Trees In Urban Environments

Trees provide many benefits for homes and gardens, as well as contributing to property values. As they grow, trees need to be maintained to manage their health, scale and shape to suit the location and available space.

Regular maintenance includes pruning using methods such as crown reduction, or canopy raising to create clearance for pedestrians and autos, structural pruning, and crown cleaning (removal of deadwood). Tree shaping can also be carried out for aesthetic reasons, to enhance the appearance of the tree or to achieve a certain look, such as pollarding or cloud pruning (bonsai appearance).

Trees should also be regularly inspected for health and safety, to identify and address possible hazards such as weak limb attachments, cracks that may affect structural integrity, and infection.