The one key element in obstruction pruning is urgency because obstructions can’t be ignored for very long. For example, it could be an important sign blocked by tree branches or branches interfering with sidewalk or garage access.
The urgency also trumps timing. Just last week I had to prune Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) branches from a sign. Normally, maples would get pruned in fall or winter; and then maybe in summer. But not in spring when there are many other important tasks to attend to.
Site address
So what happens when your guests can’t find your high-priced complex? You call your landscape professionals who take care of it quickly. Same day, if possible.
Note that I could have done more pruning, including the removal of dead branches inside the tree but I was there strictly to take care of the obstruction request.
Problem solved!
Mugo pine wall
Imagine you’re in a motorized wheelchair and you reach this mugo pine (Pinus mugo) wall. You’ll be tempted to give someone a one finger salute.
The owner of this house called me in a panic, worried about receiving a threatening letter from his municipality. I told him to relax. I would take care of it with my hand snips and a pair of loppers. And I did.
Obstruction pruning comes with urgency so try to do it quickly even if the target plant isn’t normally pruned at the time of the request.
