Healthy trees are a valuable asset for your property and the greater community. When grown in an urban environment, rather than a forest, most trees require active management to promote good structure and sustainable growth. Schedule a consultation for knowledgeable advice and care for your trees.
Tree133 follows industry best practices for tree care as defined by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and the ANSI A300 standards.
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Improve Structure
Pruning can improve tree structure by developing a strong trunk, improving branch architecture and promoting growth in desirable directions. Proper structure pruning of young trees will minimize future interference with buildings, vehicles, walkways, lighting and more. A tree that is well-structured for the site and intended use will require less maintenance and provide greater benefit for your property.
Structure pruning of young Sour Gum / Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) in Lake Forest Park, WA
Structure pruning of young Sour Gum / Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) in Lake Forest Park, WA
Structure pruning of young Sour Gum / Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) in Lake Forest Park, WA
Clearance pruning of American Hop-hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) prior to site redevelopment in Seattle, WA
Clearance pruning of American Hop-hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) prior to site redevelopment in Seattle, WA
Clearance pruning of American Hop-hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) prior to site redevelopment in Seattle, WA
Clearance
Effective clearance pruning reduces interference with people, activities, infrastructure, buildings, traffic, lines-of-sight, desired views and growth of other plants. Clearance pruning also facilitates regular property maintenance, including roofs, gutters, windows, siding, etc.
Branches causing interference will be reduced or removed to obtain required clearance. Wherever possible, Tree133 utilizes “directional pruning” to encourage future growth in a positive direction.
This pruning includes removal of infested, infected, damaged or rubbing branches to maintain overall tree health. This approach can reduce the spread of pests (such as Bronze Birch Borer) within the tree or to adjacent trees, especially when combined with appropriate pest treatments.
Maintain Health
Inspection and sanitation pruning of Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera) in Seattle, WA
Inspection and sanitation pruning of Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera) in Seattle, WA
Restoration after damage
The purpose is to improve a tree’s structure or appearance after wind/snow damage or prior detrimental maintenance, such as topping or lion-tailing. Restoration is performed by selective removal and/or reduction or branches, sprouts and stubs to encourage growth in a more natural form. The most effective restoration is usually accomplished over several pruning cycles.
Cabling in an incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens)
Cabling in an incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens)
Support Systems
Cabling & Bracing
Trees with known defects can often be preserved through installation of a support system. Common examples include “cabling” to support large limbs or “bracing” rods to reinforce a weak branch union or cracked trunk. Prior to installation of any tree support system, Tree133 will perform risk mitigation pruning to reduce length and weight of tree parts above/beyond the defect.
Each support system is unique to the tree for which is it designed. Tree133 utilizes top-quality cabling and bracing materials that are specially designed for tree support applications. Depending on the situation, we might utilize dynamic (rope-style) cabling with non-invasive strap attachments to provide damping of the upper canopy during wind/storm events. Other situations will require extra-high-strength steel cable with drilled attachments. For bracing applications, we often utilize heavy-duty threaded steel rod above and below the weak union. For very large trees, we have the capability to install multiple rods up to 3/4-inch diameter.
We carefully design each support system based on documented industry standards and careful inspection of your trees.
Storm response for failed Eucalyptus blocking a residential street in Seattle, WA
Storm response for failed Eucalyptus blocking a residential street in Seattle, WA
Storm Response
Winter storms are a fact of life in Washington. Tree133 assists clients with cleanup for trees damaged by wind and snow. Following a storm event, we respond quickly to evaluate damage and address immediate hazards. Additional clean-up can be performed at your convenience. Contact us to learn more about storm response services.
Certified Arborists
Tree133 specializes in the care and preservation of large trees in urban environments. We utilize the “natural pruning system” (ANSI A300-2017) to promote the characteristic form of each tree species or cultivar in its location. This is particularly important for large shade trees. Correct pruning of large conifers and deciduous trees requires careful attention to tree structure, long-term health and resistance to seasonal wind/snow events.
Risk Mitigation
Pruning to reduce the likelihood of branch failure or whole-tree failure is a primary consideration for large trees in urban areas. These failures are influenced by many factors including species, defects, health conditions, site conditions, size and more. Risk mitigation pruning focuses on carefully reducing height and spread of the entire crown or specific portions of it.
Please note; crown reduction for risk mitigation pruning is not the same as “topping.” Topping is simply a term for “over-pruning” of a tree. Topping is an antiquated and highly detrimental practice that causes structural decay and leads to development of poorly attached branches with a greater likelihood of failure. In some cases, complete tree removal may be the only option to effectively mitigate the risk of whole-tree failure.
Wildlife Habitat
This is a consideration with any other objective.Pruning can have a positive or negative impact on habitat. Tree133 strives to educate our clients about the habitat value of their trees and, where appropriate, preserve wildlife habitat in urban landscapes. Watch one of our Arborists create a wildlife snag.
Hazard Tree Removal
We recognize that some trees need to be removed. Some trees present a significant hazard to people/structures and tree removal is the only option to effectively mitigate that risk.
Another common situation is when a property will be redeveloped. While we generally advocate for tree preservation, even the most thoughtful development project may require removal of some trees.
Tree133 has the technical skills and experience to safely remove hazard trees in difficult locations. For larger projects, we often partner with other quality companies for additional equipment, personnel and debris handling capabilities.
Failed Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) lodged against tree house on Vashon Island, WA
Failed Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) lodged against tree house on Vashon Island, WA
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