Pruning or Removing City Trees
Anyone wishing to prune or remove any city tree must have prior approval from the Public Works Director, at 424-8559. The reason for this is to keep our tree database current and to ensure that the tree you wish to cut is or is not a city tree.
1/3 and 1/4 Rules
Never remove more than ¼ of a tree's crown in a season. Where possible, try to encourage side branches that form angles that are ⅓ off vertical (10 or 2 o'clock positions).
For most species, the tree should have a single trunk. Ideally, main side branches should be at least ⅓ smaller than the diameter of the trunk.
If removal of a main branch is necessary, cut it back to where it is attached to another large branch or the trunk. Do not truncate or leave a stub!
For most deciduous (broadleaf) trees, don't prune up from the bottom any more than ⅓ of the tree's total height.
Never Top... Always Prune!
"Topping" a tree is one of the worst things you could do. Weaker and unsightly limbs grow up in their place, and the exposure left behind is a breeding ground for insects and disease.
Proper pruning throughout the tree's life is the way to go, so that the tree naturally avoids power lines and other obstacles.
Making a Pruning Cut
Large limbs...
A. Make a partial cut from beneath.
B. Make a second cut from above several inches out and allow the limb to fall.
C. Complete the job with a final cut just outside the branch collar.
Small branches...
Make a sharp clean cut, just beyond a lateral bud or other branch.
“I never before knew the full value of trees. Under them I breakfast, dine, write, read, and receive my company.”
—Thomas Jefferson
©The City of Parkersburg, WV. All Rights Reserved.
Write the Tree Commission at:
Tree Commission
City of Parkersburg
PO Box 1627
Parkersburg, WV 26102
Telephone the Commission at:
(304) 424-8558
WHAT'S A CITY TREE?
A city tree is any tree between a sidewalk and a road, for example, and some trees in alleys, and others in public places next to a residence or business.
DO & DON'T QUICKLIST
If you don't know what to do, ask someone who does! Call or email us — we'll be glad to help!
Watch that weed eater! A tree's trunk is it's clothing and defense against insects and disease.
Avoid piling snow or other matter against a tree. Road salt embedded in snow is very bad for any tree!
Remove dead branches like you would flower tops — using sharp pruners and making a clean cut.
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