The knowledge and craft of arborists have been honed for millennia, but recent advancements in the field have uprooted old practices that rely on manual labor. New techniques and technologies have made this ancient skill safer, more efficient, and eco-friendlier.
Here are some of the latest techniques in tree trimming and pruning:
Drones for inspections
Identifying what tree sections require attention is the first step towards maintaining or curing it. However, it’s difficult to inspect the branches and foliage of larger trees from the ground, and getting an up-close look can be dangerous and require highly specialized equipment and experience.
Drones have made this process much safer. Remote-controlled drones outfitted with high-resolution cameras can inspect sections of tall trees and deliver a real-time image or even a 3D model to technicians safe on the ground. The lack of setup equipment also greatly speeds up the process and reduces costs.
Better machinery for access
While drones greatly speed up surveying, the tree still needs to be scaled by technicians for cleaning or cutting. Cranes and aerial lifts allow arborists to reach problematic areas that would otherwise be dangerous or inaccessible by climbing the tree. These machines quickly elevate arborists to hard-to-access sections while keeping the tree structurally intact and people safe.
Advancements in cutting technology
Manual pruning using more traditional hand tools might work for smaller trees and shrubs, but larger trees require more heavy-duty equipment. Specialized cutting equipment such as pruning saws and chainsaws can tackle branch and foliage removal, pruning, and trimming on taller trees.
Modern chainsaws and pruning saws are far faster than previous iterations. They also make the process of pruning and felling trees more precise. These improvements mitigate the potential damage to the surroundings and allow technicians more control over the process.
However, this equipment still needs to be handled carefully. Don’t try to remove tree branches yourself; consult a professional tree service to get the job done safely.
Conscientious crown pruning
While crown pruning prevents trees from encroaching on their environment, modern techniques have surpassed simple cutting. A new understanding of how the tree grows after pruning allows the process to adapt to each tree’s circumstances while promoting tree health.
The most common techniques are crown thinning, cleaning, reduction, and raising. Each has become widespread in the industry due to its effectiveness during specific stages of a tree’s life.
However, it takes a professional tree service technician to recognize what method works best for any tree, ensuring the process goes smoothly and delivers the best results.
Sustainability
Trees (or timber) have always been a valuable resource and are the backbone of various industries, but removed branches and trimmings from landscaping were commonly discarded. Increased awareness of waste and the necessity for sustainability in every industry have changed that.
Maintain the trees
Practices such as repurposing the removed tree parts are quickly becoming the standard. Furthermore, replanting after removal ensures the ecosystem’s continuity.