5 Concerns of Large Tree Pruning (And Why You Need a Professional to Help)

Mature shade trees offer countless benefits to our community, but they also pose unique challenges when it comes to pruning. Reaching the upper branches safely is nearly impossible without professional equipment and expertise. Large tree pruning requires skill, precision, and the right tools to do the job safely and effectively.

PRO TIP: Want to learn more about the importance of pruning in MetroWest, MA? Read some of our previous articles on pruning, its benefits, and when to do it:

• Crown Raising: Why Removing Lower Tree Branches Benefits MetroWest Homes 
• Tree Trimming FAQs: What You Need to Know About Trimming Trees 
• Can Pruning Kill a Tree?
• When to Prune Trees & Shrubs
• Protect Yourself: What Insurance Coverage Should Tree Service Companies Have?

Key Takeaways

• Large trees require specialized equipment and expertise for pruning, as they can’t be safely accessed or trimmed with basic tools.
• Proper pruning of large trees helps reduce the risk of storm damage, decay, and structural issues that could impact surrounding property and safety.
• Pruning large trees takes more time, skill, and caution due to the complexities of safely reaching high branches and handling heavy debris.
• It’s important to hire a tree care company with the right insurance, equipment, and experience to ensure the safe and effective pruning of large trees.

What is Considered a Big or Large Tree?

One of the many perks of living in the MetroWest area of Massachusetts is the stunning, mature trees that thrive here.

A “large” tree, in our opinion, is one that can’t be easily reached or pruned from the ground. While smaller ornamental trees can often be pruned using tools like hand pruners, loppers, and pole saws, larger trees require more specialized equipment. As trees grow, the tools needed to maintain them evolve—sometimes requiring professional climbers or heavy machinery to access and prune the upper branches safely.

Some common tall trees in the MetroWest area include:

• White oaks
• Several pine species
• Tulip trees

FUN FACT: Did you know the tallest tree in Massachusetts is an Eastern White Pine measuring over 150 feet tall?

Why Large, Tall & Mature Trees Should be Pruned

The larger a tree gets, the greater the risk of harm to people and structures around it. Heavy branches extending over structures can break during nor’easters or summer storms. Older trees are more prone to decay, root rot, and other defects that can cause them to fall unexpectedly. And when something goes wrong with an exceptionally tall tree, it can hit a lot of things on the way down.

To minimize the risk posed by these enormous trees, we focus on pruning them to:

• Remove dead or broken branches
• Raise the canopy (where needed) to allow people and vehicles to pass by
• Reduce the weight on long, large, and damaged branches to minimize the chance of breakage.

5 Difficulties of Large Tree Trimming

You may think that “pruning is pruning.” How different can it really be just because a tree is larger than others?

The basic principles and techniques are the same. But pruning a huge tree is quite different from trimming back an ornamental tree. Some of the key differentiators are:

• Level of danger
• Equipment needed
• Time the job takes
• Training needed

1. Getting to the Tree

Sometimes, getting to the section of the tree that needs to be pruned is the biggest issue. Most property owners and even most landscapers do not have the proper equipment to reach anything over 10-15 feet.

In fact, most landscapers only have insurance to work on trees up to 15 feet above the ground.

Professional tree care companies, on the other hand, have the right tools to handle these difficult jobs. Some of the equipment we may use includes:

• Cranes
• Bucket trucks
• Grapple saws
• Climbing equipment
• Rigging equipment

We also have to take into account how to get our equipment close enough to the tree. Confined spaces, nearby structures, and power lines can complicate approaching the tree.

2. Making the Cuts

Once the tree is reached, the next phase of the pruning begins – removing branches. The International Society for Arboriculture provides guidelines on how to trim trees. Some of the goals of pruning large trees include:

• Improving a tree’s structure
• Removing overly-long branches
• Allowing for more light penetration
• Creating better airflow in the canopy
• Removing weak branches
• Removing branches that interfere with structures
• Removing dead branches

With larger and older trees, it’s important to be selective in choosing branches to cut out. Removing too much foliage will harm the tree. No matter the size of the tree, we aim to only remove what is necessary.

Timing is also crucial. The large wounds left behind by large tree trimming can put a tree in danger. Insects and diseases can use these wounds to attack and kill a mature tree. To counteract this, we hold off major pruning for the winter.

PRO TIP: Pruning mistakes can harm your trees, so it’s important to avoid cutting too much at once, making improper cuts, or pruning at the wrong time. Correct technique ensures better growth and long-term health.

3. Maneuvering the Pruned Tree Branches

Tree branches may not look that heavy when in the air. However, branches on mature trees can weigh hundreds of pounds. Letting these branches drop to the ground with no care can destroy things or injure people.

We have to rely on our experience to safely lower these branches. We may use our crane or rigging equipment to bring branches down in a controlled fashion.

4. Dealing with Dangerous Tree Sections

Dead, broken, or diseased branches complicate pruning. But these branches need to be removed to reduce the risk of them breaking off during a storm or from heavy snow. We have to use caution to prevent them from falling while working with them. Anyone without the proper equipment won’t be able to remove these sections without significant risk.

5. Disposing of Large Tree Branches & Debris

Large trees produce a lot of debris after pruning. You may be able to use some of the debris as firewood, while the wood chips can make excellent organic mulch. But you may find yourself with far more wood and chips than you can handle during DIY pruning.

A professional tree care company can haul away the green waste after the job. This leaves you with less mess to clean up and a nicer yard after large tree trimming.

Look for a company with the proper equipment for disposal, like wood chippers.

Pruning Large Trees Can Take Longer and May Cost More

Due to the difficulties and concerns of large tree pruning, it can take a while and cost more. Some of the reasons the price and timetable end up higher include:

• We need more equipment for the job and specialized operators.
• We may need a larger crew on the ground and in the tree.
• Our planning will take longer.
• We’ll work cautiously to protect the safety of our team.
• We have the proper insurance to perform this work.

This is why we always need to see your trees in person to give you an estimate for your tree pruning or removal job. After considering the size, location, and condition of the tree, an estimator can calculate everything needed to complete your pruning job.

What to Look for With a Large Tree Trimming Company

Do you have a large tree? Think carefully about who you hire. Landscaping companies and even some tree companies are not always properly insured for working at heights. If something goes wrong, it can cause financial or legal issues.

Some factors to look for when picking a tree care company include:

• A company with the proper insurance for tree work.
• A company with the necessary equipment (bucket trucks, chippers, cranes, etc.).
• A company that uses proper safety equipment (helmets, ear protection, chaps, etc.).
• A company with several years of local experience in MetroWest, Massachusetts.

Trust American Climbers for Safe and Efficient Large Tree Pruning

Pruning large trees is a task best left to the experts. For most homeowners, safely reaching the upper branches is impossible, and attempting to prune large limbs can pose serious risks to both you and your property. Professional tree care companies have the specialized equipment, experience, and insurance to manage large tree pruning safely and effectively.

At American Climbers, we believe no tree is too large for our team. We understand the importance of proper pruning for the health and safety of your trees, and we can tackle even the biggest jobs with efficiency and precision.

Call us today at 508-497-8628 or request a quote online.