This page is designed to inform and help readers gain a better understanding
of arboricultural pruning terms and options. The purpose is to provide deeper
insight into us and our services.
Click on each item for more detail.
Free consultation and
advice
Correct residential tree pruning is 40% science, 60% art. The science starts
when you begin to understand how plants grow and respond to different pruning
cuts at different times. The art begins as you shape a plant - deciding which
branches to remove or leave intact, which to shorten, and which to allow
to grow. The result is a tree or shrub that grows into the appropriate shape
envisaged - that suits the plant and compliments its garden setting.
Understanding plant growth an arborist is able to prune more intuitively.
Further more, an observant consultant is able to identify where best to
invest your budget for the best possible results. We offer creative and practical
solutions to utilise your existing trees and shrubs to enhance your property
or meet specific objectives.
Crown
lifting
 Lifting the crown of a
tree involves removing lower branches that create a hazard, an obstruction
or to clear a roof or fence. Other reasons to lift a crown is to allow more
light through or to open up a view. A mature tree is instantly enhanced
by light cosmetic crown lifting - minimal work for great effect.
Crown thinning
When a mature tree becomes densely branched, it may cast too much shade and
be susceptible to wind damage. Thinning the branches allows more light
to filter to the ground and lets wind pass through the foliage. Although
too much thinning can have negative effects on most trees so thinning should
be carefully monitored. Reducing a shrub by thinning cuts reduces its
size with out stimulating much unnecessary new growth. Thinning can control
size and rejuvenates the plant while retaining its softer natural shape.
 Crown
reduction
A tree that has become too tall can be made smaller without destroying its
shape by a method called drop crutching. Dramatic thinning cuts remove many
of the larger branches from where they divide into secondary (smaller) branches.
The secondary branches become the over all size and shape of the tree. This
technique requires good judgment and insight into how the tree will respond
to pruning cuts in order to reduce negative effects - eg. vigorous water
sprout re-growth, weakened branch structure and unsightly shaping. However
different trees may suit different pruning methods depending on circumstances
and objectives. It's important to continually read (assess) the tree and
visualise as you're pruning.
Shaping
 A common pruning controversy.
The controversy centres around the choice between formal and informal pruning
techniques. Many home owners imitate what they see, assuming that it is correct
- and what they often see are plants sheared into rigid, formal shapes at
the expense of their natural beauty. Correctly pruned trees and shrubs that
follow their natural shape can still be neat and controlled while creating
a softer, more informal setting. Many of the plants treated this way not
only look more attractive, but also flower and grow better if shaped without
shearing. Having said that, some plants indeed suit shearing for aesthetic
and practical reasons. A properly formalised shrub or hedge can contrast
and compliment natural shapes and textures, and visa versa. Where a formal
appearance is desired, it is acceptable to shear plants. Keep in mind, how
ever, that shearing can over stimulate growth from cut ends of branches requiring
higher maintenance.
Deadwooding
In nature trees gradually self-prune by shedding dead branches as the tree
grows. Often harbouring pests, disease and wound cavities. The dead branches
can become a minor or major hazard and give the tree a scrappy, unsightly
appearance. Aside from the health and safety benefits the biggest advantage
of deadwooding is the enhanced appearance of the tree. By removing the
clutter of dead wood and stubs together with a minor crown lifting, a tree
can resemble the grand specimens you see in botanic gardens. And once
dead and diseased wood is removed from a mature tree - it stays removed.
Plant
rejuvenation
Often a healthy plant has out grown its location or become loose and woody,
lending itself to cutting back hard to rejuvenate. This method virtually
grows a new crown from an old plant. In one growing season the plant can
be ready to shear to keep compact and formalised, or developed over time
to encourage its more natural shape.
Corrective and remedial
pruning
Restoring a badly pruned or neglected tree to its natural shape may take
several years. Usually trees suffer from having been lopped and topped, resulting
in a cluster of vertical shoots or wound cavities if not pruned correctly.
The shoots should be thinned to one, two or three on each limb. With fewer
branches, more light can penetrate to its interior and wind resistance will
be reduced. Although these vertical shoots are weakly attached, the connection
strengthens with each growing season as a new layer of wood surrounds the
branch collar. Crossed branches, water sprout growth, dead wood and stubs
should also be removed. After corrective pruning, a tree is more open
and branches are growing in the right directions without interfering with
one another. With fruit trees its important to leave evenly spaced
fruit-bearing wood whilst pruning the crowded, dead and diseased wood.
Short or long term pruning
options
Short Term - This usually applies to property owners who intend to sell or
someone who needs immediate property appeal on short notice. Knowing the
customers objectives is important when advising on pruning or removal
options. - Sometimes its better to lightly shape over grown plants for
instant improvement instead of pruning them back for better long term results.
Or enhancing a tree instead of removal ; - the gap left behind may take years
to fill with new or surrounding plants. Ideally, restoring neglected trees
should be a two or three year gradual process for best results.
Tree maintenance
programs
Pruning is essential in preserving the integrity and scale of the urban landscape
design. A good garden and tree scape is like an ever evolving painting. Regular
and correct pruning keeps shrubs and trees healthy and vigorous and prevents
potential problems. Properly pruned fruit trees will bear larger crops and
ward off diseases better. Often we are called in for a major property make
over when the very best value is with the little-and-often approach over
time. We offer annual maintenance programs to keep your plants healthy,
in scale and under control. We have before and after photo albums, site
addresses and owners you might like to talk to.
Felling large & dangerous trees in confined
areas
Large tree take downs are highly technical and should be a last resort. They
require appropriate equipment, good judgment, experience and team work. Safety
is our number one priority. Treeko.co.nz arborists and ground crew are fully
trained and experienced for this job. Trained staff and efficient procedures
enables competitive pricing and a smoother, safer operation. As with all
our work, we guarantee a thorough, professional job and clean up with our
no payment until 100% satisfied policy.
Light and view
restoration
Light and view restoration are common reasons for property owners to prune
or remove trees. Many owners are unaware of options other than indiscriminant
topping or felling. A good arborist can identify which trees to prune or
remove for the best compromise. Light can be gained by targeting various
trees or shrubs that lend themselves to hard pruning, crown lifting, thinning
or removal. Selective pruning or removal is the best policy to achieve more
light, views and enhance your garden. Occasionally though, major compromise
is simply unavoidable. We take pride in helping you achieve your objectives
and make a better difference.
Hedge reshaping and maintaining
The easier a hedge is to trim, the more often its trimmed....And the more
often its trimmed the easier it is - and the better it looks. Many hedges
are let to grow too wide at the top and out of shape. We specialise in reshaping
and reducing them back to a narrower and lower frame from which to rejuvenate
new growth from. Its vital to have both sides sloping back in order to have
its top narrow and much easier to reach across. This also allows the lower
sides to grow in sky light instead of struggling in its own shade. Once the
hedge shape is right it should than be trimmed regularly. By doing so you
create a firm tight canopy for the hedge trimmer to follow each time. If
its let to grow loose and long its harder to follow its original shape, the
cuts are than shallower meaning the hedge grows out of shape again. Little
and often is the best policy. We specialise in initial reshaping and offer
regular (easy) trimming if required.
Phoenix Palm
trimming
As with all trees Phoenix Palms are easy to enhance. By pruning lower dead
fronds back to a neat collar they can be transformed into grand ornaments.
Also reducing tree litter and allowing more light past the tree. We have
telescopic power saws with added extensions, tall orchard ladders and climbing
pole straps to climb the tallest trees without the need to hire cherry
pickers.
Power line
clearing
Tree limbs can chafe through wire insulation or fall on them, cutting off
service in high winds. Some electrical companies shear or lop off all branches
around wires leaving stubs, believing this to be the fastest and least expensive
method. In reality, indiscriminate lopping and stubbing produces many vigorous
fast growing vertical water shoots that eat up the line clearance with in
two growing seasons. We prefer to (drop crutch) and thin branches back to
laterals thereby directing slower growth away from or around power lines.
This way the tree looks as natural as possible and avoids a lot of unnecessary
maintenance and damage.
Resource
consents
Many property owners underestimate the amenity value their trees have in
their neighbourhood or city as a whole. Property prices and appeal can be
directly correlated to the character and lush beauty of mature trees and
shrubs. Heritage rights and environmental considerations are also sometimes
overlooked. The lack of bird song and clean air being just two. A feeling
of resentment toward a shady or messy tree soon dulls any sense of value
and pride. Although some trees simply have to go for various reasons, others
may suit a management program to enhance their value and appeal and reduce
their negative effects. Selective pruning relieves problems and facilitates
living in harmony with valuable trees. Leaves make excellent mulch and compost
and raking is great exercise.
Resource consents are free. Only requiring an application form with
descriptions and explanations on what you want to do and why. If you prefer,
we are more than happy to apply on your behalf and liaise with council
arborists.
Bulk mulch
delivery
Wood and leaf chip is the best mulch available. It imitates a forest floor
as it breaks down. Retaining moisture around the roots, adding nutrients
slowly and suppressing weeds. Many underestimate the value of recycling through
the regular replenishment of mulch around trees and shrubs. Once brush is
chipped it's invaluable for this purpose. We offer quality bulk mulch
delivered at very low cost, or free mulch if chipped and left on site.
Stump
removal
Tree work above ground is our focus. Stump removal is competitive and performed
separately once the site is cleared. We use professional stump grinding
contractors. Low cut stumps look small once the tree has gone, and we find
stump grinding contractors are then more able to give a better price. We
endeavour to match or better any written stumping quote (combination tree
felling & stump removal) and maintain our no payment until satisfied
guarantee.
Firewood
Green wood is twice as easy to split as dry wood. Green wood burns poorly
so should be split and dried somewhere sheltered. We remove all wood or we
can leave cut 9" thick pieces on site at your request. Any larger than 9"
will make splitting and handling difficult.
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