Tree Pruning

Wondering how to tell whether your tree needs pruning? Pruning keeps your trees healthy, safe, and looking their best. Here are the key signs that let you know it’s time to prune:

• Dead or Diseased Branches:  Try to observe dead, damaged, or diseased branches. They should be cleared to prevent the spread of a disease in a tree and enhance its health.
• Crossing or Rubbing Branches: These are the branches that one way or another cross or rub against one another. This can cause wounds to the tree. It can result in diseases and insect infestation. Pruning ensures the avoidance of such issues.
• Too-Dense Canopy: A thick canopy allows for poor sunlight; restriction of air is not good for the tree and the plants around it. Pruning allows for adequate light infiltration through the canopy and, simultaneously, improves aeration.
• Poor Form or Structure: Pruning is one of the most relevant ways of building an assemblage in trees, especially when they are young. If your tree is uneven, then it is very necessary to prune the plants to guide the right structure and shape.
• Branches that grow in wrong directions: When you find branches reaching too close to any structure, power lines, or other trees, it is time they are pruned back so that all possibilities of hazard are avoided.
• Water Sprouts and Suckers: These are fast-growing vigorous shoots starving a tree of its energy. It is important to remove them during pruning to keep the vitality of the tree intact.
• Safety: The branches that hang over the sidewalks, driveways, and above the rooftops may be dangerous for people in many ways. These should be pruned to avoid a lot of fatal incidents and destruction of property.

Pruning frequency depends on the tree’s age, species, and health. Younger, developing trees generally need pruning every 2 to 3 years to shape their structure. As trees mature, pruning can usually be done every 3 to 5 years, and fully matured trees may only need attention every 5 to 10 years. Some fruit trees require annual pruning to encourage fruiting, while evergreens typically need less frequent pruning unless branches are dead or diseased. Regular inspections help determine the best timing, taking into account growth rate, species, and overall tree health.

Overgrown branches can pose safety risks, damage your roof or siding, and even interfere with power lines. The safest approach is to contact a licensed arborist or tree service to assess the situation. They can determine which branches need trimming and perform the work safely, using the right tools and techniques to protect your property and the tree’s health. Do not try to prune large or hard-to-reach branches yourself.

Large branches should be removed if they pose a safety risk, show signs of disease or decay, are damaged by storms, or interfere with structures or power lines. Removing them can prevent property damage and reduce the risk of injury. A licensed arborist can assess the branch and determine the safest way to remove it while protecting the tree’s health.

Not necessarily. Proper pruning is meant to improve a tree’s health, structure, and safety, rather than speed up growth. Removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches can help the tree use its energy more efficiently, but pruning does not make a tree grow faster. Regular, strategic pruning supports long-term health and can prevent problems that might slow growth in the future.

Yes! Winter is actually one of the best times to prune most trees. With no leaves, we can see the structure better, and diseases are less active. Dormant pruning also minimizes stress and reduces mess. We work year-round, weather permitting.

We handle NYC properties of all sizes, from narrow Brooklyn side yards and tight Manhattan rooftops to backyard gardens with limited space. When large trucks or lifts can’t access a tree, we use rope access, hand tools, and portable rigging systems to safely remove branches piece by piece. Our crews are trained in urban tree rigging, allowing us to control heavy limbs even in small spaces. We protect your property by using wooden planks or mats over lawns and garden beds, carry equipment and debris by hand when needed, and clean up thoroughly. For particularly tight areas, we can also use compact all-terrain mini-lifts that fit through standard gates.

Yes, complete cleanup is part of our pruning service. After the work is done, GreenLeaf Tree Care removes branches, leaves, and debris so your property is left clean and safe. If you’d like to keep wood for firewood or mulch, we’re happy to accommodate, just let us know before we start.