Tree & Shrub Shaping

If you want to ensure the shrubs and trees on your property look their best, the All Season Tree Service team can help. Our experienced arborists provide tree-shaping and shrub-shaping services for residential and commercial customers in Edmonton and the surrounding areas. In addition to boosting your property’s curb appeal, this regular maintenance will help keep your trees and shrubs healthy for years. Contact us today to request a free estimate or to book a service call!

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TREE SHAPING SERVICES

Tree shaping isn’t simply an artistic expression; it’s a science. You can’t start lopping off branches without considering a few things. For example, all trees are genetically programmed for a certain profile, height, width and branching pattern. In addition, each tree species has its own optimal time of year to be shaped. For example, shaping certain species during their winter dormancy period can result in quick, lush growth come spring.

At All Season Tree Service, our arborists will only make cuts that support the natural features of your trees to preserve their health, longevity and natural character. Working with our team lets you express your personality and improve your property’s curb appeal while keeping your landscaping lush and healthy.

Having your trees and shrubs shaped regularly ensures excess limbs and foliage don’t weigh down the plant and diminish its beauty. In addition, shaping can prevent your trees and shrubs from beginning to lean or fall as they age. This is crucial to keeping your property safe and preventing damage.

Finally, if you want to add value to your home or business and make it look more inviting, beautifully shaped trees and shrubs are the way to go. As a homeowner, you’ll be the envy of the neighbourhood, and as a business owner, you’ll make a great first impression on your customers.

SHRUB SHAPING SERVICES

In general, shrub shaping can be viewed as a straightforward task. However, practicing restraint and not taking too much off the plant can be difficult. This is a problem because removing too much growth in one shot can actually stunt the plant’s growth or kill it outright. When shaping a shrub, it’s important to distinguish between primary, secondary, tertiary and new leaf growth, as these are essential to the plant’s health and longevity.

At All Season Tree Service, our arborists have the tools and training to carefully shape your shrubs to complement their natural growth pattern. They consider each shrub’s unique features to help it maintain strong stems and healthy foliage.

Additionally, highly stylized shaping such as bonsai, pollarding and topiary requires a keen eye for detail and should be left to experienced professionals.

Shaping trees and shrubs is an essential part of landscape maintenance, and it involves pruning and trimming to achieve the desired form and size. Proper shaping enhances your garden's aesthetics, promotes plant health, and encourages new growth. Here are some tips on how to shape trees and shrubs effectively:

• Know the species: Different trees and shrubs have distinct growth patterns and requirements. Understanding the specific species you have will help you determine the best pruning techniques and the ideal time to prune.
• Timing: Pruning at the right time is crucial. Pruning should be done after flowering trees and shrubs bloom. Late winter or early spring (dormant season) is generally the best time to prune deciduous trees. Evergreen trees can be pruned in late winter or early spring as well, but avoid late summer or fall pruning, as it may encourage new growth that won't harden before winter.
• Use the right tools: Invest in good-quality pruning tools. These include hand pruners, pruning saws and loppers. Clean and sharpen them regularly to ensure clean cuts that promote plant healing.
• Start with dead or diseased wood: Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. These should be your top priority, as they can negatively impact the tree or shrub's overall health.
• Prune for structure: Aim to create a well-balanced, open canopy that allows sunlight and air circulation to reach all plant parts. Remove crossing branches, crowded growth, and any branches that grow inward towards the plant's center.
• Consider the natural shape: Work with the tree's or shrub's natural growth habit. Avoid excessive pruning that could harm the plant or unattractively alter its natural shape.
• Avoid over-pruning: Never remove over one-third of the plant's foliage in a single season. Over-pruning can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to diseases and pests.
• Prune strategically: Focus on the tips of branches and make clean cuts just over a node or lateral branch. This encourages new growth in the right direction.
• Step back and evaluate: Step back frequently to assess your progress from different angles as you shape the tree or shrub. This will help you avoid over-pruning and maintain a balanced appearance.
• Practice safety: If you need to use a ladder to reach higher branches, ensure that the ladder is stable and that someone is around to help stabilize it if required. Wear appropriate security and safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection.
• Mulch and water: After pruning, apply mulch around the tree/shrub base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Water the plant adequately, especially during dry periods, to aid recovery and new growth.

Remember that shaping trees and shrubs is an ongoing process. Regular maintenance and shaping will help keep your landscape healthy and beautiful. If you are unsure how to prune a specific tree or shrub, call All Season Tree Service!