Why trim a tree
- Roof and siding clearance. Branches rubbing the roof wear down shingles, fill gutters and give squirrels a ramp to the attic.
- Deadwood. Dead limbs are the first thing to come down in a storm. Taking them out on your schedule is cheaper than cleaning them up off the car.
- Winter storm prep. Central New York gets heavy, wet snow and ice. Thinning out weak and overextended limbs helps a tree carry that load.
- Clearance over the driveway and lawn. Raising the lower canopy makes room for cars and mowers and lets light reach the grass.
- Structure on young trees. A few good cuts early can prevent a split trunk 20 years from now.
When to trim
For most trees, late fall through winter is a good time. The leaves are off, the tree's structure is easy to see, and the tree is dormant. Dead or hazardous limbs can come off any time of year.
Oaks are the exception. The New York State DEC recommends pruning oaks only between October and February. In spring and summer, fresh cuts attract the beetles that spread oak wilt, a disease that can kill an oak within weeks.
What good pruning looks like
- Cuts are made just outside the branch collar, the slightly swollen ring where a branch meets the trunk, so the tree can seal the wound.
- No more than about a quarter of the live canopy comes off in one season.
- No topping. Chopping the top off a tree causes weak, fast regrowth and often kills it slowly. If someone suggests topping, get another estimate.
Street trees and power lines
In the Village of Fayetteville, residents aren't allowed to prune or top street trees; the village Tree Commission handles them. Branches touching the main power lines along the road are your utility's responsibility. See the town and village tree rules.
Want a price? Call (315) 687-8301 or use the form.