Maintenance Services

Cabling

Installation of a cable between two opposing leads or trunks to support the crotch below the cable where the two join. Or, installation of a cable between a lead and a limb to support that limb. This helps to decrease the likelihood that a tree will fail in a high wind at the area the cable is intended to support.

Elevating

Increasing the clearance from the ground to the lowest remaining foliage by removal of or trimming up the lower branching. The term “elevate” is often followed by a height in feet to which we will elevate. If the term “foliar” follows “elevate” this means that if a branch starts on the trunk below the designated height, but sweeps up above that height it will not be removed, but secondary branches hanging below the designated height will be removed.

Tree Pruning

There are many different reasons to prune trees; safety, aesthetics, clearance, fruit and flower production etc. We look at each tree individually while working with the client to achieve their desired goals for each tree, while at the same time taking the utmost care in the long term health of each tree.

Shaping

Tree care including tree trimming, tree pruning and tree shaping is an investment that can lead to substantial returns. Well cared for trees are attractive and add considerable value to your property. Appropriate pruning techniques are essential for development of strong tree structure and desirable form. Poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability and improper pruning can cause long lasting damage.

Thinning

Why: To reduce wind resistance on the tree as a whole and on individual larger branches.
How: By selectively thinning the canopy from the top down. If you have doubts about whether or not your trees should be thinned, have Happy Trees take a look.
Where: In the trees surrounding your home and valuables.

 Wind sail reduction is a method of pruning in which the goal is to reduce wind resistance in a tree’s canopy. The idea is that by selectively reducing the number of branches within the canopy, wind will be better able to pass through the tree and the tree will not be blown over by the strong winds that occasionally come to the northwest. Wind sail reduction is also a way to better safeguard large branches withing the canopy. By thinning some of the smaller branches and twigs off the larger branches, there will be less wind force applied to the individual branches, and they should withstand the wind’s forces better. Care has to be taken to remove the right amount of branches and foliage. While too little branch reduction will not produce the desired wind resistance decrease, removal of too many branches and foliage will stress the tree. Typically a correct wind sail reduction will remove 10% to 25% of branches and foliage. If a tree has dense foliage before wind sail reduction, the amount removed will be closer to 25%. If a tree has relatively sparce foliage, and a wind reduction is still appropriate, only 10% or the live foliage would be taken out. On trees with particularly sparce foliage, removal of only dead wood (Dead Wood Pruning) might be a better option than a wind sail reduction. The tree experts at Happy Trees can help you make a decision on the best course of action for your trees’ health and the safety of your home.