Tree Pruning in Seattle: What Every Homeowner Should Know

Mr. Lee here, from Lee’s General Landscaping! I want to talk to you about something that’s important for maintaining healthy, beautiful trees—pruning. Seattle homeowners love their trees, and for good reason. Our city is known for its lush greenery, and keeping your trees in great shape is key to preserving that charm.

Photo credit: Our preferred tools, STIHL Pole Puners HTA 135

Pruning might seem like a simple “cut and clip” job, but there’s a bit of an art (and science!) to it. Here’s a quick guide to tree pruning, plus how we help homeowners like you keep their trees healthy and gorgeous all year long.

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Why Prune Your Trees?

Tree pruning isn’t just about looks—though it does make your trees look neat and well-maintained! Here’s why it’s so important:

1. Health: Removing dead or diseased branches helps trees grow stronger and live longer.
2. Safety: Overgrown or weak branches can break off during storms, damaging your property or putting people at risk.
3. Shape: Proper pruning helps guide the growth of young trees and prevents overgrowth in mature ones.

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Tree Pruning 101 for Homeowners

Here are a few basics to keep in mind when it comes to pruning your trees:

1. Timing Matters

• For most trees, late winter or early spring is the best time to prune because they’re dormant, and you can see their structure clearly without the leaves.
• Avoid pruning in the fall, as this can slow down recovery and encourage pests.

2. Start Small

If you’re pruning on your own, stick to small branches you can easily reach with hand tools. Leave larger, higher cuts to the professionals (trust me, ladders and chainsaws don’t mix well).

3. Cut Smart

• Always cut just outside the branch collar (the slightly swollen area where the branch meets the trunk). This helps the tree heal properly.
• Don’t “top” trees by chopping off the top branches—it weakens the tree and looks awful.

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How Our Pruning Services Work

Here in Seattle, trees face unique challenges. From heavy rain to high winds, our local weather takes a toll on your greenery. That’s where we come in!

Our Process

1. Consultation: We start with a chat to understand your goals. Is your tree blocking sunlight? Are you worried about a branch overhanging your roof? We’ll figure out a plan together.
2. Inspection: We assess the tree’s health and structure to decide what needs pruning and what stays.
3. Pruning: Our team gets to work using expert techniques to shape your tree, remove hazards, and promote growth.
4. Cleanup: When we’re done, we’ll tidy up so your yard looks better than we found it.

What Makes Us Different?

We work with care and precision, always keeping the health of your trees in mind. Plus, we’re local, so we understand Seattle’s unique trees—whether it’s a towering Douglas fir or a delicate Japanese maple in your yard.

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Ready to Prune Like a Pro?

Whether your trees just need a light trim or a more in-depth pruning session, we’ve got you covered. Keeping your trees healthy and safe doesn’t have to be a hassle. Let us take care of it, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your beautiful yard. Give us a call or book a consultation today. Let’s keep Seattle’s trees looking their best—one yard at a time!

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STIHL Inc. has been a trusted name in outdoor power equipment for over 50 years, earning its reputation as a top choice among professionals and homeowners alike. At Lee’s General Landscaping, we proudly use STIHL equipment because it delivers the reliability and precision we need for every job. Whether it’s pruning trees or tackling tough yard cleanups, STIHL’s legendary tools help us provide top-notch service to our Seattle clients every time.