Good pruning is selective. The goal is not to strip the canopy or indiscriminately shorten the top of a mature tree, but to address specific structural, clearance and deadwood concerns while retaining a functional canopy.
Common reasons to prune
- Remove dead, broken or damaged branches
- Improve clearance from roofs, driveways and structures
- Reduce specific structural defects where appropriate
- Manage storm-damaged limbs
- Improve access and visibility without unnecessary canopy loss
Why we do not recommend topping
Tree topping removes large portions of the crown and can trigger weakly attached regrowth, large wounds and long-term structural problems. Pruning should have a defined objective and use appropriate cuts.
Looking for hedge work instead? See our hedge trimming page.
When should trees be pruned?
The best timing depends on species, condition and the pruning objective. Dead or dangerous branches can require attention regardless of season. For species-specific questions, an assessment is preferable to applying one rule to every tree.
What a pruning visit includes
- A walk-around with you to agree on the goal: clearance, deadwood, storm damage or structure
- Cuts made at the branch collar so wounds close properly, never flush cuts or stubs
- Climbing and rigging so branches come down under control, not dropped onto gardens or roofs
- All branches chipped and hauled away
Common London trees and what they need
Large silver and Manitoba maples often need weak or over-extended limbs reduced before they fail in storms. Ash trees affected by emerald ash borer usually can't be saved by pruning, and dead ash turns brittle quickly. If you're not sure whether a tree needs pruning or removal, our ISA Certified Arborist can assess it.
Clearance from roofs, wires and driveways
We prune branches back from roofs, siding, gutters, driveways and sightlines. Branches near the service wire to your house can be addressed; lines on poles along the street are the utility's responsibility, so call your local utility for those.
Frequently asked questions
How often should trees be pruned?
It depends on the species, age and goal. Many mature trees only need attention every few years, while dead or broken branches should be dealt with as soon as they appear.
Will pruning hurt my tree?
Proper pruning with correct cuts helps a tree. Topping or removing too much of the canopy at once is what causes damage, which is why we don't do it.
Can you prune a tree that hangs over from my neighbour's yard?
In Ontario you can generally trim branches back to the property line. We recommend talking to your neighbour first, and we won't cut in a way that harms the tree.
Serving homeowners and businesses across London, Ontario. See our London tree service page for areas we cover, recent London jobs and permit information.