Healthy trees do not necessarily need to be left completely untouched.
Professional pruning can remove dead, damaged or poorly positioned branches, improve tree structure, manage clearance and help maintain trees as they grow.
Lakeside Trees and Stumps provides professional tree pruning in Perth for residential and commercial properties, with pruning decisions based on the individual tree rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Different tree species respond differently to pruning. Their age, health, structure, growth pattern and the time of year can all influence how and when work should be carried out.
Our experienced arborists can assess your trees and recommend an appropriate pruning approach that considers their health, structure, location and long-term management.
Professional Tree Pruning Services in Perth
Tree pruning involves selectively removing particular branches or parts of a tree to achieve a specific purpose.
That purpose might be to remove deadwood, improve the structure of a young tree, reduce interference with a building, manage a heavy or poorly formed canopy or simply keep a tree appropriately maintained.
Our Perth tree pruning services can include:
- Deadwood removal
- Damaged branch removal
- Structural pruning
- Formative pruning of younger trees
- Crown thinning where appropriate
- Crown reduction
- Canopy lifting
- Selective branch reduction
- Building and roof clearance
- Removal of crossing or poorly positioned branches
- Management of overextended limbs
- Pruning following storm damage
- Ongoing residential tree maintenance
- Commercial tree pruning
The exact work required depends on the individual tree.
Our approach is to first understand why the tree needs pruning and then select an appropriate pruning method.
Why Do Trees Need Pruning?
Pruning can be used for several different reasons.
Remove Dead or Damaged Branches
Dead, broken or damaged branches can deteriorate and may eventually fall.
Removing selected problem branches can reduce unnecessary risk while allowing the rest of the tree to remain.
Improve Tree Structure
Poorly formed branch unions, crossing branches and uneven growth can create structural issues as a tree develops.
Formative pruning when a tree is younger may also help establish a stronger framework for future growth.
Manage Clearance
Branches may begin extending over roofs, driveways, neighbouring properties or other parts of a site.
Selective pruning can often provide the required clearance without unnecessarily removing the entire tree.
Maintain Tree Health
Removing appropriate dead, diseased or damaged material may form part of the overall management of a tree.
However, more pruning is not automatically better. Excessive or inappropriate cutting can place unnecessary stress on a tree.
Manage Size and Spread
Where appropriate, selected branches can be reduced to help manage the dimensions of a tree.
This should be approached carefully, particularly with mature trees, as severe cutting can negatively affect both structure and appearance.
Tree Pruning vs Tree Lopping
Tree pruning and tree lopping are not necessarily the same thing.
Professional tree pruning is selective. Individual branches are assessed and cuts are made to achieve defined objectives relating to tree health, structure, clearance or management.
The term tree lopping is often used more broadly to describe cutting substantial sections from a tree to quickly reduce its size.
Heavy or indiscriminate cutting can produce undesirable regrowth and may compromise the natural structure of the tree.
If a tree has become too large for its location, the appropriate solution depends on the species, condition and situation.
Sometimes selective reduction is possible. In other situations, a different management strategy — or potentially tree removal — may need to be considered.
Our arborists can assess the tree before recommending work.
Types of Tree Pruning
There are several pruning techniques, each intended to achieve a different result.
Deadwood Removal
Deadwood pruning concentrates on removing dead or dying branches from the canopy.
This may be particularly relevant where trees are positioned above gardens, driveways, buildings or frequently used areas.
Structural Pruning
Structural pruning aims to improve the branch arrangement and overall structure of a tree.
It can be particularly useful for younger trees where early intervention may help reduce future structural problems.
Crown Reduction
Crown reduction selectively reduces the height or spread of a tree while maintaining an appropriate branch structure.
It is considerably more considered than simply cutting the top off a tree.
Crown Thinning
Selective thinning removes certain branches from within the canopy while retaining the tree’s overall size and natural shape.
Whether thinning is appropriate depends on the particular species and situation.
Canopy Lifting
Canopy or crown lifting involves removing or reducing selected lower branches to increase clearance beneath the tree.
This may help around pathways, driveways, gardens or buildings.
Clearance Pruning
Where branches are contacting or approaching roofs, gutters or other structures, selective pruning can provide additional separation.
When Is the Best Time to Prune Trees in Perth?
There is no single pruning season that is ideal for every tree in Perth.
The right timing depends on factors such as:
- Tree species
- Age
- Health
- Flowering cycle
- Type of pruning required
- Severity of the work
- Current condition of the tree
Some trees are best pruned during periods of reduced growth. Flowering species may be better managed after flowering. Other trees can tolerate light maintenance at different times of year.
This is why generic advice such as “all trees should be pruned every winter” should be treated with caution.
Perth contains a mixture of Australian native trees and introduced species, each with different growth patterns and pruning requirements.
If you are unsure, have the tree assessed before carrying out significant work.
Tree Pruning for Perth Homes
Trees are valuable features in residential gardens, but they need to coexist with houses, driveways, pools, fences and neighbouring properties.
Our domestic tree services can assist homeowners with individual trees or broader tree-care requirements.
Pruning may be useful when:
- Branches are growing towards the roof
- Dead branches are present
- A tree has become unbalanced
- Lower branches restrict access
- A young tree requires formative pruning
- A mature tree needs professional maintenance
- Storms have damaged particular branches
Where a tree has deteriorated beyond the point where pruning provides a reasonable solution, we can also discuss tree removal options.
Commercial Tree Pruning Perth
Commercial properties often require trees to be managed not only for appearance, but also for access, clearance and ongoing site management.
Our commercial tree services can assist businesses and property managers with professional pruning and broader tree maintenance.
Talk to our team about one-off pruning work or the requirements of your property.
Contact Lakeside Trees and Stumps Today
If you have trees that are overgrown, damaged, poorly structured or simply due for professional attention, talk to Lakeside Trees and Stumps.
We can inspect the trees, understand what you want to achieve and recommend appropriate pruning work.
Call 0408 405 671 or request a free quote online for professional tree pruning in Perth.
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FAQ: Tree Pruning Services
Pruning trees can be an important part of keeping your garden looking neat and healthy. But what exactly is tree pruning, and is it right for your trees?
This FAQ will explore the basics of tree pruning services and answer some of the most commonly asked questions. If you can’t find the answers you’re looking for we invite you to contact us and we’ll do our best to assist you.
What is tree pruning?
Tree pruning is the process of trimming and removing specific parts of a tree, such as branches, leaves, and buds. This is done to promote strong, healthy growth and improve the overall appearance of the tree.
Proper pruning techniques can also help to reduce hazards and protect surrounding structures, such as buildings, fences, and neighbouring power lines.
Primarily, tree pruning is focused on the overall health and longevity of a tree, rather than its appearance, however, there are aesthetic benefits that come with proper practice.
When should you prune a tree?
The best time to prune a tree is during its dormant season, which typically occurs during late winter or early spring. During this time, the tree’s energy is focused on root growth and not leaf production, so pruning will not be as damaging to the tree.
This can vary depending on the species of tree so it’s always worth consulting a professional arborist before you go ahead and start cutting away at the plants on your property.
Who should perform tree pruning?
Ultimately, it’s best to have a professional arborist perform tree pruning if you are not experienced in this field. An arborist has the knowledge and experience necessary to properly prune a tree without any complication or accidental damage. The fact is, if you go ahead and start pruning a tree without any prior knowledge or experience, there’s a chance that you will cause irreparable damage.
We understand the desire to care for your trees yourself, so don’t let this put you off trying it yourself. Just make sure you carry out extensive research and seek advice from professionals before getting started.
What type of pruning should you do?
The type of pruning you do will depend on the type of tree you have. Some trees require light pruning, while others need more rigorous pruning, such as deadwood removal. It’s best to consult a professional arborist before performing any type of pruning to make sure you are using the right technique and the right tools – otherwise, you could end up causing irreparable damage to the tree.
What tools should you use?
The tools you use for pruning will also depend on the type of tree you have. For small, light pruning, you can use a pair of pruning shears. For larger branches, use loppers and a pruning saw. It’s important to use the right tools for the job to ensure the best results so make sure you are clear on what is required before going ahead and attempting to do anything yourself.
What are the benefits of tree pruning?
Tree pruning offers numerous benefits. It can help promote healthy growth and keep trees looking neat and attractive. Pruning can also reduce the risk of disease by removing diseased or damaged branches. Finally, proper pruning can also help to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration, allowing the tree to better absorb nutrients from the soil.
While certain tree species can survive without pruning, for the best results we wholeheartedly recommend considering regular pruning for the trees on your property.
How often should you prune a tree?
Depending on the species, pruning a tree should be done annually, particularly in the winter when the tree is dormant. Pruning in this season helps to regulate the growth of the tree and can help maintain the desired shape.
Remember, do your research and double-check the species in question before making any commitments.
When is the best time of year to prune?
The best time for pruning depends on the species of tree and the climate. Generally, pruning should be done soon after a tree has finished flowering, or in late winter or early spring before any new buds emerge.
Again, consult the experts before committing to pruning a tree.
What’s the difference between pollarding, topping, and reducing?
- Pollarding involves cutting off the branches of a tree at the same height each year to encourage the growth of dense foliage and a uniform shape.
- Topping is the removal of the top of the tree, which results in a rounded shape and reduces the tree’s height.
- Reducing involves cutting back branches that have grown to an undesirable size or length.
Is it possible to over-prune a tree?
Yes, it is possible to over-prune a tree, particularly if too much foliage is removed in one season. Pruning too much can lead to less vigorous growth, and it can even cause damage to the tree if done incorrectly. To ensure a tree is well-maintained, only remove as much foliage as is necessary and be sure to prune correctly with the proper techniques.
Ideally, a professional tree pruning service is recommended to ensure that your tree gets all of the care it needs without any potential for accidental damage.