Pruning

The City follows the pruning standards published by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and best management practices published by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) in the care and maintenance of city trees.  The City encourages residents to utilize and follow the current standards and best management practices in the care and maintenance of their trees.

Pruning is the most common type of tree maintenance but requires knowledge of the way the tree grows.  Pruning helps a tree develop proper structure, controls its size, directs its growth and maintains its health, safety and beauty.  Prune tree to remove dead, damaged, diseased, crossing, and rubbing branches.  For personal safety and to ensure proper pruning techniques are executed, consider hiring a certified arborist for trees greater than 12 feet tall.

Please contact the City’s Arborist for questions regarding street tree pruning at (805) 564-5433.

Pruning Resources
International Society of Arboriculture Pruning Guide- Pruning and tree care information
Plant Amnesty Pruning Guide- Pruning topics and regional pruning guides