You Get What You Pay For?
Does the tree shape in the photo above look familiar? If so, then you’ve seen the results of improper pruning. Lion’s Tailing, as it is known, is destructive and harmful to trees. While it might allow the grass to have more sunlight or the front of the house be more visible to the street, it ruins the tree’s natural structure and as a result, it stresses the tree and destroys its defense against high winds.
Lion’s Tailing Three Years Later
The photo below is of the same trees three years later. It was taken in March of 2025. The branches haven’t fully leafed out yet. But, it is apparent that the canopy is unbalanced and unsightly, and shows signs of large branch loss, due to poor pruning practices, from high winds and storms.
The photo below was taken a few days ago. It demonstrates that even with the leaves present, the tree’s look has suffered greatly from the Lion’s Tailing. The improper care has only accelerated the tree’s demise by removing needed lower branches as well as those on the interior.
Can All “bonded & insured” Arborists be Trusted?
Unfortunately, this job was performed by a well-known tree care company in the area, who advertising such practices on their site. They also claim to be “bonded and insured.” While the company might be insured against damaging your fence or other items on the worksite, there is no guarantee that they know the impact of their cuts on the health of the tree. Sadly, these large, decades old shade trees have had their lives cut short to save a few dollars. And the homeowner has had to pay more to have other crews come out to remove large branches that broken off in storms.
The Tree Shepherds’ Difference: Structural Pruning and Health
At Tree Shepherds we don’t just remove branches and “raise the canopy.” We care for your trees. Pruning them for structural integrity as well as aesthetic appeal and longevity. We believe trees should last a lifetime… and display their beauty as they were created.
All of our arborists are trained and receive ongoing instruction from ISA Master Arborist, Scott Geer and ISA Certified Arborists Clayton and Ethan Geer. We encourage everyone in the field to seek certification by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Currently, Tree Shepherds has ten ISA Certified Arborists on staff, working in sales, consultation and leading crews.
Individuals with ISA credentials have worked for at least 3 years in the tree industry and have passed a rigorous test, involving the science of tree and woody plant cultivation and maintenance. ISA members must maintain their credentials by taking education courses in the field of tree care.
Proper Pruning Practices Saves Money and Trees
The bottom line? Cutting corners in tree care will not have good results. Trees that are improperly pruned will struggle. And when the storms come, they will be vulnerable to damage, and so will nearby property. This will likely cost you more than you saved by going with an untrained and uneducated tree service individual or company.
Contact Tree Shepherds or a free quote that meets your budget and goals: 972-317-9598. Your trees will thank you.
