Pruning

Pruning trees is often done to manage tree structure by developing the tree's trunk and branch architecture. One important reason is to also reduce risk. Hazards may exist such as broken limbs, dead branches and weak branch unions that could fail.

Whilst working to the highest pruning standards in the industry, and in close communication with our clients, we are able to offer tree canopy reductions and building clearance. We are often contracted to remove the lower branches to increase sunlight into the lower garden and can offer a full tree thin which enhances the trees growth and vigor whilst maintaining its natural structural form.

Before: A Common Beech (Fagus Sylvatica) planted in close proximity to a retaining wall and an adjoining cycle path. The tree was first earmarked for removal but was later pruned for a canopy thin and reduction. A responsible arborist will follow th…

Before: A Common Beech (Fagus Sylvatica) planted in close proximity to a retaining wall and an adjoining cycle path. The tree was first earmarked for removal but was later pruned for a canopy thin and reduction. A responsible arborist will follow the ANSI 300 guidelines and never remove more than one quarter of a trees live growth.

After: Once pruned effectively, the tree will continue to show natural form and its over all shape change will be subtle on the eye. This Beech tree had a 4 feet spread reduction and 12 feet height reduction. The tree continues to add aesthetic valu…

After: Once pruned effectively, the tree will continue to show natural form and its over all shape change will be subtle on the eye. This Beech tree had a 4 feet spread reduction and 12 feet height reduction. The tree continues to add aesthetic value to the sea wall and remains in good health, Tree Location: East of Burrard bridge on the sea wall, Vancouver. Canada

Tree planting

At Peak Trees we have a complex understanding in the science of planting trees. We can advise on a suitable species for your space, and needs, whilst following through with sourcing from a respectable nursery, delivery and final installation. This includes some very satisfied residential and commercial clients throughout Vancouver and UBC. All trees we plant are held with  2/3 tree stakes and certified tree safe Arbortie to retain structural support. 

fruit tree pruning

This is a specialist form of pruning often not within the scope of many trained arborists. Luckily at Peak Trees we have vast experience in fruit tree pruning and pride ourselves on an intricate knowledge of fruit tree needs and pruning standards. Fruit trees are primarily grown for the production of fruit, and to maintain high fruit yields, should be pruned annually. This process requires experience and a specific knowledge in pruning methods. Pruning should ideally take place in the Spring or early Summer, or after the fruit yield. Pruning aims to encourage air flow within the tree to reduce the chances of infection whilst also maintaining the trees natural form. Young fruit trees require training to manipulate horizontal branch growth. As the branch bends, hormonal processes slow extension growth and increase fruiting.

Unsure on what pruning service you require? Click on the 'TERMINOLOGY' button below to learn more on the methods we use whilst pruning large deciduous and coniferous trees:

tree removals

A Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara) removal in Duncan, Vancouver Island, Canada.

A Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara) removal in Duncan, Vancouver Island, Canada.

We understand that not all trees are located in the ideal position, and that unfortunately trees do become victim to old age, disease and competition. Tree removal begins by establishing a safe written work plan and assessing the specific site hazards. We allow time on the jobs to eliminate the risks of damage or injury and use industry approved rigging products so that all parts of the tree can be controlled to the ground safely. We will only remove trees in conjunction with the City of Vancouver's tree removal policy, or by obtaining a written arborist report listing the hazards, with clear explanation and justification for the trees removal.

Below are the City of Vancouver's tree removal permit specifications:

  • The tree causes serious damage to your, or your neighbours property.

  • The tree is located within the envelope defined by construction and renovation.

  • The tree is dead, dying, diseased or presents a hazard.

Above, Mat removes a below permit sized Fig tree in Vancouver at the clients request. It had became a nuisance maintenance tree and was replaced with a more suitable shrub

Above, Mat removes a below permit sized Fig tree in Vancouver at the clients request. It had became a nuisance maintenance tree and was replaced with a more suitable shrub

SPecialized Island work

We are also experienced in large scale tree removals and pruning on the northern Gulf Islands. Please contact us if you live on Bowen Island, the Sunshine Coast, Gambier Island, Keats Island or any other Gulf Island on the West Coast of BC.

cabling

Our clients value their trees and will often request that special precautions be taken to extend the life of their tree. We install supplemental support systems to provide an added measure of safety. These systems cannot guarantee that the life of the tree will be extended or that a hazard will be mitigated, but it does significantly reduce the chances. Each tree is visually inspected prior to installation to assess structural integrity and potential changes in tree dynamics. All installations adhere to ANSI A300 industry standards and require aerial inspections every three years to ensure mechanical integrity.

Installing a structural support system in a multi-stemmed elm tree in Horseshoe Bay, British Columbia, Canada.

Installing a structural support system in a multi-stemmed elm tree in Horseshoe Bay, British Columbia, Canada.

A combination of amon-eye nuts, lag-threaded screw rods, thimbles and cable offer support for co-dominant leaders with weak unions.

A combination of amon-eye nuts, lag-threaded screw rods, thimbles and cable offer support for co-dominant leaders with weak unions.

Drone rescue

Stuck drone on the West side of Vancouver

Stuck drone in Vancouver

Its happened… your drone is stuck in a tree. You have tried everything to get it down, even tried to climb the tree, but its just too high. Our safe, non-invasive rope and harness climbing techniques allow us to get the drone down safely and in a timely manner so that you can continue to shoot that beach or park shot you need! We have had over 20 successful drone rescues in the past 2 years alone. Call us now for immediate drone rescue in Vancouver.

 

Hedging

A Portuguese Laurel hedge in West Vancouver requiring annual maintenance.

A Portuguese Laurel hedge in West Vancouver requiring annual maintenance.

At Peak Trees we take pride in our hedging service and appreciate the value of privacy our clients expect. As a general rule, the more formal the hedge, the more care it requires. Informal hedges may only need pruning or shearing once a year yet formal hedges respond best to frequent shearing, removing very little growth each time. Western red cedar, Laurel, Hemlock and Yew are common species of choice for Vancouver, each requiring specific needs and shearing intervals. 

Call 778 318 9442 to book your free quote today

Arborist Reports

At Peak Trees we are qualified and experienced in arboriculture and can offer a comprehensive arborist report upon request. Every service provides an unbiased, formal opinion on the health and condition of a tree whilst considering all dangers and prospective hazards. In Vancouver, an arborist report may be required for any tree removal whose diameter is more than 20 cm, 1.4 metres above ground. 

Along with arborist reports we can take full tree inventories for your property and devise a structured maintenance plan including advised future work and addressing immediate hazards.