Today we will describe in detail what the A 300 pruning standards are about and where they were developed. Back in the late 90’s professionals in the arboriculture industry realized there was a growing need to develop uniform standard levels of service for tree maintenance to help ensure public safety and proper workmanship. Other industries like the electrical industry and plumbing industry have long ago set mandatory safety codes to ensure proper safety and workmanship for the consumer. A professional committee made up of volunteer members tree companies around our country, Europe and Australia worked closely with the direction of The American National Standard Institute (ANSI) to develop standards for tree pruning. The result from many years of work is the ANSI A 300 standards for tree care operations for tree, shrub and other woody plant maintenance. The A 300 pruning standards were written to provide minimal performance standards for tree maintenance. The late Dr Alex Shigo (a leading authority on proper tree pruning) stated “pruning is one of the best things an arborist can do for a tree but also one of the worst things we can do for a tree”. In other words pruning can be considered a double-edged sword, either helping or hurting-depending on where, when, how and why it’s applied.
No tree should be pruned without first establishing clearly defined objectives. A good example would be adding an extra room to your home. Before commencing on such a project, you the homeowner, would have clearly defined goals and expectations of what your dream room would look like.
We will explore seven possible objectives for pruning a tree.
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1. Reduce risk of failure.
2. Provide clearance from objects and building.
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3. Reduce shade and wind resistance.
4. Maintain health.
5. Influence flower or fruit production.
6. Improve a view
7. Improve Aesthetics
Once the objectives for pruning are established we can then make a decision on the type of pruning method that should be employed. The four primary arboricultural pruning practices include crown cleaning, thinning, raising, reducing and crown restoration. Crown cleaning is a basic pruning removing deadwood, storm damage and hazardous limbs. Thinning, raising, reducing and restoration pruning are generally added features that provide an added level of maintenance for the tree. Because trees are unique living organisms, one type of pruning does not fit all trees. Remember, trees are like people, they have feelings also, treat them with respect and you will be rewarded with many useful years from your tree.
Please be advised that Connecticut does require a state certified arborist on staff with any tree company hired for tree maintenance (not tree removal). Contact you Yacko and Sons Tree Service staff Forester / Licensed Arborist Jeff Cowden for your FREE TREE LOOK-UP FROM THE TRUNK-UP! jeff@yackoandsons.com or 203-733-9219
