Types of Tree Pruning
                     Types of 
TREE 
PRUNING
Tree pruning works along 
with the tree and plant care 
services that we perform.
Some people request pruning 
to shape their tree to fit 
their preferences.
Others use pruning to encourage 
growth or remove dead branches.
The goals of tree pruning determine 
the technique that landscapers use.
Knowing more about each type 
of pruning along with their benefits 
makes it easier to see how 
trimming branches impacts other 
tree care strategies.
Crown Cleaning
This type is a lot like you might 
envision from the name. 
A tree crown is the area above 
the trunk that contains 
the branches and leaves. 
Over time, tree branches can 
die off or become diseased. 
A dead or severely damaged tree 
branch can fall at any time. 
People have also been injured from 
falling dead branches.
With a crown cleaning, 
the landscaper removes 
the potentially hazardous branches. 
This improves the safety 
of your property. 
Depending upon the severity
of the issue, the landscaper 
may do a selective cleaning. 
This leaves the less dangerous 
damaged branches in place to maintain 
the appearance of the tree.
We can perform soil testing to identify 
why a tree has dead branches.
If a nutrient is lacking, 
then we can do deep root 
fertilization to restore 
the tree back to health.
Crown Raising
At times, tree growth becomes 
a problem for people who cannot 
drive or walk beneath branches that 
have grown or drooped too low.
When this happens, you can arrange 
to have the lower branches pruned 
so that the crown begins higher up 
the trunk. 
This option helps to keep sidewalks 
and other walking areas clear 
for pedestrians. 
This can also help you to avoid having 
your tree’s branches rub against parts 
of your property or get hit by cars 
when they extend to the street.
Crown 
Reduction
A full crown is desirable for most types 
of trees, but there comes a point when 
too much fullness is a problem. 
Young trees can sometimes experience 
growth rates that cause them 
to outgrow their space. 
Trees that grow too fast may need 
suppression treatments to divert 
their energy towards maintaining 
their health.
With a crown reduction, the tree 
branches are not completely removed. 
Instead, the landscaper carefully trims 
back the ends of tree branches 
to the main area where growth 
splits off.
A professional pruner carefully selects 
the branches and points to cut with 
the intention of maintaining strength. 
This method allows growth 
to be focused on the interior 
portions of the tree.
It also keeps the general shape of the 
crown while making it more resistant 
to breakage.
A crown reduction can damage the 
tree if you choose the wrong points 
to cut. 
Landscapers rely upon a combination 
of their scientific knowledge 
and professional experience to make 
each cut the most effective.
Crown Thinning
Sometimes, a tree’s growth is detrimental 
to its health. 
The thinning process involves removing 
branches from a young tree to allow 
for more air and sunlight to break 
through the crown. 
Landscapers focus on taking out weak 
or overburdened branches first. 
This procedure has the added benefit 
of helping the plants below the tree 
to benefit from increased sun exposure as 
well.
The need for pruning can sometimes 
be a sign that it is time to implement 
new tree care strategies in your 
landscaping maintenance routine.
Dead branches can be a sign that your 
tree isn’t getting enough nutrients. 
A tree that grows too fast may need 
a plant growth regulator treatment.
Custom Weed & Pest Control has 
been in business since 1989, 
serving the greater Phoenix 
metro area for both residential 
and commercial.
We have teamed up with Tree 
Theory, and offer plant and tree 
care, with customized service to 
meet your specific needs.
• ISA Certified Arborist (WE-3474A)
• Consultation and Diagnosis
• Fertilization and Deep Root Feeding
• 40+ years tree/plant care experience
• 25+ years weed and ornamental pest control