Pruning and trimming: your questions answered

When is the best time to prune trees?

If a tree has dead branches or a branch that is a hazard, prune it at any time. Otherwise, wait until the tree is dormant. That is usually late winter for most deciduous trees such as maples, and early spring and summer for most conifers such as pines. This is the guidance on our own site. A tree on your property may be an exception, so ask the arborist. Our guide to the best time to prune in Northern Nevada goes through it by tree type.

Do you top trees?

Topping, which means cutting a tree back to stubs, is not pruning, and a pruning plan should not call for it. ANSI A300, the industry pruning standard, advises against it. A certified arborist plans each job before the crew makes a cut, and you can ask at the estimate what will be removed and why. If a tree is too tall or too close to the house, there are better options such as reduction or removal. Read why topping is not pruning.

What is the difference between trimming, pruning and shaping?

People use the words loosely, and so does our service list, which says trimming, pruning and shaping together. In practice, trimming usually means tidying growth, pruning means cutting for a purpose such as health, structure or clearance, and shaping means guiding the outline of the tree. The estimate visit is where you tell the arborist what you want the tree to do. Our guide on crown thinning, raising and reduction explains the cuts by name.

Full answer: What is the difference between trimming, pruning and shaping?

What is dead wooding?

Dead wooding is removing the dead branches from the canopy of a living tree. Dead limbs can drop in wind or snow, and they are a common reason for a call. It is one of the services on our list, and it can be done on its own or with a full prune. Whether dead wood is a hazard or just untidy is a question for the arborist at the visit. See dead wooding and the guide on what it involves.

Can you prune trees near power lines?

Our service list includes utility and structure clearance, which is keeping branches away from wires and buildings. NV Energy handles its own primary lines and does not clear the service drop to a home, which is the owner's responsibility. You can request line trimming from NV Energy at nvenergy.com/tree. Unqualified people must stay 10 feet from lines up to 50 kV. If a branch is on a line, stay back and call NV Energy. Read about utility and structure clearance.

What are cabling and bracing?

Cabling and bracing add support to a tree with a weak union or heavy limbs. Hardware is installed in the canopy to share the load, and the aim is to reduce the chance of a split. It is on our service list as cabling and stabilization. It is not right for every tree, and an arborist decides whether it fits. Sometimes pruning or removal is the better answer. Our guide on when cabling saves a tree covers the decision.

Can you prune fruit trees?

Trimming and pruning are services we offer, and apple and other fruit trees are common in the yards we visit. Fruit trees are deciduous, so the dormant window applies, which is late winter. The goal of the cuts differs from a shade tree, because fruit production matters. Tell the arborist what you want from the tree at the visit. Our guides cover pruning fruit trees in Reno and Carson City and the apple and fruit tree profile.

Should I call after heavy snow or wind breaks a limb?

Yes, if a broken limb is hanging, resting on a roof or near a line. Hazards can be pruned at any time of year. Stay out from under it, and call 911 if anyone is hurt. If a power line is involved, stay away and call NV Energy first. Emergency service is available 24 hours a day at 775.232.8243. See the guides on heavy snow and broken limbs and hanging limbs after wind.

How do I know whether pruning is enough or the tree should come out?

The arborist decides at the visit, and the answer can be either. Pruning handles dead limbs, crowding and clearance. Removal is usually the answer when the trunk or roots are failing, the decline is advanced or the tree cannot be made to fit its site. A certified arborist assesses every job before work begins, and the estimate is free. You are not obligated to take the larger job. Read about tree trimming and pruning.

Full answer: How do I know whether pruning is enough or the tree should come out?

Do you handle roots, root barriers and sidewalk damage?

Root barriers are on our service list. They are used where roots are lifting a walk, sewer line or foundation edge. Whether a barrier works depends on the tree, the soil and how close the damage is. The arborist looks at the site and tells you what is realistic. Sometimes removal is the answer. Our guides on when root barriers work and roots, sidewalks and sewer lines cover the basics.