TAKE A LITTLE OFF THE TOP AND SIDES ... THE TIME IS NOW FOR TREE TRIMMING.

Byline: Barbara De Witt Staff Writer

THE FINAL dash to get trees properly pruned before they bloom is on and is likely to end earlier this year, say local tree trimmers.

``It's been a big problem this year because we didn't have a real winter, so trees are blooming sooner, and then we've got those Santa Ana winds that can really damage a tree,'' says certified arborist Bob Loft of the Tree Trimmer Service in Thousand Oaks.

Pruning season in Southern California begins as early as October in preparation for the annual wind season, says Loft, but the traditional tree-trimming season is December through February for deciduous (leaf-dropping) trees. The local exception is oaks, which shouldn't be pruned until summer.

Trimming trees is a maintenance ritual that should be performed on most trees every two or three years, says this 25-year-veteran arborist, but wind damage can crack or break boughs, leaving them vulnerable to infection - as well as a hazard to roofs and cars - so they might need more frequent attention. This bit of care will yield trees with a better overall shape and more flowers in the spring.

``Often, all we need to do is a little fine pruning, which means to thin out a tree's deadwood and small branches so the Santa Anas can blow through it without blowing it over - and that includes pine trees. Most people think pines don't need to be pruned, but they can topple over in the wind, too,'' he explains.

Loft says most arborists are tree huggers who hate to see anybody chop a tree down or massacre it with what's called ``topping.''

``Don't expect us to just go to the property and start cutting. We want to meet the owner and discuss the tree - and we don't want to simply top it off, as you can kill a tree when you remove too many branches,'' says Dana Levine of Mr. B's Tree Service in Tarzana.

Loft agrees, commenting that severe topping can not only ruin the aesthetics of the tree but also affect the branch structure and root system and leave it vulnerable to infection.

``If a person is really unhappy about their overgrown tree, we suggest removing it and planting a new one, and in this climate both can be accomplished this month,'' Loft explains.

Tree removal keeps tree trimmers equally busy, says Bob Johnson, owner of the Tree Sculptor company in Chatsworth.

``Many of the trees I remove are the ones that got knocked over by wind, and it's really a shame because when I examine them, I often discover the tree was planted too deeply, which didn't allow the roots to develop,'' Johnson explains, adding that the ``flare'' of the tree base should always be exposed when planting. Other reasons for tree removal are the unseasonably hot, dry weather and foreign pest invasion.

Whether you're having trees pruned or removed, it's an expensive job, ranging from $500 to $1,500 for a yard with several trees.

Homeowners might be tempted to do it themselves, but experts warn that any tree that requires more than a 6-foot ladder or long-poled loppers are best left to experts with big ladders (and insurance policies). And keep in mind that professionals will also haul away the branches.

When hiring tree trimmers, always ask for their credentials, Levine stresses. They should be certified arborists or at least licensed with worker's compensation insurance and should provide references. And they should be willing to provide free estimates.

Also expect prices to vary per tree, as some trees are easier to trim than others.

Sycamores and jacarandas are common trees in local valleys that can go two to three years between trims, while ornamentals such as olive trees require more frequent (translate: expensive) care. Johnson says those who want to save money on tree trimming should consider slow-growing trees that can stand up to wind such as stately cedars or Chinese elms.

Romantic swaying palms, however, are not as maintenance-free as you'd think.

``Even professional tree trimmers hate palm trees. They're terrible, much bigger than most people realize and difficult to trim and keep clean,'' Loft says. ``In particular, they need to be pruned often, particularly when the flowers come out before you see the fruit, as those clusters of dates can weigh as much as 150 pounds, causing damage to plants below as they fall to the ground.''

The bottom line in trimming is healthy branches that can withstand fungus, disease and those pesky Santa Anas.

Safe arbor

To get your trees looking their best in the spring, start pruning now. Never pruned a tree? Read on. Do-it-yourselfers as well as those hiring a professional tree trimmer should consider the following:

-- Inspect the area, looking for proximity to power lines (always assume they are ``live'' and contact your utility company if necessary). Also look for parked vehicles and other obstacles; then identify locations of broken or cracked limbs before climbing the ladder.

-- Use teamwork, keeping someone on the ground to watch for possible danger, including pedestrians.

-- When pruning young trees, have a purpose in mind because each cut has the potential to change the growth of the tree, and always cut just outside the branch collar (the intersection of the branch and trunk), advises the International Society of Arboriculture.

-- When cutting a larger, mature branch, start with an undercut to avoid a tear; then top cut the limb just beyond the undercut, making this cut all the way through the limb to remove it entirely. Then make a final smooth cut.

-- Prune broken branches to repair injury and prevent disease or future broken branches. Do not paint or seal wounds (cut limbs), as exposure to air will allow a healing callus to form, according to ``Better Homes and Gardens Yard & Garden Basics'' (Meredith; $24.95).

-- Clean out branches that harbor caterpillars, any rubbing branches or any with weak crotches, but never cut more than 1/4 of the tree's ``crown,'' advises the American Society of Arborists.

-- Prune to train the structure of the tree and stimulate growth of young trees that are dormant in late winter.

-- Thin crowded branches and saw off one of the competing branches to establish a single leader where necessary.

-- Cut branches that rub on the roof, hang over a fence or create a possible hazard, but don't step/climb on the branches as they may crack.

-- Thinking of trimming an oak? In some cities, such as Thousand Oaks, you'll need a special permit to prune any oak; in Los Angeles, you need a permit if the oak is on an acre or more of land. Always check before sawing on an oak, advises arborist Bob Johnson of Chatsworth.

-- Finally, don't trim those trees along the sidewalk even though they appear to be in your yard. That's city property. Ditto for the trees in your planned community green belts. Call the city or your homeowners' association if the tree is in desperate need of a trim.

For more information, contact the American Society of Arborists at [phone]. Or see the tree-trimming lessons provided by the International Society of Arboriculture at www.isa-arbor.com.

- Barbara De Witt

What to remember when planting a tree

Gardening books will tell you to plant in the spring after the last frost, but in L.A. we break the rules. You can plant a tree anytime now - as long as the weather stays warm.

-- By law, you're supposed to call the Underground Service Alert at [phone] before you dig large holes. This service will notify utility companies of your plans and will locate and mark underground lines for you within two working days after you place the call.

-- Figure in the growth factor. A tiny tree will soon tower over your house, perhaps 50 feet or more, so avoid planting trees directly in front of windows and doors or close to paths, driveways, drainage pipes and gas lines. Plant large trees (50 feet at maturity) at least 50 feet from power lines.

-- Consider your climate. You may love cherry and apple trees, but they don't love the desert climes of the San Fernando Valley. Good choices are California sycamores, which grow quickly and provide abundant shade, as well as elms, walnut, oak, citrus, avocado, ficus, camphor and olive trees. Flowering trees that also do well on the Valley floors include jacaranda, crape myrtle, Japanese maple, New Zealand Christmas trees and Persian silk trees, says Bruce Asakawa in his book, ``California Gardener's Guide'' (Cool Springs Press; $24.95).

-- Trees that do well on the edge of the yard include elms and hawthorns because they have a vase-shaped canopy that looks like an upside-down triangle that won't block the view of traffic. Olive trees are not a good choice because they drop their fruit on cars and make a mess on sidewalks.

-- Ornamental trees such as palms create a Hollywood or tropical theme, but they need to be pruned year-round, and their fruit is a magnet for tree and roof rats. Avoid planting near walls and roofs to prevent rats from entering attics.

- Barbara De Witt

CAPTION(S):

3 photos, 2 boxes

Photo:

(1 -- cover -- color) out on a limb?

Trim your trees soon, but do it the right way

(2) The Tree Sculptor's Freddy Pereira trims a Siberian elm in Studio City. It's better to trim trees before they start developing leaves.

(3) Palms, which need frequent attention, are among the most dreaded trees to trim for local arborists.

Michael Owen Baker/Staff Photographer

Box:

(1) Safe arbor (see text)

(2) What to remember when planting a tree (see text)