What’s the proper way to prune a tree?

The best time to prune depends on the species of tree. Some species are susceptible to disease if pruned in the summer, so fall is best. Other species can handle canopy reductions throughout the year. It also depends on how much is being pruned. If it is over 15%, we wait until fall for most species. This is why species-specific pruning is necessary.

Eric Merriman
Owner

Trees are vital to the atmosphere, so it is important to take special care of them – and it is easy to prune too much or prune the wrong areas, causing the tree to stress out, killing off leads or even dying completely. After starting his career doing power line clearance, Eric Merriman, owner of Advanced Tree Solutions LLC, became consumed by the tree work industry, putting time in to study it further. “I did not believe side trimming the trees was the best way to clear the power lines, so I decided I can do it the correct way and please my customers instead of leaving them disappointed with a bad-looking tree,” he says.

Most customers are hesitant to get tree work done because typically they are not home to watch over the progress. When customers put trust into a company to take care of their trees and yard, they should be able to expect good work. Merriman says the most rewarding aspect of his role is when a customer calls to share how thrilled they were with their trees. “Making them excited enough to leave a review is what I live for,” he says.

Before booking a tree service, clients should read online reviews and reach out to the business owner, foreman or manager to familiarize themselves with the company. “You want a professional who is not only knowledgeable, dependable and honest, but can also make you feel comfortable when working on your precious trees,” he says.