When performing pruning on trees, shrubs and perennials, it is important to use the appropriate personal protective equipment. When using hand pruning saws, bypass pruners and loppers the required PPE you and your staff will use is safety glasses as well as complete training before attempting such a task. If the work might involve falling branches the hard‐hat/ face shield combination and safety glasses or on City Campus hard‐hat and goggles are required as well as complete training before attempting such a task. If the pruning is done on the high‐ranger: long pants, hard‐hat/face shield combination and safety glasses or on City Campus hard‐hat and goggles are required as well as complete training before attempting such a task.

If tree pruning is accomplished by climbing the tree: long pants, climbing saddle, lanyard, climbing rope, hard‐hat/face shield combination and safety glasses or on City Campus hard‐hat and goggles are required as well as complete training before attempting such a task.

If a chainsaw is used to prune: long pants, chainsaw chaps, gloves, hard‐hat/face shield combination and safety glasses or on City Campus hard‐hat and goggles are required as well as complete training before attempting such a task.

  1. Tree limbs shall be removed to a height of 7 ft. over sidewalks and 14 ft. over roads and parking areas. Limbs will be removed from around area lights to prevent diminished light from the fixture. This should be typically done in the summer after full leaf out.
  2. Young trees will receive annual pruning for up to five years after planting. The purpose of the pruning will be to direct the tree into the appropriate form for the species and the site.
  3. All trees in the area should receive an evaluation three times annually. Additional evaluations may be required if there is severe weather. The "walk around" should help determine what maintenance the tree requires. Trees in close proximity to buildings, roads, parking lots, sidewalks, and high use areas should be evaluated for several conditions. Priority should be made for hazardous limbs or trees. The trees should also be checked for disease, insect infestations, dead branches, and anything that might contribute to the trees declining health. Once an evaluation is done a corrective action (if needed) will be decided and executed.
  4. Memorial trees are evaluated twice a year. The memorial plaque and post are also evaluated and if it is disrepair we replace as needed.
  5. Trees will not be removed without prior approval of the campus manager.
  6. The timing of the pruning should be to avoid bud break and leaf drop on live wood.
  7. Corrective pruning will be performed to maintain the natural shape and characteristics of the species. Pruning should be targeted at dead branches, crossing branches, suckers, water sprouts, infested branches, etc. All pruning will be done using accepted arboriculture techniques and methods.
  8. Unless approved by the campus manager, guying or staking and tree wrap will not be used.
  9. Irrigation of newly planted trees will take place at least twice monthly, unless there is adequate rainfall, during the first three growing seasons.
  10. Pest control should be done as needed.
  11. Hardwood mulch will be maintained at a minimum depth of 1 inch and a maximum depth of 4 inches.
  12. Removal of dead or badly damaged trees will take place in a manner that observes all standard safety practices.
  13. Stumps of removed trees will be reduced to a level beneath the soil grade that allows replanting in that location.
  14. Remove stump shavings and back fill hole immediately after stump grinding.