Q: I've heard the term "Retrenchment." What is that?

Retrenchment is a fascinating natural survival strategy for ancient trees. As a tree gets very old, its root system may lose the efficiency needed to pump water to the very top of a massive canopy. To survive, the tree naturally lets the upper, outer branches die back while keeping the lower, inner canopy alive. It essentially "downsizes" itself to a sustainable size. Our Role: We don't view this as the tree dying; we view it as the tree evolving. We manage this process by safely removing the dead tops (to protect targets) while nurturing the lower "retrenchment crown," allowing these veteran trees to live safely for decades longer.

Question 1

I've heard the term "Retrenchment." What is that?

Accepted Answer

Retrenchment is a fascinating natural survival strategy for ancient trees. As a tree gets very old, its root system may lose the efficiency needed to pump water to the very top of a massive canopy. To survive, the tree naturally lets the upper, outer branches die back while keeping the lower, inner canopy alive. It essentially "downsizes" itself to a sustainable size.

Our Role: We don't view this as the tree dying; we view it as the tree evolving. We manage this process by safely removing the dead tops (to protect targets) while nurturing the lower "retrenchment crown," allowing these veteran trees to live safely for decades longer.

Question 2

How often should I have my mature trees pruned?

Accepted Answer

Mature trees are slower growing than young trees and generally require less frequent pruning—typically every 3 to 5 years. However, they should be inspected annually. Because of their size, a small defect can become a large hazard quickly. Our goal is to make fewer, more impactful cuts that last longer.

Question 3

My tree looks too tall. Can you "top" it?

Accepted Answer

We will never "top" a tree. Topping is the indiscriminate cutting of branches to stubs, which causes decay, starvation, and the rapid growth of weak, dangerous shoots. Instead, we perform Crown Reduction, where we carefully prune the canopy back to lateral branches. This reduces the height and wind sail of the tree while maintaining its natural structural integrity.

Question 4

Shouldn't we strip out the inside branches so wind blows through?

Accepted Answer

No. This is a dangerous myth called "lion-tailing." Trees need their interior branches to act as dampeners—they absorb wind energy and stop the branch from swinging violently. If you strip the inside, the wind catches the foliage at the very end of the limb, causing it to oscillate wildly and snap. We reduce wind load by making the canopy smaller (reduction), not by making it thinner.

Question 5

Can pruning guarantee my tree won't fall in a storm?

Accepted Answer

No arborist can guarantee a tree will stand against nature’s most extreme forces—tornadoes or massive ice accumulation can break even the strongest trees. However, Risk Mitigation Pruning significantly reduces the likelihood of failure. By correcting structural defects and reducing the mechanical leverage on heavy limbs, we change the physics of the tree, making it much more aerodynamic and stable when high winds hit.

Mature Tree Pruning Services

Preserving Your Landscape’s Greatest Assets

Specialized care for large, historic, and high-value trees.

The Stakes Are Higher

Deadwood Removal & Safety

The "No Spikes" Guarantee

Conservative Dosage (Preserving Energy)

Frequently Asked Questions About Mature Tree Pruning

Get answers to common questions about our pruning services.

I've heard the term "Retrenchment." What is that?

How often should I have my mature trees pruned?

My tree looks too tall. Can you "top" it?

Shouldn't we strip out the inside branches so wind blows through?

Can pruning guarantee my tree won't fall in a storm?