Tree Pruning
Abita Springs, Bush, Covington, Folsom, Goodbee, Hammond, Madisonville, Mandeville, Pearl River, Ponchatoula, Robert, Slidell and St. Tammany Parish
Proper tree pruning helps maintain your landscape’s health, safety, and appearance. At R M Tree Care, we provide pruning services tailored to each tree’s needs. Whether improving structure, removing hazardous branches, or promoting healthy growth, our team follows industry standards so your trees remain strong and well-maintained. Contact us today for a free estimate.
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Tree Pruning Service
Healthy, well-pruned trees contribute to a safer and more attractive property. Over time, unchecked growth can lead to structural problems or create risks during severe weather. At R M Tree Care, we take a thoughtful approach to tree pruning—addressing each tree’s specific condition with precision and care. Our skilled team uses proven techniques to support long-term strength and stability, from shaping young trees to correcting overgrowth.
Why Tree Pruning Matters
Pruning isn’t just about appearances; it helps guide proper growth, remove potential hazards, and support the long-term health of your trees. Strategic cuts allow light and air to reach the canopy, reducing the risk of breakage and minimizing disease. We evaluate the condition and location of each tree to determine the most suitable pruning approach, helping to keep your property safe and beautiful.
When is the Best Time to Prune?
Timing depends on the species and purpose. Most trees benefit from pruning during the dormant season, typically late winter or early spring, while some flowering trees are best pruned after they have bloomed. We’ll help you determine the proper schedule for your specific trees and goals.
Types of Pruning We Offer
We provide a full range of pruning services designed to meet different tree needs and seasonal conditions, including:
- Deadwood Removal – Eliminates dead or dying limbs to prevent hazards
- Canopy Thinning – Improves airflow and reduces weight on large limbs
- Canopy Raising – Clears lower branches to improve clearance for walkways, driveways, or views
- Canopy Reduction – Reduces height or spread without compromising tree health
- Structural Pruning – Encourages strong, well-formed growth in younger trees
- Storm Prep Pruning – Prepares trees to better withstand severe weather
Trees We Commonly Prune
Our pruning services cover a wide variety of tree types, including:
Live Oaks, Crepe Myrtles, Red Maples, Sweetgums, Water Oaks, Bradford Pears, Pecan Trees, Pine Trees, River Maples, and more.
Our Pruning Process
Every job starts with a walk-through and tree assessment. We consider the tree’s species, age, structure, and surrounding environment to plan the right cuts. From there, we use safe, precise techniques to protect both the tree and your property. After pruning, we clean up all debris so your landscape is left in top condition.
Dormant Pruning: January to Mid-February
While many trees benefit from late winter/early spring pruning, a strategic period known as Dormant Pruning typically runs from January to mid-February.
During this time, the absence of leaves offers the arborist Improved Structure visibility to assess the tree’s complete structure, making it easier to identify and remove dead, damaged, or problematic branches with precision. This leads to Optimal Tree Health because pruning during dormancy minimizes stress on the tree and reduces the risk of insect infestation and disease spread, as many pests and pathogens are inactive in the cold. It also allows the tree to focus its energy on healing cuts and producing vigorous new growth come spring. Additionally, this service can be Cost-Effective; with deciduous trees being leafless during this time, it often reduces the labor and clean-up time required, which can make pruning costs more affordable for you.
Trees Ideal for Dormant Pruning
Dormant pruning is perfect for trees that shed their leaves, offering arborists a clear view of the entire branch structure and minimizing the risk of disease spread while the tree is resting.
In addition to Crepe Myrtles and Wax Myrtles (especially for heavy shaping or size reduction), we highly recommend dormant pruning for the following common species:
Shade and Ornamental Trees
- Oak Trees: Pruning while dormant is crucial to reduce the risk of spreading deadly diseases like Oak Wilt.
- Maple Trees: Dormant pruning minimizes stress and encourages vigorous spring growth. (Note: Some maples may exhibit “bleeding” or sap flow, but this doesn’t harm the tree).
- Elm Trees: Pruning in winter helps prevent the spread of Dutch Elm Disease.
- Ash Trees
- Crabapple Trees: Best pruned when dormant to avoid certain fungal diseases.
- Hawthorne
- Birch Trees
Fruit Trees
Dormant pruning is generally the standard for fruit trees, as it helps shape the canopy for optimal sunlight, improves air circulation, and stimulates new growth that will bear fruit.
- Apple
- Pear
- Plum
- Peach
- Cherry (Best to wait until after leaf-out for stone fruits in some regions, but generally suitable for late winter pruning).