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Do your trees need some sort of maintenance? Are you looking for general information? In this section you will find the following topics: Removals Cabling & Bracing Hazardous Tree Evaluation Tree Care Specifications In Summary Please scroll down the page for information on all topics listed above. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pruning Standards When we prune trees we are developing future growth, like a parent raises a child, nurturing and steering the child in the directions of his/her strengths and abilities. The Arborist can determine what kind of pruning is necessary to maintain or improve the health, appearance and safety of your trees. These techniques include: Hazard Reduction Pruning Hazard reduction pruning (HRP) is recommended when the primary objective is to reduce the danger to a specific target caused by visibly defined hazards in a tree. For example, HRP may be the primary objective if a tree had many dead limbs over a park bench. Maintenance Pruning Maintenance pruning (MP) is recommended when the primary objective is to maintain or improve tree health and structure, and includes hazard reduction pruning.
Click here for information on pruning young trees. Click here for information on pruning mature trees. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Removals Although tree removal is a last resort, there are circumstances when it is necessary. An Arborist can help decide whether or not a tree should be removed. Arborists have the skills and equipment to safely and efficiently remove trees. Removal is recommended when:
Click here for information on mature tree care. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cabling & Bracing A certified Arborist can conclude whether or not one of the following techniques will be beneficial for the survival and longevity of your tree. In addition, these techniques are sometimes necessary for human safety. Arboriculture has included the practice of cabling and bracing since the early 20th century. The main objective to cabling/bracing is safety. That is, the safety of the inhabitants of a property and the safety of a valuable tree. Potentially weak, dangerous limbs can be prevented with specialized observation and planning. Certain tree species may develop a weak crotch (split in the tree trunk) and weak limbs as they grow over time. These “weak” areas can result from a lack of pruning, incorrect pruning, and/or inaccurate timing when pruning. Also, multi-stemmed trees are especially susceptible to breaking under the stress of wind. Likewise, as our Kansas City patrons know all too well, the weight of accumulated ice and snow can cause even large limbs to break under pressure. Cabling - the installation of hardware in trees to provide added support to potentially weak and dangerous limbs. Two types of cabling available are steel and nylon (Cobra System). Bracing - the use of steel rods to add rigid support to a tree for weak areas, split crotches, and reinforcing decayed areas. (Most of the time, this method is used in combination with cabling.) The experts at Hendrickson Tree Care can determine when cabling/bracing would be ideal, and what method should be executed to ensure your safety and the durability of your trees. Hendrickson Tree Care proudly supports the use of the Cobra Dynamic Bracing System and products. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hazardous Tree Evaluation When dealing with hazardous tree situations, it is essential to involve an arborist. Even the most beautiful trees can sometimes present unexpected dangers. The dangers associated with trees can be significantly reduced by hiring a professional to perform an on-going maintenance program. It is important to consider three aspects when determining the hazard potential of a tree. Consider these with the understanding that a tree can fail at anytime throughout the year. The three aspects are as follows: a defect, the potential for failure, and a target. Defects - When determining the hazard potential of a tree, you should look for visible defects. However, it is very important to understand that even if you don’t see a defect, the tree may still be hazardous. A limb that has broken and is hanging on top of other limbs is a defect. This “hanger” could break the limbs below it or slip off the limbs at anytime. Observing the condition of the leaves (color and abundance) will sometimes give you an indication of the tree’s health. Potential for Failure – This is perhaps the most difficult aspect to determine. Failure may result from a variety of circumstances including decay, excessive branch end weight, storm damage, root system failure, unnatural lean, cracks, and a hollow trunk or tree cavity. Decay is most easily identified by the presence of fungi (mushrooms, conks) that live in decayed matter. Weakened trees will also harbor insect populations, and be more prone to diseases. Target - The target is relatively easy to determine. If there is nothing in the vicinity of the tree that can be damaged, the tree is not a hazard. If there are people or other valuable objects frequently in the vicinity of the tree, the tree should be considered a hazard tree. Since it is sometimes difficult for a homeowner to make the determinations mentioned, it is imperative to involve a certified arborist. In some cases, the arborist will use further means to determine hazard potential. For further information on recognizing tree hazards, click here. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tree Care Specifications
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In Summary It is important that the Arborist look ahead, understand the effects of the actions taken today, and determine how those actions affect future tree health. Why are we taking off that limb? Should we be careful not to over-thin the tree for the sake of the grass? Maybe we should increase the planting bed under the tree? How much mulch will be needed? Tree maintenance should be a collaboration of the Arborist's suggestions and your needs. Once the Arborist understands your needs, allow him/her to manage the trees on an as needed basis. Tree maintenance truly begins by finding an Arborist with whom you are comfortable working. If you would like to view the section Why Hire an Arborist?, click on the highlighted words.
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Pruning Standards