Clearance pruning; preventative maintenance that can help avoid unnecessary and, at times, costly repairs. This Manitoba maple was resting on this roof, causing damage to the eaves and shingles due to prolonged abrasion. Trees in close proximity to structures can have negative effects that cause damage over time even if they do not make contact. Reduced air flow and shading effects of trees that have overgrown their environment can often lead to moisture damage.

Formative: Juvenile and newly planted trees benefit most from formative pruning. Formative pruning aids in the development of preferable branching structure and removes undesirable limbs that may eventually become poorly attached/formed limbs.