Forestry Division:

City Forester:
Bryce Hamilton

Tree Pruning Specifications on Public Rights of Way and Recommended on Private Property Tree Service Work

Definition of Tree Pruning (as defined by the City of Canon City):
Tree pruning shall consist of the removal of dead, dying, diseased, interfering, objectionable and weak branches on the main trunks as well as those leaders within the leaf area. In addition, tree-pruning specifications include the following requirements:

• The removal of all dead and dying branches, except for an occasional branch up to (1") inch in diameter in the main leaf area or crown, where it is not practical to remove;

• Removal of all broken branches or loose branches lodged in the tree

• Removal of all dead and live stubs, broken or poorly cut limbs;

• Removal of live branches which interfere with the trees structural strength and healthy development, which would include
  the following:

· Limbs, which rub or abrade a more important branch;

· Limbs with weak structure, which are not important to the structural framework of the tree, such as rotten limbs (contact City Forester to make determination about preservation of wildlife habitat branches);

· Limbs with twigs and foliage obstructing the development of more important branches;

· Limbs or main leaders forming multiple leaders in a single leader type tree;

· Heavy foliage branches near the end of a limb, which will produce more weight or offer more resistance to wind, snow or other climatic factors than the limbs likely to support;

· Remove undesirable sprout or sucker growth from the ground to a height of 20 feet;

· Selective removal to one or more developing leaders where multiple sucker or branch regrowth exists near the end of broken or stubbed limbs;

· Removal or pruning limbs or foliage off or away from all traffic signs or warning lights;

· Remove all limbs and foliage to a height of 14 feet above public right of way vehicular road surfaces or sidewalks and which rub, abrade or block the vision of vehicles or pedestrian.
 

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