TREES:

Developmental pruning is often the most overlooked type of pruning, but it's one of the most important types of pruning that can be done.  This practice is done within the first ten years of a tree's life.  Any newly planted tree should not be pruned for it's first two years, except to remove dead or broken branches.  A tree needs it's first two years to get over it's planting shock and establish it's root system, so it has the stored energy to fight off infections caused by pruning.

During a tree's developmental pruning stage, our goal is to establish a central, dominant leader, proper branch spacing, and proper structure.  The reason for developmental pruning is to avoid future problems later in the tree's life.  Many people don't think about pruning a tree's branch until it is growing into a structure or an undesirable area.  This can often result in a costly removal which could have been avoided by proper directional pruning during it's developmental pruning stage.  Developmental pruning identifies these future problems before they become a costly mistake.

Younger trees generally respond better than older trees to pruning.  Proper pruning during a tree's developmental stage reduces the likelihood of major limb removals later in the tree's life, which will result in larger unsightly wounds and a higher limb removal price tag.  Older trees can be correctively pruned, but major pruning on mature trees can be avoided by proper developmental pruning.  Developmental pruning is not only one of the most important things that can be done for your trees, but it is also the most cost-effective pruning that can be done.

SHRUBS:

Shrubs can also be developmentally pruned.  After being planted, shrubs generally establish themselves faster than trees, so developmental pruning shrubs can often start the first year they are planted.  We generally follow the same guidelines for developmental pruning on shrubs as you would on trees, but at a smaller scale.  We look for branches that are growing into one another, proper branch spacing, proper structure, and weak branches that could be problematic in the future.  By having your shrubs properly developmentally pruned, you'll allow them to reach their maximum potential without making major future cuts which can often leave your shrub unbalanced and unsightly.

American Landscape can ensure your trees and shrubs are properly developmentally pruned by our certified staff for maximum growth and beauty.

Contact American Landscape to schedule tree pruning today!