Expert Tree Pruning Across Michiana 

Refine Your Landscape with Higher Ground's Professional Tree Care

Tree Pruning with Higher Ground Tree Care

When it comes to tree pruning in Michiana, Higher Ground Tree Care stands above the rest. Our team of skilled arborists brings passion, expertise, and state-of-the-art equipment to every job, ensuring your trees thrive for years to come. Regular pruning is essential for maintaining tree health, safety, and beauty by removing dead or diseased branches, improving air circulation and sunlight penetration, and reducing the risk of falling branches. With our expertise, commitment to safety, and focus on customer satisfaction, you can rely on Higher Ground Tree Care for all your tree pruning needs.

Arborist doing some pruning on a tree in Michiana.
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Our Pruning Services

At Higher Ground, we understand that each tree is as unique as the property it's on. That's why we offer a range of specialized pruning services to meet the diverse needs of Michiana's extensive tree canopy. Our ISA-certified arborists are skilled in various pruning techniques, ensuring that every cut contributes to the overall health, safety, and beauty of your trees.

Crown Thinning & Crown Reduction

With crown thinning, we selectively remove branches throughout the canopy to increase light penetration and air circulation. This process improves the tree's overall health and reduces wind resistance, lowering the risk of storm damage. When absolutely necessary, and only on a few select tree species, we can also reduce the overall size of a tree's crown while doing our best to maintain its natural shape through crown reduction. However, the overall health of the tree needs to be evaluated, as crown reduction can stress the tree.

Structural Pruning

Our experts focus on developing strong branch architecture in young trees, setting the foundation for a lifetime of health and beauty. By addressing structural issues early, we can prevent future problems and reduce the need for more extensive pruning as the tree matures, saving you time and money in the long run.

Vista Pruning

We selectively prune branches to create or maintain desirable views while preserving the tree's natural form and health. This method allows you to enjoy your landscape vistas with minimal impact on the tree. Vista pruning typically needs to be done on a routine schedule to maintain the desired view.

Clearance Pruning

Often referred to as “crown raising,” we remove low-hanging branches to provide clearance for buildings, vehicles, and pedestrians, ensuring safety without compromising tree health. This service is particularly important for trees near driveways, walkways, and structures, helping to prevent property damage and potential injuries.

Fruit Tree Pruning

Our specialized techniques for fruit trees enhance fruit production, improve air circulation, and make harvesting easier. We consider factors such as tree species, age, and desired yield to develop the most effective pruning strategy, helping you get the most from your fruit trees.

Storm Damage Pruning

After severe weather, we assess and carefully prune damaged trees to promote recovery and prevent further harm. Our quick response and expert care help mitigate risks and give your trees the best chance of survival and healthy regrowth following storm damage.

Structural pruning by an arborist of Higher Ground Tree Care in Michiana.
Surpassed all my expectations.

I recently had the pleasure of utilizing Higher Ground Tree Care's services, and I must say that they surpassed all my expectations! From start to finish, the experience was seamless, professional, and exceptionally satisfying. They demonstrated remarkable professionalism and respect for my property, ensuring that everything was cleaned up after the job was done. I highly recommend Higher Ground Tree Care to anyone in need of tree services. 

Troy Van Hoveln 

We’re Here for You!

Ask us about our comprehensive tree care services to help protect your Michiana property year-round. At Higher Ground Tree Care, we're committed to preserving the beauty and safety of our community's urban forest, in times of crisis and calm alike.

The Higher Ground Advantage

When you choose Higher Ground for your tree pruning needs, you're getting more than just a service – you're investing in the long-term health and beauty of your landscape.

Certified Expertise: Our ISA-Certified Arborists bring science-based knowledge to every job.

Local Knowledge: We understand Michiana's unique climate and tree species. 

Cutting-Edge Equipment: We use the latest tools for efficient, precise pruning. 

Safety First: Our rigorous safety protocols protect your property and our team. 

Eco-Friendly Practices: We recycle 100% of wood waste as mulch or firewood. 

Year-Round Service: We're here for you in every season. 

Veteran-Owned: We bring passion, precision, and discipline to our work. 

An arborist pruning a tree on a spider crane on a residence in Michiana.

Our Service Area  

At Higher Ground Tree Care, we offer 24/7 emergency tree service throughout the Michiana region. Call us right away if you’re facing a tree emergency.

Our Pruning Process: Bringing the Doctor to Your Trees

At Higher Ground, we treat every tree with the care it deserves. Here's what you can expect:

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Comprehensive Assessment

Our ISA-Certified Arborists evaluate your trees' health, structure, and surroundings, considering factors like species, age, and location to inform our approach to pruning.

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Customized
Plan

We develop a custom pruning strategy based on our assessment and your goals, discussing our recommendations with you in detail.

03

Precision Execution

Using proper techniques and state-of-the-art equipment, we carry out the pruning plan following ANSI A300 standards to ensure your trees' health and longevity, while ensuring both our team and your property are safe.

04

Meticulous
Clean-Up

We leave your property spotless, removing all debris and offering on-site chipping for mulch if desired.

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Follow-Up
Care

We provide guidance on ongoing care and remain available to answer any questions about your trees' health and maintenance after our service.

Preparing Your Property for Pruning Day

To ensure a smooth and efficient pruning process, we've put together some helpful tips to prepare your Michiana property. Following these guidelines will help us deliver the best possible service and minimize any inconvenience to you and your neighbors.

Landscape Preparation

  • Relocate potted plants, lawn ornaments, and patio furniture away from the work area. 
  • Temporarily remove any delicate garden installations, like wind chimes or hanging baskets. 
  • If possible, mow your lawn a day or two before our visit to make cleanup easier. 

Access and Parking

  • Ensure your driveway is clear for our vehicles and equipment. 
  • If street parking is necessary, reserve spaces by placing traffic cones. 
  • Unlock any gates or remove temporary fencing that might impede access to work areas. 

Utility Awareness

  • Mark the location of any underground sprinkler systems, invisible dog fences, or landscape lighting. 
  • Inform us of any overhead wires or nearby power lines that may not be immediately visible. 
  • If you have any concerns about utilities, please let us know in advance. 

Pet and Wildlife Considerations

  • Keep pets indoors or in a secure area away from the work zone. 
  • If you have bird feeders or baths near the trees being pruned, consider relocating them temporarily. 
  • Inform us of any known wildlife habitats in your trees (e.g., bird nests, squirrel dens) so we can take appropriate precautions. 

Neighbor Notification

  • As a courtesy, inform immediate neighbors about the scheduled work, especially if noise or temporary access issues might affect them. 
  • If you live in a homeowners' association, check if there are any notification requirements for tree work. 

Communication Preparation

  • Provide us with the best phone number to reach you on the day of service. 
  • If you won't be home, designate a decision-maker who can be reachable by phone. 
  • Prepare any questions you have about the pruning process or aftercare – we're always happy to discuss your trees' health! 

By taking these steps, you'll help us work safely and efficiently, ensuring the best outcomes for your trees and property. Remember, our team at Higher Ground Tree Care is here to make your pruning experience as smooth as possible. If you have any questions or special requests, don't hesitate to reach out before your scheduled service day.

A property in Michigan with trees ready to be pruned on a summer day.
Outstanding work.

Higher Ground Tree Care provides outstanding work. Matt responded to our request for a quote the same day I called. They were able to complete the job in two days with exceptional preparation, equipment, performance, and care. The knowledgeable friendly crew worked steadily and carefully, and we incurred zero damage to our property. I highly recommend Higher Ground for any tree care need. I would rate them a 10 out of 5, if I were able! Thank you to the entire crew; you completely eased our minds. 

Dianne Yocum

Newly planted tree by a tree crew of Higher Ground Tree Care on an empty lot in Granger, IN.

Beyond Pruning: Comprehensive Tree Care

While pruning is a crucial aspect of tree care, it's just one part of our holistic approach to arboriculture. We offer a full range of services to keep your trees healthy and beautiful:

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Tree Health Assessments: Our certified arborists conduct regular check-ups to catch and address issues early. We use advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate your trees' overall health, identify potential problems, and recommend proactive treatments. 

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Plant Health Care: We develop customized programs to nourish and protect your trees. This may include soil analysis, targeted fertilization, pest management, and disease prevention strategies tailored to your specific landscape and tree species.

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Cabling and Bracing: For trees with structural weaknesses, we install support systems to reduce the risk of failure. Our experts use industry-approved techniques and materials to provide additional support without compromising the tree's natural growth. 

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Lightning Protection: We safeguard valuable trees from storm damage by installing discreet lightning protection systems. These systems help direct lightning strikes safely into the ground, protecting your trees and nearby structures. 

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Tree Planting and Transplanting: Expand your landscape with expert guidance on species selection, placement, and care. We ensure proper planting techniques and provide aftercare instructions to give your new trees the best start possible. 

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Tree Removal: While we always prioritize preservation, sometimes removal is necessary for safety or landscape management. Our team performs careful, efficient removals when needed, always considering the impact on surrounding vegetation and structures.

Trees in Indiana during fall season.

The Right Time to Prune

We offer pruning services year-round. However, certain times may be best, depending on the type of pruning that is needed:

Winter: Ideal for structural pruning of deciduous trees and for pruning oaks. 

Spring: Perfect for pruning spring-flowering trees after blooms fade. 

Summer: Good for corrective pruning and slowing excessive growth. Not ideal for oak trees as they’re susceptible to oak wilt in the summer.  

Fall: Best for light pruning and removing dead wood before winter snow. 

Remember, hazardous branches should be addressed immediately, regardless of the season. Our team is always ready to help you determine the best timing for your trees' needs.

Ready to Elevate Your Michiana Property?

Don't let neglected trees compromise your landscape's beauty and safety. Higher Ground Tree Care is here to help your trees reach their full potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

It varies by species and situation, but most mature trees benefit from pruning every 3-5years. Young trees may need more frequent attention to establish proper structure.

Yes, fruit trees require specialized pruning techniques to maximize fruit production and maintain tree health. Our experts are well-versed in the specific needs of various fruit tree species common in Michiana.

For safety reasons, we don't prune trees in direct contact with power lines. We also need to maintain a minimum approach distance (MAD) from power lines when pruning. In most cases, trees need to be at least 10 feet away from power lines for us to prune. Anything closer would require the utility company to prune. That’s why we recommend homeowners have their trees pruned long before they get too close to power lines, as utility companies rarely maintain a tree’s natural form or appearance when pruning.

When done correctly by our certified arborists, pruning actually benefits trees by improving structure, health, and appearance. Improper pruning can harm trees, as it can open the door to pest and disease problems, which is why it's crucial to work with experienced professionals.

Costs vary based on tree size, condition, location, and the extent of work needed. We provide detailed, transparent proposals after a thorough on-site assessment.

No, we never top trees. This outdated practice harms and dramatically reduces their lifespan, while also making them very ugly. We follow strict pruning standards to maximize the health and safety of trees, while also keeping them beautiful. We have other methods for helping to manage tree growth and size (though proper species and site selection are the most important).

Arborist taking a photo of himself after pruning a tree in South Bend, IN.