Tree trimming and pruning
Good pruning can keep a tree healthy and out of the way for years. Here's what a trimming job should look like, and what to avoid.
Trimming isn't only about looks. Taking out dead wood, lifting limbs off the roof and fixing weak structure lowers the chance of a branch coming down in the next thunderstorm. It's also how you keep a tree you like instead of paying to remove it later.
Common trimming jobs around Macon
- Deadwood removal. Taking out dead and dying limbs over roofs, cars and walkways.
- Clearance pruning. Raising limbs over the driveway and sidewalk, and pulling them back from roofs and gutters.
- Crown thinning. Removing select branches to let light and wind through without changing the tree's natural shape.
- Structural pruning. Training young trees so they grow one strong trunk instead of two competing ones.
- Ornamental pruning. Careful work on Yoshino cherries, dogwoods and other flowering trees that don't respond well to heavy cuts.
Why not just top it?
Cutting the top off a tree to shrink it leaves big wounds and sets off fast, weakly attached regrowth that's more likely to break later. If someone offers to top a tree, ask about crown reduction or thinning instead.
What about limbs near power lines?
Georgia Power says no one should climb trees near power lines and that its crews prune trees that threaten its lines. The state's High-Voltage Safety Act bars work within 10 feet of a high-voltage line unless the utility has been notified and has guarded against contact. Call your utility about branches in the lines rather than hiring a general crew to cut them.
Is the tree worth saving?
UGA Extension suggests calling a certified arborist if you're unsure about a tree's health, especially when it's near a home where it could hurt someone. Many trees that look rough after a storm can be cleaned up with careful pruning instead of removal.
Price is set by the tree company after it sees the tree, what's underneath it and how a truck, lift or grinder can reach it. We don't quote prices, and any figure given over the phone without a site visit is only a rough starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
When is the best time to prune trees in Macon?
Many trees are easiest to prune while dormant in winter, when leaves are off and structure is easy to see. Dead and broken limbs can come off any time of year.
Can I cut my neighbor's branches that hang into my yard?
Often you can trim back to the property line, but talk with your neighbor first and don't damage the tree. For big limbs, hire a pro.
Related services
More background: Macon tree removal guide.
Water oak over the bedroom, a pine snapped in the last storm, or a stump in the middle of the yard?
Call and get connected with a Middle Georgia tree service that can come look at it.