Choosing Tree Trimming in Bell: How Often Is Ideal?

Understanding Bell’s Urban Forest Dynamics

Urban forests in Bell are similar to the rest of the Los Angeles region, which includes over 700,000 street trees and is among the most diverse municipal tree populations in the world. The diversity in the population leads to variable optimal cutting frequencies based on species, age, and growing conditions.

American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) accounts for approximately 8.6 percent of all street trees in Southern California and is the most common street tree in the area. Deciduous American sweet gums typically need to be trimmed structurally every 3-5 years and aesthetically every 2-3 years.

Mexican Fan Palm (Washingtonia robusta) is the only native palm to California commonly used as a street tree; therefore, requires different types of maintenance. Mexican fan palms will require annual frond removal; however, do not use traditional tree pruning techniques that are applied to broadleaf trees.

The Los Angeles Urban Forestry Division uses a 15-year pruning cycle for public trees; however, the longer interval is usually too long for optimum tree health and safety. As such, private property owners are able to achieve better results through more frequent and focused maintenance.

Tree Species-Specific Pruning Timelines

Tree species in Bell will require different frequencies of maintenance based on their growth rate, structure, and health status. Understanding these requirements enables property owners to create suitable maintenance plans.

• Some fast-growing species like eucalyptus, Liquidambar, and various palm species will require attention at least annually for safety and aesthetics. Fast-growing species often produce quickly growing shoot or frond growth that creates hazardous conditions if left uncontrolled.
• Moderate-growing species like many oak species, sycamores, and fruit trees typically benefit from a maintenance trimming every 2-3 years. This frequency will allow for the structural maintenance necessary to maintain a healthy tree while allowing the tree to grow and thrive naturally.
• Slower-growing species such as Native California oaks, certain conifers, and mature specimen trees can be trimmed only every 3-5 years unless there are issues that must be addressed. In addition to being healthier, these trees will often grow and thrive naturally with less maintenance than faster-growing species.

Tree Age-Specific Maintenance Considerations

The optimal frequency for tree trimming is highly dependent upon the tree’s age. Younger trees will require more frequent trimming to promote proper structure and develop a central leader, whereas older trees will require less frequent trimming but more specialized maintenance.

Newly Planted Trees (1-3 Years Old)

Trees that are newly planted (1-3 years old) will require annual structural pruning to develop a strong and balanced branch system as well as encourage central leader development. Formative pruning is very important to the long-term health of young trees, and it can save money by reducing the amount of maintenance required in the future.

Young Trees (4-10 Years Old)

Young trees (4-10 years old) will benefit from biennial structural trimming to further develop their branch system and remove any competing leaders or poorly attached branches. This is a critical time in the life of a young tree as it develops its basic structure.

Older Trees (10+ Years Old)

Older trees (10+ years old) typically require trimming only every 3-5 years unless there are specific issues that require trimming. Older trees have developed their basic structure and are primarily in need of maintenance pruning to remove deadwood, reduce hazards, and promote health.

Older trees that are considered over-mature may require more frequent assessments and specialized care from certified arborists who can determine what level of intervention is needed to properly care for the aging tree.

Timing in Bell’s Climate

Bell is located within the southern portion of the Los Angeles basin, and the region has a year-round growing season. While the growing season does not limit the ability to prune trees in Bell, the optimal time to prune will depend on the type of tree and environmental conditions.

Winter Pruning

For most deciduous trees in Bell, winter (December through February) is the ideal time to prune. Winter is the best time to prune because trees are in dormancy and are experiencing lower growth rates. Wound closure is enhanced in the spring when trees begin to grow after winter.

Spring and Summer Considerations

Pruning in the spring (March through May) may be beneficial for some species, but it is advisable to avoid the peak nesting season for birds. According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, it is recommended to refrain from performing tree work from February through August to protect nesting birds, although emergency pruning to protect public safety will take precedence.

Summer pruning (June through August) may be useful for controlling vigorous growth and providing greater visibility of the tree structure. However, summer pruning should be limited to minimize heat stress experienced by trees in Bell during the hot summer months.

Fall Pruning

Fall (September through November) is a good time to prune most tree species; however, some professionals caution against fall pruning due to potential fungal disease transmission during the wetter fall and winter months.

DIY vs. Professional Maintenance

Deciding whether to utilize professional tree services or perform tree maintenance as a property owner depends upon several factors, including the size, complexity, and potential safety concerns associated with each tree. Residents of Bell should be aware of when professional assistance is warranted.

• Arborists possess expertise in identifying species, utilizing proper pruning techniques, and implementing safety measures that most property owners lack. Additionally, arborists possess the requisite insurance and are knowledgeable about local regulations governing protected tree species and obtaining necessary permits.
• Arborists are capable of identifying potential problems early in the process, recommending the appropriate course of action to resolve those problems, and completing complex tasks safely. Additionally, arborists will remain up-to-date with evolving industry standards and best practices.
• Property owners can safely perform minor maintenance activities on small trees, including sucker removal, water-sprout removal, and removal of small dead branches. However, any task requiring ladders, power tools, or altering the structural integrity of a tree should be completed by a professional.
• Local regulations govern protected tree species such as Coast Live Oak, Southern California Black Walnut, Western Sycamore, and California Bay Laurel. Property owners should verify whether their trees qualify as protected before initiating significant pruning or removal.
• Trees located along streets may be subject to regulation by the city and/or county. Street trees, even those located on private property, may be subject to regulations that mandate permits or professional certification prior to performing maintenance activities. Property owners should contact Bell’s Community Development Department to confirm requirements.
• Homeowners Association (HOA) regulations in some Bell neighborhoods may restrict the timing of tree trimming and/or require HOA approval prior to conducting extensive maintenance activities. Property owners should review HOA documents before conducting tree maintenance activities.
• Permit requirements may apply when tree maintenance is part of a larger project to renovate or repair the property. Property owners should consult with the relevant government agencies to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.

Utilizing Technology and Advances in Tree Care

• Digital tools enable property owners to monitor the health of their trees and to optimize pruning timing and tree response to maintenance activities. Some tree care companies use digital reporting and monitoring systems.
• GPS mapping and digital inventory systems assist property managers in tracking historical maintenance data on individual trees and creating maintenance schedules. Historical maintenance records are useful in managing multiple trees.
• Research-based advanced pruning techniques currently available to the arboriculture industry can result in improved tree health and reduced maintenance frequency. Certified arborists regularly attend continuing education courses to remain informed about new techniques and methodologies.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques incorporate proper pruning into a comprehensive strategy to manage pests and diseases that impact trees, thereby addressing health issues more effectively than traditional methods.

Future Trends: Climate Change and Tree Care

• Increased temperature and altered precipitation patterns may alter the growth rate and stress level of trees, resulting in the need to revise trimming intervals.
• An increase in severe weather events may necessitate additional structural pruning to prevent damage to trees from storms and to protect the public from hazards created by poorly maintained trees.
• Changes in pest and disease pressure as a result of climate change may necessitate revisions in trimming intervals and maintenance techniques to protect the health of trees.
• Requirements for water conservation may lead to modifications in tree species selection and maintenance techniques that support drought tolerance and water conservation.

Benefits to the Community and Urban Forest Health

• Properly maintained trees maximize the environmental benefits of trees, including air quality improvement, carbon sequestration, and urban heat-island mitigation. Proper pruning preserves these ecological functions.
• Aesthetic enhancements provided by routine tree maintenance improve property values and neighborhood attractiveness. Maintaining trees in coordination with adjacent properties can improve the overall appearance of a street or neighborhood.
• Proper maintenance of trees protects individuals, as well as the general public, from hazards created by poorly maintained trees.
• Educational opportunities occur when property owners become educated on how to properly care for their trees and share this knowledge with their neighbors, thus promoting community-wide tree maintenance.

Cooperating with Professional Services

• Verify that any professional services selected to perform tree maintenance have obtained certifications through the International Society of Arboriculture to verify their level of competence in the field and their commitment to adhere to industry standards. Verify certification before engaging professional services.
• Verify that professional services selected possess the requisite licenses and insurance to protect property owners from liability and to ensure professional responsibility. Property owners should never engage professional services lacking either insurance or licensure, regardless of price savings.
• Obtaining multiple quotes from different professional services assists property owners in determining market rates and available services. Compare the costs of the different professional services selected, as well as the scope of the services offered, the availability of the services, and the professional credentials of the services.
• Clear communication regarding the maintenance schedule, maintenance objectives, and expectations between property owners and professional services selected ensures that the parties are working together toward the same goal and minimizes potential miscommunications.

Conclusion: Creating Your Bell Tree Care Plan

Optimally, the frequency for trimming trees in Bell will depend upon numerous variables, including species, age, location, and specific tree conditions. For most residential trees, biennial professional evaluation is recommended, with maintenance performed as needed based on that evaluation. For property owners interested in finding tree trimming near me, local certified arborists provide customized tree care recommendations to ensure that trees remain healthy and safe year-round.

Contact Precision Tree Services Bell for a professional assessment of your trees’ maintenance needs. Our certified arborists can develop customized care schedules that ensure your trees thrive in Bell’s unique urban environment while providing maximum benefits to your property and community.