Good pruning is preventive medicine for a mature tree. Removing deadwood and thinning a heavy crown reduces the sail effect that snaps limbs in Guelph's freezing-rain storms, and a properly pruned tree sheds wind instead of fighting it.
The most common calls we get: branches scraping shingles, limbs over a driveway or play area, crowns grown into each other, and post-storm hangers ("widow-makers") that need to come down before they fall on their own. We prune to proper standards — no topping, ever. Topping ruins trees and creates bigger hazards five years later.
Late winter for most species — trees are dormant and structure is visible. Oaks should only be pruned in winter (oak wilt risk), and maples bleed sap in early spring but it doesn't harm them.
Every 3–5 years for most mature shade trees. Fast growers like silver maple and willow may need attention more often.
No — topping is harmful and we won't do it. A proper crown reduction can lower height while keeping the tree healthy and safe.
Lines to your house: yes, with care. Street primary lines: that's Alectra's jurisdiction and we'll point you to their forestry request process.