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Santa Maria Tree Services

Methods for Pruning Mature Trees

The different methods for pruning mature trees should be used, which will be described below.


Cup Cleaning


This method limits the removal of dead or dying branches. It also helps with the elimination of pests, agglomerated branches, weakly joined and of low vigor. Therefore, all obstacles or materials on the tree should be removed, such as:


• Wires.

• Cables.

• Nails.

• Advertisements.

• Reflectors, etc.

• Restoration of the Cup


Consequently, the method is limited to improving the structure and appearance of the tree that sprout after it has been blunted or severely pruned by topping.

In addition, 1 to 3 shoots should be selected to form a natural appearance of the glass. Therefore, the most vigorous shoots should be thinned and cut to:


Control length growth


To ensure adequate tether size. In conclusion, sometimes the restoration of the crown requires several prunings over several years.


Cup thinning


Since, this method is focused on the selective removal of branches, in order to:


• Promote the passage of light.

• Air movement.

• Decrease the amount of foliage.

• And reduce the weight of large branches.


Therefore, with these actions they will help to maintain the natural shape of the tree.


Cup elevation


The most notable feature of this method is the removal of all branches that are too low, in order to:

• To facilitate the free movement of passers-by.

• Vehicle circulation.

• And allow light to pass to other plants under the trees.


Therefore, the height of the lowest branches, for pedestrian crossings, advertising spaces and / or recreation, should be 2.4 meters. While, the height for vehicular streams, such as sidewalks, ridges and / or road junctions must be 4.8 meters.


Consequently, we must be careful not to leave the crown unbalanced, not pruning more than 25% of its foliage. Taking into account the height of the lower branches.


Cup Reduction (Pruning Pruning)


It seems that it is generally carried out on tall trees, eliminating a large or leading branch, up to a shorter lateral or vertical branch. It is also known as pruning to lower the fork.

Most notably, this method is that it is used in the following cases:


• Release medium and high voltage electric power lines.

• In sick and sloping trees.

• Weak anchorage with risk of collapse.

• and poorly balanced cups.

• Therefore, these tree tops will have a “V”, “L”, “inverted L” and “tunnel” shape. This will depend on where the transmission lines are located in the tree.


Recommendations for pruning work under energized lines


It seems that, before starting pruning under medium and high voltage power lines, the power cut should be requested from the companies that provide the service. Consequently, this will facilitate pruning work, avoiding risks of electrocution and short circuits where the service is provided.


Therefore, pruning under energized lines should be considered lateral or directional pruning, which begins with the removal of a branch to the trunk or to a lateral branch that grows away from the conductor.


Therefore, it is important to consider that topping cuts stimulate the growth of shoots and increase the pruning cycle and the cost of maintenance.


In conclusion, the reasons why the trees will be susceptible to pruning will be, for safety, (in order to avoid possible accidents), state of health, (in order to care for the trees and prevent the spread of pathogenic organisms as well as pests) and crown restoration, (To improve or restore the structure of the tree in the event that it has been unduly topped or pruned).

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