Tree pruning is the removal of unwanted branches from a tree. There shall be a pruning objective in each operation: reducing tree risk, reducing inconvenience to the public, improving tree health and structure, improving the appearance of trees, reduction for permanent structures, etc. Improper tree pruning is detrimental to the appearance and healthy growth of trees. It may result in irrecoverable damage to trees.

• Reducing Risk and Inconvenience to the Public
  • Keeping the roads clear and safe by removing the branches which obscure sightline of motorists or physically obstruct the vehicular accesses, leaving insufficient headroom for large vehicles.
  • Preventing interlacement with overhead cables by regular pruning of trees to maintain acceptable clearance from overhead cables.
  • Protecting pedestrians and properties from damage by the dead, hanging and detached branches falling from the tree. Branches with the potential to fall and hit targets should be removed once detected.
• Improving Tree Health and Structure­
  • Controlling invasion of pests and diseases by removing dead branches in order to eliminate the harborage for pests and diseases.
  • Avoiding wastage of nutrients by removing weak branches and undesirable shoots originating from the tree base to save food reserve for healthy preserved parts of the tree.
  • Allowing more light and air going in by removing overcrowded leaves, twigs and branches.
  • Minimizing the chance of damage under strong wind through reducing the weight of trees by pruning out overcrowded twigs and branches. This is essential particularly if the root anchorage of the tree is not firm, the root system is disturbed by transplantation or was largely affected by adjacent construction work.
• Improving the appearance of Trees
  • To maintain trees in their most desirable form and structure.

The types of pruning are broadly grouped under the five categories listed below –

• Structural Pruning

Selective pruning of the lateral branches of a tree so as to develop a strong and straight trunk, a well-balanced crown with properly spaced scaffolding branches and a clear central leader.

• Crown Raising

Selective pruning to remove lower branches to increase vertical clearance from ground level.

• Crown Reduction

Selective pruning to reduce the overall height and spread of the crown, leaving the tree in a well-balanced and natural form and shape.

• Crown Thinning

Selective pruning to remove weak, thin, crossing and live branches to reduce the density of foliage. Crown thinning normally does not affect the overall height and spread of the tree.

• Crown Cleaning

Selective pruning to remove dead, damaged or diseased branches.

Pruning should be performed by trained personnel and under proper supervision by an experienced person with expertise in horticulture, arboriculture and tree care to ensure that it is done safely and properly. And appropriate safety measures have to be adopted for pruning operations to protect the workers and the public.

Tree pruning service from Tak Tai:

• Making assessment and monitoring by experienced horticulturalists and certified arborists.
• Giving professional advice, formulating and executing the pruning projects based on customer requests and the actual situation.
• Providing appropriate machines and tools with qualified operators
• Providing a one-stop service including tree risk assessment, consultation and professional pruning service.