Professional Tree Pruning & Trimming in Springfield, MO
Tree care isn’t just about watering and sunlight—pruning is where the true transformation happens. When done right, it revitalizes your trees, enhancing their health, beauty, and strength while boosting the curb appeal of your entire landscape.
At All About Trees, we specialize in giving your trees the care they need to thrive, from shaping young trees to refreshing the older ones and handling any branches that might be a safety risk. Ready to elevate your yard? Get in touch with us today, and let’s create a thriving, vibrant landscape together!
Tree Pruning vs. Tree Topping
Tree “topping” is an antiquated practice that involves cutting a tree canopy back to a small size and forcing the tree to re-sprout to survive. Topping is perhaps the most harmful tree pruning practice known.
Unlike topping, pruning a tree is more than just “cutting limbs.” An educated, experienced arborist only removes limbs for specific reasons. Some reasons to prune a tree might include dead limbs, broken limbs, crossing or interfering limbs, or limbs that are encroaching on structures or wires. Most trees do not need to be “shaped”, or cut to a symmetrical shape. However, all pruning must be done with an understanding of tree biology. Improper pruning can create lasting damage or even shorten the tree’s life.
What the Tree Trimming and Pruning Process Looks Like
Sometimes, tree pruning can be performed from a bucket truck when there is good access to the tree, and the canopy is wide open, allowing the bucket operator to move the arm of the boom throughout the canopy. Often, tree pruning must be done by tree climbers when there is no bucket truck access or when the tree is too dense to move the bucket around in the interior of the canopy. When pruning a tree by climbing, using the appropriate safety equipment is a must.
All About Trees trains all crew members to climb safely using approved equipment and techniques. We never wear spikes or hooks on our boots when we are pruning a tree, only on removals. Spikes cause deep wounds on the branches and can cause disease or decay problems.
Our certified arborists assess each tree to determine the proper pruning methods that will enhance its health, appearance, and safety. Whether it’s a quick trim or a more detailed process, we ensure your trees thrive and remain safe for years to come..
How Pruning Keeps Trees Healthy
Pruning trees plays a vital role in promoting healthy growth patterns, guiding each branch to grow in harmony with the tree’s natural structure. By removing dead or diseased branches, pruning clears the way for sunlight and airflow to reach the tree’s core, which strengthens its overall health and resilience. When trees are trimmed regularly, they direct energy toward healthy, thriving branches rather than wasting resources on weak or damaged ones.
In addition to encouraging robust growth, pruning helps prevent future issues by removing branches vulnerable to disease and pests. Clearing out dead branches early on minimizes the risk of breakage, especially during high winds or storms, making trees sturdier and safer in the landscape. With carefully shaped tree branches, a pruned tree stands stronger, growing steadily and free of unnecessary weight, allowing it to flourish season after season.
Common Pruning Types
Proper pruning is about working around the tree’s natural shape, getting rid of problematic branches, and encouraging healthy growth. However, there is no one-size-fits-all method for pruning. We employ a range of strategies based on the unique needs of each landscape.
Crown Clean
This is the removal of dead, broken, and crossing limbs, sucker sprouts on trunks, and weak or diseased limbs. We will specify the size of dead limbs to remove, usually one inch in diameter or larger. The purpose of the crown clean is to improve structure, appearance, and health without changing the outer look of the canopy.
Crown Raise
Crown Raising is the process of raising the lower limbs of a tree by pruning them upwards or pruning them back to the main trunk as desired. We will specify the height to the outside of the canopy, such as ten to twelve feet from the ground and five to six feet off of the house.
Crown Reduction
This is a reduction in the height and/or spread of a tree by pruning back the tips of the limbs. This procedure is only for soft-wooded trees such as a Bradford Pear, since they are the most prone to break in a storm. It is best to cut back to a secondary limb with a proper cut, except on Bradford Pears. We treat these trees like a bush and cut them back to a symmetrical shape.
When Pruning Isn’t Enough & Tree Removal Services Are Needed
Even with routine pruning, proper watering, and overall attentive care, there are times when a tree simply can’t thrive and needs to be removed. This is often due to trees that have unexpectedly grown too close to power lines, your home or have become a threat to other plants.
At All About Trees, removal is never our first option. We do everything we can to preserve your outdoor spaces so they can remain strong and beautiful focal points on your property. However, if we do find that removing an entire tree is the best course of action, we will carry out the job with the utmost care to protect your other plant life.
If removal is necessary, we take extra precautions to protect your surrounding plant life and minimize disruption to your property. Our certified arborists will carefully assess and execute the removal process, making sure your space is restored to its full potential.
If you’re unsure whether removal is the right choice, contact us for a professional assessment. We’re here to help you make the best decision for your landscape’s health and safety.tree removal
What Kind of Trees Can Benefit from Pruning?
Pruning is an essential practice that can enhance the health and appearance of a wide variety of trees, regardless of species, size, or age. From young saplings to mature, established trees, both deciduous and flowering trees benefit from regular pruning. Proper pruning helps maintain structural integrity, promotes healthy growth, removes dead or diseased wood, and encourages better air circulation and sunlight penetration.
Incorporating pruning into your tree care routine can significantly improve the long-term health and vitality of your trees, ensuring they remain strong, safe, and aesthetically pleasing.
If you’re unsure whether your trees need pruning or would benefit from a professional evaluation, contact our team for expert guidance.
Why Only Certified Arborists Should Prune Trees
Certified arborists bring a level of skill and insight into tree care that goes way beyond what anyone else can offer. They understand the intricate biology of trees—knowing where to make precise cuts that promote strong structure, reduce disease risk, and help trees flourish. Improper pruning, on the other hand, can harm a tree by exposing it to pests, creating weak growth patterns, or even leading to premature decline.
Our team of arborists balance both the aesthetics and practical needs of each tree, maintaining its natural beauty while prioritizing its long-term health. By letting a trained expert trim trees in your yard instead of a DIY attempt, you invest in a more resilient landscape that contributes to the environment and your property’s value.
Additional Shrub Care & Tree Services We Provide in Springfield
In addition to expert tree pruning, our team provides a complete range of tree care services designed to keep your landscape thriving. For areas that need extra support, our tree cabling and bracing services offer structural stability that helps them withstand the elements and reduce the risk of breakage.
If you’re dealing with a leftover stump from a previous removal, our stump grinding and stump removal options can clear the area for a smooth, safe, and attractive yard. When it comes to tree removal, our professionals are equipped to handle the task masterfully, protecting your property while creating open space as needed.
We also specialize in plant health care services, focusing on pest control, disease prevention, and overall tree vitality to keep your landscape flourishing year-round. Whatever your tree care needs, our team has the skills and knowledge to enhance the health and beauty of your outdoor environment.
Call About Our Tree Pruning Services Today!
Ready to give your trees the care they deserve? Reach out to us today for expert tree pruning services that will keep your landscape healthy and beautiful. Our team of ISA-certified arborists is here to enhance the natural beauty of your property, promote healthy growth, and ensure your trees look their best year-round.
Contact us now to schedule a consultation—let’s work together to create a safe, thriving outdoor space you can enjoy for years to come!
Tree Pruning FAQS
Can I handle branch removal on my own?
Removing branches incorrectly can harm the tree and create hazards around your property. Our certified arborists have the training and equipment needed to safely remove branches, especially when they’re high up, close to structures, or affected by disease.
Is tree pruning only needed for hazardous branches?
Not at all. Although removing hazardous branches is a priority for safety, routine pruning benefits the tree’s overall health and appearance. Pruning also allows for better sunlight and airflow, which can improve growth and resilience. Regular pruning can prevent disease, encourage healthier growth, and shape the tree for a balanced structure.
Does tree pruning prevent new growth?
In fact, it’s quite the opposite. When done correctly, pruning stimulates new growth. By selectively removing certain branches, we encourage the tree to focus its resources on the healthiest parts, allowing for robust growth. Proper pruning can enhance the tree’s natural shape and strength, and for some species, it can even lead to a fuller appearance over time.
What tools does a certified arborist use to prune a tree?
Certified arborists use specialized tools to achieve precise cuts and minimize harm to the tree. Equipment ranges from hand pruners for smaller branches to pole saws and chainsaws for larger limbs. We also use climbing gear for safe access to higher branches and sometimes ropes and pulleys for controlled lowering. Every tool is chosen based on the tree’s needs and the scope of the job, ensuring a professional finish without unnecessary damage.
How long does a tree pruning service take?
The time needed for tree pruning depends on the size, age, and condition of the tree, as well as the scope of work required. We’re committed to working efficiently while giving each tree the attention it deserves so your landscape is left healthier and looking its best.
