Specifications include, but are not limited to: 1.1 Climbing: When feasible, the use of a lift or “bucket truck” shall be used in lieu of tree climbing. Contractor shall utilize climbing gear which does not physically or visually impact trees health or aesthetic. 1.2 Pruning: • Branch Size - A minimum or maximum diameter size of branches to be removed should be specified in the work order for specific operations. • Pruning Objectives - Pruning objectives shall be established on work order prior to beginning operations and shall stipulate one or both of the following objective for the specific operation. o Hazard Reduction Pruning (HRP) is recommended when the primary objective is to reduce the danger to a specific target caused by visibly defined hazards in a tree. o Maintenance Pruning (MP) is recommended when the primary objective is to maintain or improve tree health and/or structure. • Pruning Types – Hazard Reduction and/or Maintenance Pruning shall consist of one or more of the following pruning types and shall be stipulated in the work order prior to beginning any operations. Examples of these pruning types may be found in the ANSI A300 tree pruning guide. o Crown Cleaning, shall consist of the selective removal of one or more of the following items: dead, dying, or diseased branches, weak branches, and watersprouts. o Crown Thinning, shall consist of the selective removal of branches in order to increase: light penetration, air movement, and to reduce weight. o Crown Raising, shall consist of the removal of the lower branches of a tree to provide clearance. o Crown Reduction, or Crown Shaping, shall consist of branch removal to decrease the height and/or spread of a tree. o Crown Restoration, shall improve the structure, form and appearance of trees that have been severely: headed, damaged in a natural event, or vandalized. o Vista Pruning, shall consist of selective thinning of framework limbs or specific areas of the crown to allow a view of an object from a specified vantage point. • Pruning Specifications – Unless otherwise stipulated in specific work order, Contractor shall follow the pruning specifications as outline below; o When cutting branches utilize the 3-cut method while protecting the branch collar. o When Crown Cleaning; remove all limbs of that type down to a minimum of 1.5 inches, a vertical clearance of 14 feet over streets, and 8 feet over sidewalks. Reduce end weight by removing limbs less than 2 to 3 inches at end of scaffolds. o If needed, Contractor may tie back branches to provide temporary clearance. o Do not prune when boring insects are flying. o Cutting of live wood greater than 4 inches in diameter shall not be allowed unless approved in writing by State. o Removal of more than 20% of the live crown shall not be allowed unless approved in writing by State. o Pruning debris shall be treated in one of three ways: removal from site at expense of Contractor, chip and spread in place, chip and hauled to a designated location, piled in place, or hauled and piled in a designated location.
