How To Prune A Tree

It’s almost November, which means it’s the perfect time to start pruning trees! Late fall is the perfect time for pruning because growing season is over and they have already dropped all of their leaves. Pruning a tree can be done for many reasons, whether it's for aesthetics or safety, but before beginning to prune a tree, make sure to identify the structural branches. The structural branches should never be removed because they are critical to the tree’s overall health. There are three main steps when it comes to pruning a tree.


DAMAGED BRANCHES


The most likely branches that should be pruned are the ones that have been damaged. When pruning, make sure to use a tool that’s appropriate for the size of the branch. Cut into the bottom of the branch, no more than halfway through its diameter; then align the saw to the bottom cut, and cut through the top of the branch. This will prevent the branch from tearing away part of the trunk. Position cuts a few inches from the truck so just a stub remains.


THINNING OUT


Thinning out trees is meant to prevent fungi and help them stay healthy and grow. In order for a tree to grow healthily, it must have free flowing air on all sides. It’s recommended that the crown should be thinned out at the thickest parts.


GIVING SHAPE


After all of the damaged branches are thinned out and removed, the rest is just appearance-enhancing. Be sure not to get carried away, trimming more than a quarter of a tree's crown in a single season can be harmful. All trees have their own "shape"; never force a tree to grow a certain way by trimming it too much.


Let us take the hassle out of the process and prune your trees for you! Just give us a call at (781) 447-0045.


By 7016315488 July 15, 2025
Trees play a big role in the beauty, shade, and health of a landscape, but keeping them in good shape requires more than just watering. Two of the most common services homeowners are familiar with are tree trimming and tree pruning . While these terms are often used interchangeably, they actually serve different purposes. Understanding the difference between trimming and pruning can help maintain healthier trees, improve curb appeal, and even prevent potential property damage. Here's a breakdown of how these services differ and when each one is needed. What Is Tree Trimming? Tree trimming focuses on maintaining a tree’s shape and appearance. Overgrown branches can appear messy and may obstruct sunlight or interfere with nearby structures. Trimming helps control the tree’s size, keeps it looking clean, and encourages even growth. It’s commonly used for aesthetic reasons, primarily for trees and shrubs in landscaped areas. Regular trimming also helps improve airflow and light penetration, which supports healthier plants underneath the tree. It’s typically done once or twice a year, depending on the species and growth rate. What Is Tree Pruning? Pruning is primarily concerned with the health and safety of the tree. It involves the selective removal of dead, diseased, or damaged branches to promote stronger structure and long-term growth. Pruning also helps prevent the spread of disease and reduces the risk of falling limbs during storms. There are various pruning techniques, depending on the goal, such as thinning the canopy, removing hazardous limbs, or shaping young trees for optimal growth. Timing is also important, as pruning at the wrong time of year can stress the tree. Trimming vs. Pruning Trim when the goal is to shape the tree, improve its appearance, or keep branches away from structures and walkways. Prune when branches are dead, broken, or diseased, or when the tree needs help developing a stronger framework. Both services work together to maintain healthy, attractive trees and a safer outdoor environment. Elliott Tree Is the Best Choice for Tree Removal Services in Whitman, MA When it comes to tree care, precision and experience matter. Elliott Tree brings both to every job, offering expert trimming, pruning, and full tree removal when needed. With a team that understands the needs of different tree species and local climate conditions, Elliott Tree ensures trees are maintained safely and professionally. Whether it’s routine care or emergency removal, homeowners can trust Elliott Tree to get the job done right, leaving yards cleaner, safer, and looking their best.
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You may be familiar with different career tracks in the environmental sphere, but did you know there is a specific term for tree care professionals? We’ll explore exactly what an arborist is, when they are needed, and how to join this career track if you are interested! What Is An Arborist? An arborist is a professional who is an expert in caring for trees, shrubbery, and other types of woody plants. Arborists are familiar with all things trees – they are able to assess the health of a tree and come up with the perfect solution for your landscaping needs. Arborists are well-educated in the science and process of tree care, providing recommendations and hands-on management for fertilization concerns, pruning needs, tree removal, or tree health diagnoses. When Is An Arborist Needed? An arborist is required whenever you’re looking to inspect or enhance the health of trees. Arborists are heavily involved in all aspects of tree care, from removing hazardous trees to trimming and updating the physical appearance of trees so they fit the aesthetic of your property. You should call an arborist as soon as you notice any signs of tree decay, as an infected tree can pose harm to you and your property. It is also best to call an arborist if you’re looking for simple services like stump grinding, as they understand the most eco-friendly way to rid your property of unsightly tree-related materials. How Do You Become An Arborist? To become an arborist, you should have a good degree of interest in the environment and outdoors! Having this passion allows you to get fully invested in the world of tree care. Next, depending on which state you’re working in, you may be required to obtain an arborist license. After receiving your license, you can begin applying for jobs or internships to gain real-world experience. It’s always great to have a career mentor, so take the time to research a few tree care companies in your area that you admire and connect with the team to see if you’d be able to shadow them for a period of time. You can become a certified arborist by obtaining an ISA Certified Arborist credential. To do so, you can take online treekeeper classes from the ISA. However, to gain this certificate, you must also have three years' worth of field experience working in tree maintenance. How Do I Choose The Best Arborist? When looking for the best arborist for your needs, one of your best options is to reach out to a highly recommended, local tree care provider with plenty of accessible online reviews. Another thing to look for is certifications. After narrowing down your options, check to see if your arborist shares their company’s certifications on their website. Those who aren’t so willing to disclose may not have the professional background you need to get the best tree care results possible. You should also look for a quality arborist who charges reasonable prices. Request service estimates and compare. Don’t always choose the arborist with the lowest price – if the rate seems far too low, it’s for a reason! Opt for a rate that aligns with the arborist’s clear experience. Elliott Tree’s team of incredible arborists has everything you’re looking for in a tree care company. Our tree services cover emergency removals, stump grinding, tree pruning, and even firewood sales! We take the time to fully inspect the health of your tree, finding the right solution for your needs that fits within your timeline and budget. For service estimates, reach out to us today!
By 7016315488 May 13, 2025
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man cutting tree
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Trees can start to die for a variety of reasons, but some of them can be saved just in time. Trees do not grow tall overnight so if you have a chance to save a tree on your property, it is probably best to do what you can to save it. The more proactive you are trying to save a tree, the better your chances are of being sucessful. This blog will provide tips on how you might be able to save a dying tree. 1. Determine What Is Ailing the Tree The first step to saving a tree that is dying is to figure out why it is deteriorating. Take a close look at the tree and look for fungi growth and other signs of tree diseases.Noticing dead tree branches can also help you pinpoint a problem with a tree. 2. Consult with Tree Professionals If you cannot tell what is wrong with the tree after looking at it, do not hesitate to contact your local tree arborists. An arborist can share their expertise and provide suggestions on how to save it. 3. Prune Your Tree Pruning your tree can provide the tree care necessary to save the tree. When a tree is pruned, branches that are damaged, diseased or dead will be removed. This will then allow your tree to continue to develop in a healthy way. 4. Give Your Tree Some Water Your tree may be dying because it has not received enough water. Humans need a certain amount of water to function properly, and so do trees. If your community has experienced a rain drought, take initiative to water your trees. 5. Add Mulch Around The Root of The Tree Mulch is a material that can boost a trees health and help it retain the moisture it needs. Conclusion Not every tree can be saved, but applying the steps above to a dying tree might do the trick. Tree Services in Whitman, MA Elliott Tree is a tree service company located in Whitman, MA. Our team can provide various tree services to the Whitman community and surrounding towns. No tree job is too big or too small for us because of our cranes! Contact us to get started on your tree service!
By 7016315488 March 26, 2025
Tree climbing can present many benefits and be a rewarding experience. Continue reading below to learn about some of the benefits someone can experience by being a tree climber. 1. Tree Climbing can be a Profession You may have climbed a tree for fun, but did you know that there are people who climb trees for a living? If you enjoy climbing trees and are good at it, you can pursue a career as a tree climber. Tree climbers often work with tree arborist crews. If you are an experienced tree climber, there is likely a tree service company in your area that could use your help or expertise. Experienced tree climbers can also conduct lessons and programs teaching others how to tree climb and make money that way. 2. Tree Climbing Can Help You Meet a Wide Range of People People of all ages can be interested in tree climbing and if you attend a tree climbing school, you will likely see this in person. Attending a tree climbing school can help you meet a handful of people passionate about the same thing you are. Tree climbing also typically involves teammwork so tree climbing can help you develop a bond with others. 3. Tree Climbing Can Be Adventurous If you love adventures and being adventurous, tree climbing checks the box. Tree climbing is a unique experience that creates fun and unique memories. For example, climbing the tallest trees in the world may seem like a pipe dream for many, but experienced tree climbers can make it a reality. 4. Tree Climbing Can Make You A Stronger Person Climbing a tree will require a fair amount of physical and mental strength, so completing arduous tree climbs can make you an overall stronger person. 5. Tree Climbing Can Help You Appreciate Nature If you like being outdoors and the environment, tree climbing can give you a newfound appreciation for nature. Climbing a tall tree can also give you a view unlike any other. Tree Services in Whitman, MA Elliot Tree is a tree service company located in Whitman, MA. Our team of tree experts can offer a variety of tree services to homeowners and business owners in Massachusetts. We are also looking to add an experienced tree climber to our team so if you have experience in tree climbing and would like to pursue a tree climbing career, contact us !
By 7016315488 March 18, 2025
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By 7016315488 February 25, 2025
Handling an emergency tree situation well requires quick thinking, awareness, and the right approach to prevent additional property damage or a personal injury. If you have never handled an emergency tree situation before, your first time handling it may feel overwhelming. This blog will explain ways one can go about handling an emergency tree situation. Assess the Situation Safely Before taking any action in an emergency tree situation, assessing the scene safely to avoid potential hazards is crucial. Make sure the area is safe before you make a closer examination. Start by identifying immediate dangers, such as downed power lines, unstable branches, or leaning trees that could collapse. If neccessary, maintain a safe distance from the affected area, especially if the tree has fallen due to high winds, storms, or structural weakness. If the tree is blocking a road, driveway, or entrance, avoid attempting to move it yourself, as it may be heavier or more unstable than it appears. Consider Pruning and Removal Options Once a tree has fallen down or is about to fall down it needs to be pruned or removed. This step usually requires the help of a tree service professional so do not feel like you have to tackle the task of tree pruning or removal on your own. Once you have distanced yourself from the potential tree hazard, contact a local tree service company. Debris Cleanup Once the immediate tree dangers have been addressed, the next step is safely cleaning up tree debris. Tree service companies can typically clean up the area for you or you can start by removing smaller branches and leaves, using rakes, gloves, and garbage bags to collect the waste efficiently. Larger limbs should be cut into manageable sections to make it easier to get rid of. Consider recycling or repurposing wood by turning it into mulch, firewood, or compost if feasible. Tree Services in Whitman, MA Elliot Tree is a tree service business in Whitman, MA. Our team can provide a variety of tree services and have cranes handy. With our experience, expertise and equipment, our team can handle any tree service needed in the Whitman area! Over our time in the tree service industry, we have handled our fair share of emergency tree sitauations and large tree removals. When a tree is causing an issue on your property, we can help you tackle the problem! Aside from Whitman, we also frequently do tree work in Abington, Hanson, Rockland and Brockton! Contact us to get started on your tree service!
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