One of the most common statements I here when on estimates is “I have to prune my tree.”  My response is to inquire about why the home owner wants to prune the tree and what his/her goals are?  What they are hoping to accomplish by having the tree pruned.  The response we get at this point is “Well this guy came and told me I had to prune my tree to keep it healthy.” or “This guy said I had to prune my tree to improve the health.” Then comes the best part the actual pruning recommendations the guy made.  The recommendations are usually not in the best interest of the tree or the home owner.  A lot of these guys are sales men or just out to make a little extra money.  The truth is most of the pruning done on trees is for our benefit not the trees benefit.

1. Thinning
2. Crown cleaning
3. Crown raising
4. Reduction pruning
5. limb removal
6. pollarding

These are all things that are done to achieve a goal that we have and are not for the benefit of the trees health. 

There are times when pruning does help the tree.  This is different from improving the health of the tree.

1. Restoration pruning
2. Corrective structural pruning
3. Training when trees are young to encourage good structure.
4. Removal of diseased portions of the tree to stop disease.

The thing to remember is that in most cases pruning does not improve the health of your tree.  It is however an important technique in managing trees in our environment.