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TAB 4: APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY BY CATEGORY ARBOR CARE SERVICES Florida Turf & Landscape recognizes the most current editions of the following benchmark standards for tree pruning (see References): 1. American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 Pruning Standards 2. ANSI Z133.1 Safety Standards 3. ISA Best Management Practices: Tree Pruning 1. Pruning Needs, Objectives, and Plans Tree diversity and tree variability creates challenges with regard to tree pruning. Pruning needs can vary substantially depending on these factors: some trees will need little or no pruning, while others will need substantial pruning. Some trees need to be pruned to improve structure, while others may need branches removed to manage pest problems or provide clearance from oncoming service vehicles such as garbage trucks, school buses or delivery vehicles. To ensure that pruning is appropriate for the species and tree /site conditions, it is important to have a clear understanding of the specific needs of the tree and the objectives for pruning. Pruning objectives include the following: • Improve structural strength and reduce failure potential (including dead branch removal) • Prevent or mitigate a pest problem (pest control is an additional charge) • Improve aesthetic characteristics • Provide clearance for pedestrians, vehicles, and structures • Improve safety and security for residents and visitors • Repair structural damage from wind loading • Reduce maintenance costs (i.e., when applied to young trees) • Influence flowering and fruiting of some species 2. Pruning Practices A. PRUNING CUTS Pruning is a wounding process that causes some level of injury to trees. It is important to make pruning cuts that minimize injury or the potential for injury. For instance, cuts will be made on branches in a manner that promotes rapid and complete wound closure (collar cut), thus reducing the potential for decay. B. AMOUNT OF PRUNING Removal of live branches and associated leaf area can have a negative impact on the health of trees. When relatively large amounts of leaf area are removed, the capacity of a tree to produce energy for growth and pest resistance is diminished. Pruning should be limited to that amount needed to accomplish the pruning objective. In some cases, it may be best to complete pruning over a two- or three -year period rather than do all that is needed in one year. Excessive pruning or overthinning stimulates watersprout development in FLORIDA TURF AND LANDSCAPE RFP 12 -05 -01 Page 12 of 26