Tree Pruning

Strategic removal of dead, damaged, or high-risk branches following industry standards to maintain tree health.

Proper pruning is one of the most important things you can do to keep your trees healthy and your property safe. At Certified Tree Service, we follow Australian Standard AS 4373 for every pruning job. Our certified arborist assesses each tree individually, identifying dead wood, crossing branches, structural weaknesses, and clearance issues before making a single cut. We perform crown thinning, crown lifting, deadwood removal, and clearance pruning — all with the goal of improving the tree's structure while maintaining its natural form. Poor pruning (or worse, lopping) can cause long-term damage. We do it the right way.

Our Process

What to Expect

Inspect the Canopy

We walk the property and inspect the tree from every angle, identifying dead branches, structural defects, weight imbalances, and clearance requirements.

Determine Pruning Type

Based on our assessment, we recommend the appropriate pruning method — whether that is a crown thin, crown lift, deadwood removal, or targeted clearance pruning.

Set Up Safely

We position our equipment, set up drop zones, and protect anything below the canopy. Our climbers use proper arborist rigging and PPE for every job.

Prune to Standard

Every cut follows AS 4373 pruning standards. We remove branches at the correct point to promote healthy wound closure and avoid tearing or damage to the tree.

Clean Up and Review

We chip all pruning waste on site, rake the area clean, and walk you through the completed work so you can see exactly what was done and why.

What You Get with Our Tree Pruning Service

Improves structural integrity

Reduces risk of falling limbs

Crown thinning and lifting

Deadwood removal

Clearance pruning

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between pruning and lopping?

Pruning is the selective, strategic removal of branches following Australian Standards. It improves tree health and structure. Lopping is the indiscriminate hacking of branches — it damages trees, creates hazardous regrowth, and often makes the tree less safe over time. We never lop trees.

How often should trees be pruned?

Most established trees benefit from pruning every 2 to 5 years, depending on the species, growth rate, and location. Trees near houses, driveways, or powerlines may need more frequent attention. We can set up a maintenance schedule that suits your property.

Will pruning damage my tree?

Not when it is done correctly. Proper pruning following AS 4373 standards actually improves tree health by removing dead, diseased, or conflicting branches and allowing better airflow through the canopy. Bad pruning — like topping or lopping — is what causes damage.

Can you prune trees near powerlines?

Yes. Daymian holds a powerline clearance qualification. We can safely prune trees that are growing close to overhead power lines, following Ausgrid and Essential Energy clearance requirements.

Do I need council approval for pruning?

In most cases, you do not need a permit for standard pruning that removes less than 10% of the canopy. However, heavy pruning or work on protected species may require council approval. We can advise you on what applies to your specific situation.