attention on young timbers can also harm them. Cutting back branches too short can actually stop them from growing back properly. Possessing the right knowledge about how and when to invest in tree pruning in Edmonton can help your trees live long, healthy lives.

Shrub Pruning or Shaping

Taking on pruning and shaping may seem like an easy task for a summer afternoon, but not after you finish the job. Those without the right skills and tools are often left wondering how their hedge became so out of proportion or why the flowers aren’t growing back. Just as with trees, shrubs need proper maintenance to thrive. Some are quite hard to cut, and those without specialized equipment should not tackle the task. Your local tree company offers shrub pruning and shaping services alongside pruning to help boost your home’s curb appeal.  

About Our Process for Tree Pruning

Pruning is as much about the health of plants as it is about the safety of their surroundings. Large species can cause big damage, while younger trees may not grow properly without proper care. In general, pruning can help improve the structure and increase safety by removing dangerous branches, clearing roadways and driveways, opening up yards to more sunlight, improving views, and helping with fruit and flower production. Though the process involves removing or cutting back branches, it’s important to know exactly where to cut and what to remove so that the plant can still bounce back. Alberta arborists need to keep the following wide variety of factors in mind when pruning:

• Location
• Species
• Time of year
• Size
• Age
• Current state of health

Cutting the branch in the wrong way can lead to the death of a branch or an entire shrub, so choosing a seasoned Edmonton arborist for the job is always a great choice for property owners. What types of pruning can we offer you?

1. Crown Elevating: Need to pass under some low-hanging branches? We’ll remove some of the bottom branches to make it easier to get by.
2. Crown Cleaning: We’ll prune to your satisfaction to remove water sprouts and dying or rotten branches.
3. Crown Thinning or Reduction: This process prevents overcrowding so that all branches have equal access to sunlight and room to breathe.
4. Tree Cabling or Bracing: Expecting a storm? Ask us to brace your elm or willow so that it does not get damaged by high winds. We can also offer this service after a big blow to help it find its roots again.
5. Reshaping: If your branches aren’t growing the way you need them to, we’ll reshape them to keep them neat.
6. Structural Pruning: Create some distance between your plants, home, power lines, and any other tight spaces in your yard.

Choose Trusty Tree Services for Tree Pruning

Edmonton tree pruning services are essential for the health of the plants in your yard, business property, or even the city’s municipal parks. Trusty Tree Services cares about the health of all plants in the city and offers reliable, expert services locals can trust. From storm cleanup to tree stump removal, stump grinding, and tree removal services, our team of qualified arborists has been helping property owners in the Greater Edmonton area since 2017. Here’s what we promise to bring to every service:

• A combined experience of 25+ years.
• Adherence to proper procedures and provincial by-laws.
• Professional level of service.
• A dedication to serving our community.
• A safe and positive work environment.

With a dedication to teamwork, we’ll work together to love your trees into their finest shape. Our tree service company is committed to our craft and knows what it takes for all species of Edmonton trees and shrubs to thrive. Even more so, we aim to be a company you can trust, no matter the project. From small to large tasks, we’ll treat your plants like they are our own. We want to build a long-lasting relationship with our customers, which means meeting their needs in every way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Pruning: Edmonton

What is an Edmonton tree pruning service?

Have you ever seen a tree with dead branches? How about a tree limb blocking the road after a storm? While pruning is common during emergencies, it’s also an important part of the health and growth of the plants on your property.

Pruning can involve any of the following:

• Removing dead and diseased branches.
• Taking off branches that rub together.
• Sawing off branch stubs.
• Opening up the canopy to let light in.
• Removing sprouts around the base.

These efforts contribute to a healthier, happier plant but also a better-looking, safer yard. When complete, you’ll have a plant that’s more likely to make it through storms and withstand harsh weather conditions. The simple act of pruning can create a safer backyard for your family, giving you peace during backyard barbecues and events. If you have fruit trees or flowering species, pruning can also contribute to healthy flowering and fruit production.

Is there a difference between tree pruning in Edmonton and tree trimming or tree cutting?

Both terms are used interchangeably, and the difference only varies mildly. You might refer to trimming more as a form of maintenance to help promote health and growth. And while pruning serves the same purpose, there is more of a focus on aesthetics that includes removing unnecessary branches to promote a better-looking landscape.

What are the top benefits of tree pruning?

Can you imagine a yard or park without trees? Not only do they help our city look beautiful, but they’re an important part of our environment. In the forest, trees are left to grow at their own will. When it comes to those that grow in our backyards, an Edmonton tree pruning service is an essential part of health. It can ensure the species grows properly in an urban environment and keeps our homes and families safe. Still not convinced your property is ready for tree pruning in Edmonton? There is a list of other benefits to choosing our valued team:

• Prevents damage to your home.
• It saves you time and money.
• Increases curb appeal.
• It helps clean up the environment.
• Encourages the tree to grow taller and stronger.

When is the best time to schedule tree pruning in Edmonton?

The best time to prune trees is late winter. Around the middle of February to the beginning of March is ideal. If you do it any sooner, there may still be snow on the trees. If you do it later, they will already have begun to bud. This timeframe is important because your local arborist will be able to see the plant or shrub’s shape and trim it more evenly.  

You could potentially seek Edmonton tree pruning service in the summer, and it’s possible that emergency trimming services will be required in the winter due to heavy snowfall and rotten branches. No matter what time of the year it is, we offer year-round services you can trust, including grounds maintenance and storm damage cleanup.

Can Edmonton tree pruning services be done in autumn?

While it is technically possible to carry out an Edmonton tree pruning service in the fall, it’s typically not the best-case scenario for your trees. In autumn, trees are basically “closing up shop” and becoming dormant for winter so they can prepare themselves to weather the coldest months without suffering damage and be ready to burst into life in the spring. Pruning can interfere with that process in multiple ways and cause the health of the tree to suffer. Some of the reasons why tree pruning should be avoided in the fall are:

• Tree pruning in Edmonton could stimulate new growth that won’t have a chance to harden before winter hits.
• The tree could be prevented from entering its dormant state before cold weather arrives, which increases the probability of freezing injuries.
• The tree is likely storing nutrients in branches in preparation for transferring them to the roots, and the pruning process can literally cut off those nutrients before they have a chance to reach the roots.
• Tree pruning service results in “wounds” that the tree would normally grow over, but it may not be able to accomplish that before winter dormancy, leaving entrance points for disease and pest infestations.
• Certain types of tree diseases and tree-threatening insects can be more prevalent in the fall, and tree pruning leaves the tree more susceptible to them.

That being said, there are some cases where a tree may be better off being pruned in autumn than not being pruned at all. For example, it’s better to remove diseased, broken, or dead branches than leave them on all winter long. If you’re not sure, our experienced arborists can assess the tree in question and make a recommendation on how best to proceed.

Should the spots where branches were pruned be covered with a sealant?

It may sound like a good idea to paint or seal over raw spots on trees that have just been treated with tree pruning in Edmonton, because it’s similar to a bandage on a person. But that type of treatment can actually interfere with a tree’s ability to resolve the pruning wound itself naturally and can cause the tree to sicken. The best option is to let the tree recover and form a “callus” over those spots all on its own.

What is the black, lumpy growth on my lilac tree?

If you've noticed that some of the branches on your lilac bush or tree appear to be encased in a thick, lumpy growth that is black or dark brown in colour, that is likely black knot fungus. This particular fungal growth only affects plants that belong to the Prunus species, which include lilac, chokecherry, and mayday.   

Edmonton tree pruning service is the only way to eliminate black knot fungus and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the plant, where it will cause the plant to sicken and die. However, it's important to note that it's not just a matter of snipping off the affected branches—the procedure needs to be done carefully to ensure the fungus is completely removed and can't affect another part of the plant or even a different plant entirely, which is why it's best left to a professional arborist who is experienced with tree pruning in Edmonton. 

For example, it's really important to get the pruning done at the right time of year and sanitize your tools carefully between every cut. Our professional team has plenty of experience dealing with black knot fungus and can get it removed thoroughly and safely so your trees and bushes can thrive.

Why is it sometimes necessary to sanitize tools before and during tree pruning?

If you've gotten Edmonton tree pruning service before, especially if it was to deal with a disease or fungal growth, you may have noticed your arborist diligently sanitizing their tools with a water and bleach solution between every cut. This is a critically important step when dealing with some types of fungal or bacterial diseases, such as fire blight, because the act of tree pruning can actually transmit the disease or fungus to other parts of the plant or infect new plants that haven't been affected yet. Sanitizing with bleach helps to ensure that the disease or fungus will be removed cleanly during tree pruning in Edmonton.

It's also very important to ensure that the diseased parts that are pruned off are properly disposed of in a landfill. They must not be placed in compost or stored for firewood, as the problem can travel from the discarded piece of wood to a living plant.

How often do I need to schedule tree pruning?

It depends on the type, but in general, younger and newly planted trees can be pruned every two to three years. Larger, mature trees should be pruned every five to six years. If you have existing trees that need help now, we offer emergency service alongside our regular maintenance.  

Can I prune my trees myself as a DIY gardening task?

Local homeowners can handle some types of tree pruning in Edmonton, although, in certain situations, it isn’t recommended. There is a lot of precision that goes into the process, along with knowledge, safety measures, and, not to mention, work. Proper safety equipment, including a hard hat and safety goggles, is required at a bare minimum. At the most, some jobs will call for professional tree climbers or a cherry picker to remove high branches.

While trimming the hedge is something most locals can handle, proper tree pruning should be reserved for the trained professionals at Trusty Tree. We’re ISA-certified and members of the Alberta Construction Safety Association, CCI, and ARLA. With the skills and knowledge to properly prune your trees and maintain your shrubs, choosing us means saying yes to a healthier, safer yard.

What safety measures should I take when undertaking tree pruning in Edmonton?

If you're set on DIY tree pruning rather than engaging professional tree services, it's recommended that you invest in proper safety gear, including hard hats and goggles. Always prune trees with sanitized tools to prevent the spread of disease, and never prune any trees located near power lines; in those cases, always engage with a professional tree service in Edmonton.

Here in Alberta, the injury rates from DIY tree pruning are particularly high when working above ground or with power tools. Take extra care and caution to ensure that you're taking all proper safety precautions to avoid injury. And, if you're unsure about the safety of tree pruning in Edmonton, consult with a qualified arborist, such as those from Trusty Tree Services. Our professional arboriculture experts are insured and aware of weather-related hazards specific to Edmonton and the surrounding communities.

How do I dispose of pruned branches or diseased wood in Edmonton?

When it comes to Edmonton tree removal and disposing of branches or wood, healthy branches can be broken down and composted via Edmonton's local yard waste program. However, if you have diseased wood (such as wood infected with black knot fungus), you need to double-bag it and place it in the garbage. It absolutely cannot be composted or stored as firewood due to the safety risks associated with the spread of the disease.

For those wondering why that is, black knot fungus is particularly hardy. It can remain viable for over a year if it's not properly disposed of, risking that it spreads to other trees. Edmonton arborists recommend that you confirm disposal steps with the City of Edmonton if you're looking to dispose of diseased material from infected trees.

Trusty Tree Services is one of many arborist companies within the city that can help with clean-up at affordable rates or deal with the pruning for you. Our professionally trained arborists are well-versed in the common species of trees in Edmonton and the diseases that affect them, letting us properly dispose of any waste. And if you need tree removal in Edmonton, the best tree services are those offered by us at Trusty Tree Services.

What's the average cost of tree pruning in Edmonton?

Estimating the cost of tree pruning isn’t always black and white. There are many different sizes of trees that require different levels of pruning. The cost of the job will vary by size and complexity. To get a free, no-obligation quote, we recommend contacting our trusted team. We’ll come and inspect your trees and listen to what you’d like done.

Certain pruning jobs will take longer than others, require special tools and machines, and may require a larger team. These factors vary from property to property, so we’ll need all the information before we give you a proper estimate or tree removal cost.

Do I need a permit to prune city-owned (known as boulevard) trees here in Edmonton?

Yes, if the tree in question is located on city property (i.e., a boulevard or in a public park), then, as an Edmonton resident, you need to file for a permit from the City Urban Forestry section before any tree pruning. Edmonton locals worried about tree risks, such as a dead branch or a decaying tree, can also reach out to the appropriate city authorities to ensure that the proper emergency tree services are done.

Before you think of lending your own expert tree services to the city, it's important to know that unauthorized tree pruning in Edmonton will result in heavy fines, according to the city's tree bylaws. At Trust Tree Services, our tree experts understand the science of tree care and are sometimes called in to help provide the city with Edmonton tree services, such as tree pruning.

Edmonton locals don't need to worry about permits when it comes to tree pruning for trees located on private property. However, if you're unsure about whether the tree in question is private or city-owned, check with the city authorities before investing in any quality tree pruning services.

Show Your Trees Some Love and Choose Trusty Tree Services for Expert Tree Pruning, Edmonton!

Pruning isn’t just essential for a plant to grow and flourish; it can be an important part of keeping your family and home safe. Improper and irregular maintenance can inhibit the health of a tree. On the other hand, a lack of tree pruning in Edmonton can cause limbs to fall and damage your windows, roof, or any furniture in your backyard during a storm.  

Property owners in Edmonton can count on our professional arborists to take care of all of their pruning needs. We offer free, no-obligation quotes for every job and are proud to serve Edmonton and nearby areas. We’ve been the arborist locals trust for fast, efficient service during emergencies and around-the-year maintenance. From pruning to deep root fertilizing, we care deeply about the health of your trees! Whether you’re in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, or Stony Plain, call (780) 860-5500 today to get started.