Trimming & Pruning

Do you have a tree that is overgrown, hanging over your home or just doesn’t look pleasant? Then you probably need to look at hiring an arborist to tame the tree. When searching for an arborist, it is imperative to hire an ISA certified arborist. One mistake when trimming can cause irreversible damage and in many cases removal of your tree. The International Society of Arboriculture or ISA is a board of master arborists with decades of combined experience which set the standards for the industry. To qualify to take the ISA exam you need to have a minimum of 3 years in the industry, pass an exam and take continued education classes to make sure your up to date on the latest standards.

Second, is to reference the Commercial Contractors Board for an active license to confirm the contractor has insurance and bond coverage. This will also inform you if your desired contractor has any formal complaints or disciplinary actions made over the last 10 years.

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The third point to consider is their best practices. Here at Jacob’s Ladder Tree Tech, we use non-invasive climbing and rigging techniques when we are trimming trees. This means the use of friction savers and blocks to protect the cambium layer of the tree. Cambium is the layer under the outer Bark that is responsible for tree growth and production. We use static rope climbing techniques instead of spurs or spikes that dig into the cambium and create potential entry wounds for disease.

One of our most standard trims is to thin the crown on tall standing conifers (evergreens) to allow the wind to blow through the tree rather than against it. Proper wind flow mitigates too much moisture. Excess moisture can lead to fungal or viral diseases and pests like carpenter ants or others. We also trim weight out of included barked leads/legs–a defect from seed causing a weak attachment point–to minimize the risk of failure. There can be cultural reasons as well, like raising the branches off of structures to eliminate dry rot and pest entry into the house or attic. Some people also choose to have trees trimmed to open up a view or to add value and curb appeal to their property.

We can provide individual consultations to develop the best solution for your specific needs that benefit both you and your tree. Reach out to us for a personalized quote to fit your job today.