Professional Tree Pruning in Calgary

What is Tree Pruning?
Proper tree pruning is the selective removal of branches to improve tree health, safety, and aesthetics. At Arborista, we combine certified arborist expertise with a personal touch - ensuring your trees thrive for years to come.

Why Choose Arborista?

  • ISA-Certified Arborist with specialized training in boreal species.

  • Personalized Service: Work directly with Tony or a hand-picked, trusted team member.

Proudly serving Calgary and the surrounding 50 km radius (Cochrane, Airdrie, Chestermere, etc.).

Tree Pruning

Healthy trees are happy trees

Our Tree Pruning service is all about keeping your trees in great shape – literally and figuratively. Pruning involves selectively removing branches to improve a tree’s structure, health, and appearance.

We prune with a gentle touch, using hand saws and pruners to carefully trim away dead or problem limbs without harming the tree.

Tree branches with red arrows pointing at new growths in a garden setting.

Pruning suckers to help shape the apple tree

Person wearing gardening gloves using pruning shears to cut a tree branch.

Why prune your trees?

Regular pruning removes dead or diseased branches that could otherwise invite pests or fungi. It also prevents weak branches from breaking in Calgary’s strong winds or heavy snow.

By thinning out crowded limbs, we allow more sunlight and air into the canopy, which can reduce disease and promote healthy growth. Plus, pruning can shape the tree, preventing it from growing into power lines or over your roof, and generally making it look more attractive in your yard.

Our Approach

We have experience pruning all kinds of local trees – from tall spruce and pine, to leafy aspens and poplars, to ornamental crabapple and mountain ash. Each species and tree size is a bit different, so we tailor our technique:

  • For conifers like spruce or pine, we usually prune in late winter or early spring, or sometimes mid-summer. We carefully remove lower dead branches or trim back overly long limbs. We won’t “top” your tree (cutting off the top point), as that can harm conifers – instead, we shape them naturally.

  • For deciduous trees like aspen, birch, or ash, we often prune in late winter when the tree is dormant and its structure is easy to see. This is great for removing crossing branches and improving form. If a tree bleeds sap (like maple), we may adjust timing to minimize stress.

  • For flowering or fruit trees (apple, cherry, etc.), pruning just after flowering or in early spring can encourage better blooms and fruit next year. We know how to prune these to enhance fruit production and tree health.

No matter the tree, we make clean cuts at the proper spots (near the branch collar) so the tree can heal well. We never remove more than necessary – usually no more than about 20-25% of the canopy at a time – to avoid shocking the tree

What to expect

Our small team will arrive with the tools needed to reach and trim your tree safely. We can climb or use a ladder for taller trees, always with safety gear on. We’ll gently lower larger branches to the ground with ropes if needed to avoid damaging your lawn or garden. After pruning, we gather up all the cut branches and twigs. You can keep the larger wood for firewood or mulch if you like, or we’ll haul everything away, leaving your yard neat.

Your tree will have a cleaner, more open shape right away, and come spring, you should notice vigorous, healthy new growth. By investing in periodic pruning (many trees benefit from a tune-up every 1-3 years), you’ll help your trees live longer, healthier lives and keep your property safe and beautiful.

Artificial apple tree with green leaves and red apples on a round base.

  • “Tony’s pruning restored our maple’s natural shape - trees have never looked better!”

    Quote SourceMark T., Airdrie

  • “Efficient, professional, and thorough cleanup. Highly recommend Arborista.”

    Jane D., Calgary

  • "Cherry tree blossoms so well this spring! And my bushes are cleaned up. Thanks for service Tony"

    Irina T., Calgary

Tree Pruning: FAQ

  • Most healthy shade and ornamental trees benefit from light pruning every 3–5 years. Young or fast-growing species (like poplars or willows) may need annual touch-ups, while slower growers (like oaks and maples) can wait longer between visits.

  • Late Winter to Early Spring (while trees are dormant) is ideal for most deciduous species—wounds heal quickly once sap flow resumes.

    Summer Pruning can address broken or hazardous limbs, but avoid heavy cuts in hot, dry months.

  • No - when done correctly, pruning actually improves tree health by removing dead, diseased, or overcrowded branches. We follow ISA best practices to make clean cuts just outside the branch collar, minimizing stress and infection risk.

  • Our pricing starts at $250 per job, depending on:

    • Tree size and species

    • Number of cuts required

    • Accessibility and safety considerations
      You’ll always get a free, no-obligation estimate before we begin.

  • Absolutely. After pruning, we haul away all branches and wood chips, then do a final sweep of your yard. If you’d like to keep the wood for firewood, just let us know - we can stack it for you.

  • In Calgary, most residential pruning jobs don’t require a permit. However, for removal of mature boulevard or protected species, you may need city approval. We’ll let you know if your project falls under permit requirements and can even help with the application.

  • Yes. Arborista is fully insured, and Tony is an ISA-Certified Arborist trained in proper pruning techniques for boreal-zone species. Your property and our crew are protected from start to finish.

  • Most small-to-medium residential trees take 1–3 hours each. Larger or multiple trees may require additional time. We’ll give you an accurate timeline as part of your free estimate.