We are blessed in the pacific northwest for having a tremendous multitude of beautiful trees. However, this inventory can change dramatically with over harvesting and over removal of healthy trees. Not only is tree removal expensive, but in many cases unnecessary, as there are options to preserve a tree.

As large as trees grow here, they have extremely shallow root systems (and no tap root) due to the hard pan (or glacial silt) deposited here millions of years ago. Tree roots only descend about 3-4 feet in most circumstances. The tops of trees get very thick and busy, which is what we call windsail. During the fall, rain loosens the soil at the base of the tree, and if windstorm occurs shortly after and hits the thick top of the tree, it is a recipe for possible disaster.

To fix this situation, we have an economical solution called a windsail reduction. In this process, we climb the tree and on the bottom half, we remove deadwood and properly cut out any broken branches, and we remove any damaged limbs (otherwise known as hangers or widowmakers). On the top half of the tree, we continue as noted above, but also start pruning and removing some of the healthy branches to allow the wind to pass through the tree safely, eliminating drag.

The windsail reduction process provides the homeowner with 3-key elements:

• A Safe Tree
• Approximately a 50% reduction in mess from a tree
• More Sunlight (you should be able to see daylight through your whole tree)

And...perhaps best...We get to save a tree!