Located in the beautiful Coombsville area of Napa, this 80-acre estate is home to a collection of old, majestic live oaks that have never been pruned. With a report from a certified consulting arborist, Von Greiff Tree Care was called in to conduct restoration pruning on the estate’s heritage oaks. Over a span of five days, the team meticulously pruned and restored 50 trees, including large oaks surrounding the property.
The Challenge
The main challenge was the age and fragility of the heritage oak trees. These majestic trees had never been pruned, and their large, heavy branches were at risk of breaking due to weak unions. Their sheer size added complexity that required delicate handling to avoid further damage. The steep, hilly terrain also posed access difficulties, making it harder to reach the trees safely and requiring extra care in planning how to approach each part of the property.
Did you know that heritage oak trees, when properly maintained, can live for over 400 years?
Without proper care, such as regular pruning and disease management, these trees can suffer damage that significantly shortens their lifespan.
Our Approach
To address the challenges, Von Greiff Tree Care implemented specialized techniques and tools:
- Restoration Pruning: Carefully lightened the canopies, removing deadwood and reducing the weight of the limbs to prevent future breakage.
- Cabling for Structural Support: Installed steel cables to support weak unions, reducing the risk of limb failure.
- Use of the Spider Crane: This equipment allowed the team to safely access high and wide tree canopies without over-stressing the branches.
- Resistograph Testing: Used this advanced tool to ensure that seemingly compromised limbs were not at risk of decay, preserving healthy tree structures.
The Outcome
Enhanced Safety
By pruning dangerous limbs and cabling weak unions, we significantly reduced the risk of falling branches, improving the safety for residents and visitors.
Improved Aesthetic Appeal
The property, once overshadowed by dense canopies and decaying limbs, now enjoys more filtered sunlight and a refined, majestic landscape.
Preserved Tree Health
Through careful restoration pruning and disease prevention, we ensured the long-term health of these ancient oaks, increasing the property’s overall value
Why it Matters
Maintaining heritage trees on estates like this one is vital for preserving both the aesthetic beauty and the safety of the property. Without regular tree care, even the most resilient trees are vulnerable to disease, decay, and structural failure, which can lead to property damage or personal injury. By investing in professional tree care services, the client protected their valuable natural assets and ensured the continued beauty of their historic property for future generations.
