Benefits of Tree Pruning
Tree trimming and shrub pruning is important for more than just aesthetics. Some of the reasons homeowners request tree pruning or trimming are:
- Increase property value and visual beauty
- Improve plant shape and appearance
- Provide clearance or reduce interference
- Reduce risk of damage from storms
- Promote plant health and vigor
- Restore a plant damaged by storms, disease, or equipment
- Reduce risk of tree failure
- Improve or alter a view or line of sight
- Encourage flower and fruit production
When is the Best Time for Tree Trimming and Shrub Pruning
Minor tree trimming can be performed on some trees at any time of the year but for major trimming projects the optimal time is during dormancy, late fall to early spring. We often get requests for tree trimming in late winter, when trees can be pruned with less chance of damaging the tree. Spring flowering shrubs should be pruned after flowering. In fact, all flowering trees should also generally be pruned after they flower, in order to promote pollination and to maintain the number of blooms. If they are pruned before flowering, less spring growth of flowers will result.
Regional Considerations
Both Delaware and Pennsylvania experience similar climatic conditions, characterized by cold winters and warm, humid summers. This climate influences the optimal pruning times:
- Winter Pruning: Pruning during the late fall to early spring dormancy period is generally safe and promotes vigorous growth in the spring.
- Disease Prevention: Pruning during the appropriate season helps prevent the spread of diseases, which can be more prevalent during the growing season.
Stein Tree Service Equipment
Tree care requires specialized equipment for most efficient performance and safety. Tree care professionals often have to cut trees from awkward angles, though our spider lift minimizes those situations. For close pruning, we often use a variety of cordless top handle chainsaws, also called arborist chainsaws. These tools are lightweight and easier to control than standard chainsaws. For trimming and shaping, we also use powered long handled or telescoping hedge trimmers. These tools, along with blowers, vehicles, lifts and chippers, allow us to effectively and safely perform tree trimming and shrub pruning and leave the area clean of debris when finished.
Common Questions About Tree Trimming
We hear many tree care questions every day and below are a few common queries about tree trimming and shrub pruning.
Our rates are based on the time, equipment and skillsets required to perform a specific job. Working on a tree in the middle of an open field with no obstacles around would cost less than working on the same tree in the middle of a residential back yard near power lines and growing over a home/deck/shed/fence. We perform a site visit for every job so that when we provide a proposal you know what you are going to pay to get the job done.
In Delaware, electric utility companies manage main power lines, and property owners are responsible for maintaining trees that could interfere with service lines (smaller lines that connect the main lines to individual homes or businesses.)
We offer a fully organic OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) certified line of products along with beneficial insect releases for a natural approach to PHC.
Yes! Stein Tree Service has over 40 years of experience working with companies, property managers, schools, churches and organizations, helping them make a great first impression, minimize injury risk and improve overall safety with professional commercial tree services. Besides commercial tree trimming, some of our commercial services include tree removal and site clearing, right of way clearing, tree risk assessments, fertilization and soil management, and more.
We prioritize the use of organic and sustainable treatments, including OMRI-certified products and beneficial insect releases, to manage pests and enhance plant health without harming the environment.
Yes. Stein Tree Service frequently provides tree risk assessments to homeowners and businesses looking to keep their trees healthy and ensure they pose no risk to their surroundings or people passing by. Our ISA Certified Tree Risk Assessor can also provide professional consulting services to help property owners and property insurers resolve disputes.
Yes, Stein Tree Service does have a certified arborist on staff who is highly experienced in plant health care, which is a comprehensive strategy focusing on the overall health of your landscape plants. PHC involves regular monitoring, preventive treatments, and tailored care plans to address potential issues before they become significant problems. Our ISA Certified Arborist assesses various factors, including soil conditions, pest presence, and plant vitality, to develop customized PHC programs suited to your landscape’s unique needs.
Stein has the equipment to trim tall trees. Our staff is well trained and experienced, and we have bucket trucks and spider lifts that allow us to manage big and dangerous jobs like this. Our compact spider lift allows us to reach trees up to 83 feet high without climbing or moving trucks around in your yard. In addition to our specialty equipment each of our crews can climb trees, without the use of spikes, allowing us to prune trees in very tight spaces that are not accessible by machine. Spikeless climbing is an industry best practice when we are not fully removing the tree as it prevents wounding the tree with the use of the spikes.
We never use spikes or gaffs on a tree unless we are removing the tree. We may use ropes to assist us in lowering large limbs or to swing them away from objects to avoid any damage.
Evergreen trees should be pruned in early spring. This timing allows new growth to fill in and cover the wounds in pruned areas. We may be able to lightly prune lightly during early-summer when they are semi-dormant, but if the work is done in late summer or fall, the new growth that occurs after pruning could still be taking place and would make the tree more vulnerable to winter’s effects.
Tree topping is considered a bad practice that negatively impacts the health and aesthetic beauty of the tree. Tree topping is when the top portion of the tree is removed at a mostly horizontal cut across the canopy. Tree topping causes stress to the tree, lowers its ability to collect sunlight for nutrients, and causes unsightly water sprouts to grow from the cuts.