Find the Best Tree Pruning Pros Near You

The addition of trees near our homes or in our community lets us enjoy nature and its benefits in an everyday environment. Trees give us shade when the sun is at its peak, and also give us a cool breeze in a hot and humid afternoon. But before deciding to add these majestic plants in your community or homes, there are a few responsibilities that you must know and do to keep your trees healthy and strong.

First, pick the right tree for your area and find the best place where to plant them, somewhere with enough sunlight and space for when they grow bigger. Properly water your trees and give them mulch and fertilisers to moisturise soil and encourage healthy growth. Pruning your trees is also an important job when your trees have grown a considerable height.

Unlike in our forests, the trees in our streets or homes don't have much freedom when spreading their branches. You must ensure that the trees in your yard are not close to any streetlights, electrical lines, and most especially that they are not blocking any traffic views. Old and diseased trees with dead and weak branches are also potential hazards in a community.

Pruning trees is the answer to your problems as they make them stronger and healthier. This is because the dead and weak branches pruned will make way for the growth of new and healthier limbs. For your landscape goals, pruning can help you create and maintain your vision of an ideal yard. Your trees can be pruned in ways that will encourage flowering and fruiting. It can also shape your tree into specific forms and control its size.

Usually, tree pruning only needs to occur every 3 to 5 years, but it depends on the type, size, and health of the trees. Anytime between the changing of leaves in Autumn and the blooming of flowers in spring is the best time to prune trees. During these times, trees are in a dormant state. Their growth is halted, and with the temperature dropping, this creates the ideal setting for tree pruning. Do not prune when new growth has started because this will limit the potential of the tree.

For smaller branches, it is important to remember that your pruning efforts will encourage new growth. Only cut about ¼ inch tree limb above a bud facing the outside of the tree. This will now become the direction for the new growth. And to prevent water damage and disease, your cut must be at a 45-degree angle.

For thicker branches, there are three basic cuts to follow. The first cut will be done halfway through the branch and is approximately 18 inches up the underside of it. The second cut will be at the top side of the branch and an inch further out from the first. Cut it down carefully until the branch finally breaks free. The final cut will be at the outside of the branch collar on your tree trunk. Do not leave a stub. Just like in smaller branches, your complete cut must also be at a 45-degree angle to prevent water damage and to encourage a rapid formation of the callus - a tissue formed around the edges of a tree wound that is essential to the health of a tree.

Pruning trees will address some safety concerns when it comes to low hanging branches near electrical lines or weak limbs threatening to fall. It also reduces the mess caused by leaves or unwanted fruits. Sunlight will also increase around the area covered by the trees. Finally, pruning is essential for the tree's health as it promotes new growth of stronger and healthier branches.

Tree trimming and pruning are done at separate times of the year. While trimming promotes the healthy growth of your trees, pruning is done to remove unnecessary branches. They also use different types of equipment such as strong shears and saws for pruning and shears, trimmers, and sometimes saws for trimming.

There are five factors to consider in tree pruning costs. They are the tree's size; the truck diameter; the number of branches and spread; access to the tree and; the number of obstacles near and around the tree. On average, tree pruning services can range from $250 to $500 for small trees, $450 to $700 for medium trees, $800 to $1,200 or more for large trees, and up to $3,000 for trees that reach 24 m in height.

Additional costs may apply for emergency services, removal of substantial amounts of debris, or the use of specialized equipment. It's best to get multiple quotes from local providers to find a service that fits your budget and meets your needs. It is also recommended to enquire with multiple different tree pruning companies in your area for a more accurate estimate or ask iseekplant to get you the best quote.

iseekplant has a nationwide network of quality tree pruning companies operating in all Australian capital cities from Brisbane to Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne to Darwin, Perth and Adelaide. We also offer tree pruning solutions in all major towns and cities from Cairns down to the Gold Coast, Newcastle, Ballarat, Geelong and Hobart.

For your tree pruning project, check out iseekplant and our nationwide network of suppliers. iseekplant's get a quote tool is the easiest way to get a quote for tree pruning in your area. You can also contact us on 1300 691 912 or by email at projects@iseekplant.com.au.

The optimal time for tree pruning varies with tree species and climate. Generally, late winter (July to August) or early spring (September, October), when trees are dormant but before they start new growth, is ideal. This timing allows trees to heal quickly and minimises stress. Pruning flowering trees right after they bloom ensures flowering isn't affected. Avoid pruning in late fall, as cuts heal slower during this period.

If you observe dead, broken or diseased branches, trees may need pruning. Overlapping or crowded branches, branches rubbing against each other or unusual growth patterns are other signs. If the tree's canopy appears dense and light penetration is reduced, it's an indication for pruning. Additionally, the presence of suckers or water sprouts signals a need for pruning.

When pruning a tree, it's essential to not remove more than 25% of the crown in a single pruning session to avoid stressing or killing the tree. The goal is to maintain the tree's structural integrity and health. Cuts should be made just outside the branch collar to encourage proper healing.

Over-pruning can lead to a weakened defence against pests and diseases and potentially result in the tree's death. Always consider the tree's age, species, and health condition before making significant cuts, and when in doubt, consult a professional arborist.

Trimming a tree yourself requires careful planning and the right tools, such as pruning shears for small branches, loppers for medium branches, and a pruning saw for larger limbs. Before you start, identify which branches need removing and then follow these steps:

1. Focus on dead, diseased or overhanging branches that pose a risk.
2. Make clean cuts just outside the branch collar to promote healing and avoid leaving stubs that could lead to decay.
3. Don’t remove more than 25% of the tree's canopy in a single year to prevent stress and potential health issues.

While DIY tree trimming can be manageable for small tasks, larger trees or more complex pruning jobs require hiring professional tree pruning specialists. Specialists have the experience, tools and knowledge to ensure they do the job safely and effectively, protecting both the tree's health and your property. For professional assistance, explore iseekplant's extensive network of tree pruning experts to find the right service for your needs.

The best time to prune trees is generally during their dormant or cooler months, which reduces stress, limits sap loss, and lowers the risk of disease or pest infestation.

Key considerations:

• Dormant season (late autumn to early spring): Ideal for most deciduous trees as they are not actively growing.
• Avoid peak growth or flowering: Pruning during active growth or blooming can reduce vigour, affect flowers, and increase sap bleeding.
• Species-specific timing: Some native or flowering trees have optimal pruning periods unique to their biology—consult an arborist for guidance.
• Weather conditions: Dry, calm days are safest for operators and prevent fungal infections in fresh cuts.

Pruning at the right time helps maintain tree health, promote strong growth, and improve overall safety and appearance.

Arborists may charge either per hour or per tree, depending on the scope and complexity of the work.

Common pricing approaches:

• Per hour: Typically used for general pruning, small jobs, or when multiple trees are involved. Rates vary based on tree size, location, and arborist experience.
• Per tree: Often applied for larger trees, tree removal, or complex jobs that require specialised equipment and planning. The fee reflects the tree’s size, species, location, and difficulty.

Additional costs may include equipment hire, disposal of timber, or council permit fees, so it’s best to get a detailed written quote before work begins.

Trees should generally be pruned every 2–5 years, depending on the species, growth rate, and purpose of pruning. Regular pruning maintains tree health, improves structure, and reduces safety hazards.

Guidelines for pruning frequency:

• Fast-growing trees: Every 1–2 years to control size, shape, and remove weak or crowded branches.
• Medium-growth trees: Every 2–3 years for general maintenance and health.
• Slow-growing or mature trees: Every 3–5 years, unless safety or disease issues arise.
• Specific needs: Trees may require additional pruning after storms, damage, or to clear structures, pathways, or power lines.

Consult a qualified arborist for species-specific advice, as some native or flowering trees have unique pruning requirements.