| Minneapolis has been nationally acknowledged as a | | | | important elementary step to proper and |
| Tree City Since 1979 (National Arbor Day | | | | proactive tree maintenance. May of the problems |
| Foundation). One of the characteristics of | | | | trees develop in later years could have been |
| Minneapolis is its beautiful urban forest, which | | | | easily avoided if properly pruned and shaped when |
| constitutes over 26 percent of the countryside, a | | | | young. Pruning in young ones also encourages |
| canopy of green in summer, and brilliant flaming | | | | healthy branch formation and will require far less |
| red and orange in fall. Tree service and tree | | | | maintenance in the long run. For example, when |
| removal therefore, plays a vital role in responsible | | | | pruning, many future problems can be avoided by |
| and continuous maintenance in the area. | | | | cutting away weak branches, or directing growth |
| No one will argue that gardens are a perennial | | | | away from potential future hazards such as |
| source of pleasure, enjoyment and relaxation. | | | | buildings. |
| Large trees are usually the focus of the garden, | | | | Maintaining Mature Trees |
| providing shade in summer, and a place where | | | | When pruning or shaping mature plants, there are |
| children can climb, explore and live out their | | | | a number of aspects to consider. For example, |
| fantasies. Those in the garden, however, need | | | | the species of tree, its growth habits, its situation, |
| constant and responsible maintenance as trees, | | | | the time of season, and its age. Mature plants are |
| while undoubtedly an endless source of majestic | | | | not as responsive to pruning as young ones. |
| and often breathtaking beauty, can also pose a | | | | When in doubt, it may be best to consult with a |
| very real threat to both people and property. | | | | professional arborist to ensure that the tree is |
| Few people may realize that tall ones in the | | | | preserved rather than damaged while ensuring |
| garden need constant, responsible and specialized | | | | safety and proper health. |
| care. If not properly monitored and regularly | | | | Removing Dead Trees |
| pruned, they may quickly grow out of control and | | | | It is always a source of regret when a mature |
| not only become unsightly, but also pose a | | | | tree needs to be cut down or removed. But very |
| potential danger to family, neighbors and property. | | | | often this becomes a necessity when it poses a |
| For example dead ones, or trees with large dead | | | | threat to property, or parts of it have died, or |
| branches that are allowed to rot, will eventually | | | | the tree is dead altogether. Anyone without |
| tear off or fall over (usually in high winds and | | | | proper knowledge, equipment or expertise should |
| storms) and can damage overhead power lines, | | | | not attempt to cut down or remove mature |
| neighbors' fences or property, and, in the worst | | | | trees themselves. This is definitely a job for |
| scenario, people. | | | | specialists, as some large ones can be extremely |
| Here are some of the basic maintenance rules for | | | | risky to remove (especially in urban areas) due to |
| mature garden trees: | | | | their proximity to people, power lines and |
| Structural Pruning of Young Trees | | | | property. Very often cranes have to be used in |
| Structural pruning when they are young is an | | | | the case of dangerous tree removals. |