Summarizing the scope and need of the project, it is to structurally prune trees to foster long-term health. Over crowded or landscaper-limbed-up trees become top heavy, and benefit from pruning attention. Also, developer-planted trees are rarely grade FF or even grade #1 trees, and do typically need a helping hand for re-establishing leader limbs for long-term health. Finally, the association is in the process of replacing several (non-arbored) trees that uprooted and failed during prior windstorms.
The project is under the supervision and guidance of an ISA Certified Arborist, not a municipal or utility contractor, and not a landscaper. The association has reviewed the work of the contractor in a neighboring community, and there is not a single example of lions tailing, hatracking, or the usual poor practice of inferior, inexperienced, and/or hack vendors.
Exact language from the arboring contract:
“Prune entire canopy of main boulevard oaks to elevate canopy to ~13’-15’ not to exceed 50% of overall height of tree (smaller trees will have branches reduced in length to allow clearance of traffic), make selective reduction cuts in upper canopy to shorten competing stems ~6’-10’ back to next appropriate lateral to define central leader, create clearance of ~4’-6’ from signage and security lights, remove rubbing/crossing branches to reduce end weight and thin canopy, thin interior water sprouts, and remove dead branches ~1.5” and greater in diameter – Trees are in median and between roadway edge and sidewalk unless otherwise stated.”
With regard to the height of canopy attention, please note it is based on the height of the tree – and is evaluated tree by tree (13’6″ is DOT road req.) .
For some general details regarding pruning (how, what, when, why) of oaks, please refer to the following UF information for fact confirmation:
http://hort.ufl.edu/woody/why-
http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/
http://gardeningsolutions.
If you have any further questions or thoughts on the project, please contact: drew@