1) 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 your estimate may read:

Objective: Rear maple tree has multiple dead limbs over the shed, hazard reduction pruning is recommended

2) Maintenance Pruning

Maintenance pruning (MP) is recommended when the primary objective is to maintain or improve tree health and structure and include hazard reduction pruning

For example, your estimate may read:

Objective: Maintenance prune back yard tree to maintain or improve vigor, health, structure and included hazard reduction pruning

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 branches, weak branches and sprouts (sucker growth).

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 lower branches to provide clearance.

Crown Reduction: 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 or pruning.

Renewal Pruning: Renewal pruning is performed on multiple-stemmed shrubs by removing approximately 1/3 of the oldest and tallest stems near ground level to encourage development of new stems.

Vista Pruning: Vista pruning is selective thinning of framework of 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 severly headed (topped), vandalized or storm damaged.

Young Trees; Removal of select branches to aid in growth and structural development.

NOTE: Due to the threat of Dutch Elm Disease, to Elms, and Oak Wilt, to Oak Trees, pruning of these species will occur only between October 15 and April 1 as per Wisconsin DNR Regs.