At Enviroscape, We specialize in trimming trees according to ANZI standards, as promoted by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).  We do much more than just trim trees.  We are Lifetime Members of the ISA and work with Certified Arborists to diagnose, identify and eradicate tree pest problems.

We believe a holistic/organic approach to tree health is best.  Therefore, we don’t spray chemical pesticides which can harm you and our precious environment.  We believe natural fertilizers are best.

In trimming trees, our policy is to remove no more than 25% from the tree canopy.  This may be less, depending on the health/vigor/age of the tree.

We believe topping of trees is WRONG and will result in a slow death of the tree which is topped.

For more information on the right/wrong ways to prune a tree, please visit the ISA website on our links page.

MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT PRUNING TREES

MYTH: IF I PRUNE A LOT OFF MY TREES I WON’T HAVE TO PRUNE AS OFTEN

FACT: Actually, it is the reverse. When you prune a lot off your tree (by means of topping or improper pruning) this encourages new growth at the areas where the limbs were cut. Additionally, the tree may send off a flush of growth which is a shock type response to the improper pruning. This will produce more growth which generates a higher need for pruning. So, if your trees are properly pruned it won’t be necessary to prune them more often, the trees will be more pleasing, you will enjoy more benefits from the trees, and you will ultimately save money from not having to prune your trees so often.

MYTH: I HAVE TO TOP MY TREE TO MAKE IT LESS HAZARDOUS

FACT: Topping Creates Hazards. The survival mechanism that causes a tree to produce multiple shoots below each topping cut are anchored only in the outermost layers of the parent branches. Unlike normal branches that develop in a socket of overlapping wood tissues, these new shoots are weakly attached and more prone to failure. The irony is that while the goal was to reduce the tree’s height to make it safer, it has been made more hazardous than before. The way to reduce the potential for hazards in a tree is to have it on a proper tree trimming program and supervised by a certified arborist. Studies have shown that the trees health and structure ability is improved when you prune no more than approximately 25% in any one pruning annually.

MYTH: I HAVE TO PRUNE IT HARD BECAUSE IT IS TOO BIG

FACT: To prune a tree just because it is too big is not a standard practice in the tree care industry. It is important to have your trees checked on a regular basis to ensure they are safe and to identify if there are any needs for a pruning in the upcoming year. A very large tree that is properly maintained provides multiple benefits to you and the community, and depending upon the trees placement it may reduce you cooling cost by up to 15%. Always remember the leaves are a tree’s food factory.

MYTH: IT COSTS MORE TO PRUNE CORRECTLY

FACT: Cost could be relative depending on the company you use. While we recommend that you use a licensed and bonded tree care company that has an arborist on staff, and certified tree workers that perform the work, it should not be more costly as they are professionals and they perform this type of work on a daily basis. If you use an unlicensed tree company you open the door for a huge potential for harming your tree and lowering its value along with the possibility of property damage and personnel injury. We suggest you take your time and shop around, do the research, and find yourself a reputable company you can trust.

Pruning: The Green Way

Free pruning training presented and made possible by the generously donated time of tree professionals:

Ann Barklow, Enviroscape, Mike Garcia and Greg Monfette
Supported by:
The City of Manhattan Beach, Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden, Manhattan Canopy Tree Committee, VOICE and The Beach Reporter

Contact Information:
Ann Barklow, Certified Arborist and Horticulturist, Garden Designer 310-977-4289
a.sbarklow@verizon.net http://www.gardenmagiccompany.com/index.html
Mike Garcia, Enviroscape, Tree and Landscape and Pond Builder 310-374-1199
mike@enviroponds.com http://www.enviroponds.com/
Greg Monfette, Superintendent of the Urban Forestry Division in L.A. and Certified Arborist
310-902-6581 gmonfette@ca.rr.com http://www.ncatree.com/


WEBSITES
Manhattan Beach Tree Ordinance Link
http://www.citymb.info/Index.aspx?page=62
Urban Tree Foundation
http://66.165.117.218/
Ed Gilman, University of Florida
http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/urban_design.html
International Society of Arboriculture
http://www.isa-arbor.com/
Arbor Day Foundation
http://www.arborday.org/index.cfm
Trees Are Good
http://www.treesaregood.com/
Manhattan Canopy Tree Committee
http://www.mbtrees.info/