Pruning Specifications

Hazard Reduction Pruning

Hazard Reduction Pruning (HRP) is recommended when the primary objective is to reduce the danger to a specific target caused by visibly defined hazards in a tree. For example, HRP may be the primary objective if a tree had many dead limbs over a park bench.

Maintenance Pruning

Maintenance pruning is recommended when the primary objective is to maintain or improve tree health and structure, and includes hazard reduction pruning. An example here might be to perform a MP operation on a front lawn tree.

Pruning Types:

Hazard reduction pruning and maintenance pruning should consist of one or more of the pruning types noted below:

• Crown Cleaning: Crown cleaning shall consist of the selective removal of one or more of the following items: dead, dying, or diseased ranches, weak branches, and waterspouts.
• Crown Thinning: Crown thinning shall consist of the selective removal of branches to increase light penetration, air movement, and reduce weight.
• Crown Raising: Crown raising shall consist of the removal of the lower branches of a tree to provided clearance.
• Crown Reduction or Crown Shaping: Crown reduction decreases the height and/or spread of a tree. Consideration should be given to the ability of a species to sustain this type of pruning.
• Vista Pruning: Vista pruning is selective thinning of framework limbs or specific areas of the crown to allow a view of an object from a predetermined point.
• Crown Restoration: Crown restoration pruning should improve the structure, form, and appearance of trees which have been severely headed, vandalized, or storm damaged.