Professional Tree Pruning in Coquitlam: A Willow Case Study & When to Call an Arborist

Professional Tree Pruning in Coquitlam: A Willow Case Study & When to Call an Arborist

The willow tree in front of the Coquitlam home had grown a little too friendly with the house. Its graceful branches, which once danced at a respectful distance, now tapped against the siding with every breeze. The homeowners loved their tree - they just needed it to give their home some space.

Understanding the Willow's Ways

Willows are the sprinters of the tree world, growing rapidly and sending up enthusiastic new shoots (what we arborists call "epicormic growth"). Our approach needed to:

Create 2 meters of clearance from the building
Reduce excessive shoots without harming the tree's natural form
Plan for a two-stage process - some work now, more next year

The Art of Selective Pruning

Unlike the "hack it back" approach some untrained crews use, we:

Identified key branches that could be trained away from the house
Made precise cuts just outside the branch collars to promote proper healing
Thinned rather than topped - removing select shoots to allow light and air penetration
Left enough foliage so the tree could still feed itself

"With willows," explains our lead arborist, "you need to work with their growth habits, not against them. That's why we're spacing this work over two seasons."

Sustainable Cleanup

Every clipping was carefully processed:
Small branches chipped for mulch
Larger pieces offered to the homeowner for firewood or crafts
Remaining debris hauled away responsibly

Why Coquitlam Homeowners Choose Professional Pruning

✔ Health-first approach extends tree lifespan
✔ Proper technique prevents disease entry points
✔ Multi-year planning creates sustainable results

Does your Coquitlam property need thoughtful tree care?

5 Signs Your Coquitlam Tree Needs Professional Pruning

1. Touching Structures

Branches within 2m of roofs/windows
Visible rubbing against siding or gutters

2. neven or Excessive Growth

One side significantly denser
Water sprouts (vertical shoots) crowding the canopy

3. Dead or Diseased Limbs

Brittle, leafless branches
Discolored bark or fungal growth

4. Safety Concerns

Low-hanging branches over walkways
Obstructed sightlines for drivers/pedestrians

5. Poor Airflow

Dense foliage blocking sunlight to lower branches
Moisture buildup promoting moss/mold

Pro Tip: For willows, maples, and other fast-growers, annual light pruning beats drastic cuts every few years.

Our certified arborists blend science with artistry to keep your trees healthy and your property safe. Contact us for a consultation.

"The best time to prune a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today" - Andrew Hooper