Restoration Pruning

Trees abused by misguided pruning efforts or trees damaged in storms can recover. The extent of recovery depends on:

1. species characteristics, including the ability of the tree to compartmentalize decay
2. extent and location of damage
3. the skill of the arborist attempting restoration

The arborist cannot affect the first two items. This page deals with the third item, i.e. the techniques used in restoration efforts.

Restoring a tree to a sustainable structure following damage is time consuming, takes a number of prunings over a period of years, and is difficult to teach to others. It is difficult to actually restore a tree to its previous condition; restoration does more to improve structure than it does to restore it.

• Storm damaged and broken trees
• Topped trees
• Tipped (rounded over) trees
• Lions-tailed trees
• Palms

• What to Do Following a Hurricane
  • Cleaning Up,
  • Assessing Damaged Trees,
  • Restoring Trees
• Establishing a Wind- Resistant Urban Forest
  • Wind & Trees,
  • Preventive Design,
  • Site Evaluation,
  • Selecting Southern Coastal Species,
  • Selecting Tropical & Subtropical Species,
  • Selecting Quality Nursery Trees,
  • Planting & Establishing
• Managing a Wind- Resistant Urban Forest
  • Pruning Young Trees,
  • Pruning Mature Trees,
  • Developing a Tree Management Plan
• PowerPoint Presentations
  • English,
  • Español
• More Solutions
  • Lessons Learned,
  • Treating Damaged Trees & Palms,
  • Restoration Pruning,
  • Preventing Problems,
  • Evaluating Hazards,
  • Nursery Concerns
• Other Resources