The natural shape of a tree is our final goal.
Good trimming lets in light and air and takes out weak limbs before they fall on something. We do crown cleaning, thinning, raising and reduction, structural pruning for young trees, fruit trees, hazardous limbs and storm repair.
We avoid topping and pollarding whenever we can, and steer people away from them. Those cuts make a tree more likely to fail, so we prune toward the shape the tree already wants.
Dead branches, limbs on the roof, a dense canopy, crossed branches or storm damage: that is when to call. Late autumn and winter suit most pruning. Emergency work happens year-round.
What we do
- Prune small to mid-size ornamental trees
- Prune scaffold branches
- Clear branches off roofs, lines and driveways
- Shape trees with Niwaki, Japanese-style pruning
- Trim shrubs and hedges
- Prune fruit trees
Serving Columbia, Washington, Multnomah and Clackamas counties. The estimate is free.
Common questions
When is the best time to prune trees in Oregon?
Late autumn and winter for most trees, while they are dormant. Dead or dangerous limbs can come off any time.
What is the difference between trimming and pruning?
Trimming shapes a tree for looks and keeps it clear of the house, wires and fences. Pruning focuses on health and structure, taking out dead, damaged or weak wood. Most jobs are a bit of both, and we will say what we would do.
How often should I have my trees trimmed?
Most mature trees every few years. Young trees do best with light structural pruning early. We can suggest a schedule at the free estimate.
Can I trim a tree myself?
Small branches you can reach from the ground, sure. Anything near power lines, over a roof, or needing a saw overhead is worth leaving to a crew.
Can you trim my neighbor's overhanging branches?
We can cut up to the property line. It's better with your neighbor's OK, so we can make the cut back at a proper branch collar, which is healthier for the tree.
Should I trim it or take it down?
If the tree is sound, trimming usually solves it. If it is dead, leaning or split, removal may be safer. Send photos with a question and we will say what we would do. We confirm when we see it.