Pruning Services

But it isn’t purely about look – these overgrown plants can become hazards to not only people in your own home, but anyone walking or driving past your sidewalk. With so many hedges and trees here in Pacific Northwest, you’ve probably encountered a hedge blocking the sidewalk or a tree with low hanging limbs. The longer a branch grows on a tree, the thicker and heavier it becomes and the lower it hangs. Eventually, this could obstruct the sidewalk and create a walking hazard that could become dangerous but also land you a notice or fine from the municipality. Pruning your trees, plants or shrubs regularly can help keep pathways and sidewalks clear and safe, and also branches in trees high enough for even your tallest of friends to walk by.

However, in Pacific Northwest regular pruning won’t make all your neighbours happy. The privacy and security that overgrown plants, trees and shrubs creates helps unwanted critters and pests thrive. By pruning your garden regularly, you’ll not only create a desirable look, but you’ll also help keep unwanted critters and pests away!

To properly prune your plants, you need to know what you’re pruning, what of the four methods are best for your plant, shrub or trees, and when is the right time to prune. There are over 30 types of street trees, and around 40 native trees in Pacific Northwest alone!

There are four mainly practiced methods of pruning:

1. The Cleaning Method –The cleaning method is the most common method. This is where you are aiming to remove all rotting and dying branches or stubs from said plant. Hence “cleaning” up the shrub or tree, making it look tighter and shaped.
2. The Reducing Method –The reducing method is used mainly to remove the overgrown and up appealing parts of the plant. Your goal here is to reduce all new overgrowth and bring the plant back to its safe natural shape.
3. The Thinning Method – The thinning method is not for all plants and shrubs. The point of thinning a plant is to draw the sunlight into the core system and help provide it with the necessary nutrients to survive. This too helps with the aesthetic of your plant.
4. The Raising Method – The raising method is mostly used on trees, and shrubs that hang over the sidewalk or a neighbour’s fence. It is also popular to use in commercial or industrial areas to protect the safety of passing vehicles or pedestrians.

You should prune your trees and shrubs in Pacific Northwest in mid-summer and winter after the growing season has slowed down. Ideally you want to do it after the plant has bloomed so that you do not disturb it while it is in blooming season.

For all your pruning and other gardening needs contact Wow Mowing Pacific Northwest for a free quote today. Don’t wait on it, we here at Jim’s will guarantee your satisfaction in our ability to keep your property and garden in tip top condition.

Notes: Techniques for the four methods of pruning were taken from the tree identification page from the government of BC, publication called Tree Book.