Last updated: Mar 31, 2026
This guide covers tree trimming best practices, local regulations, common tree species, and seasonal considerations specific to Bethesda, MD.
The common canopy in Bethesda is dominated by large deciduous hardwoods-oaks, maples, tulip poplar, elm, and black cherry-so most structural pruning is best done when trees are dormant. In practical terms, that means targeting the tree when leaves are off and the crown is clearly visible, typically from late winter into very early spring. Start with a pre-pruning check: walk around each tree to note deadwood, structural hazards, and any conflicts with utility lines or hardscape. Prioritize cleanup of dead or diseased limbs while the tree is leafless, which makes defect detection straightforward and reduces risk to you and adjoining landscape.
This is the core pruning window for mature maples and oaks, where the goal is to refine structure ahead of new growth. Perform formative corrections first on younger leaders and crotch unions that show weak angles. For large ornamentals, lift any branches that rub sidewalks or encroach on drive paths, but avoid heavy reductions that shock the canopy late in the season. If you know a storm is coming, schedule a quick inspection beforehand to identify high-risk limbs and set up a plan to address obvious hazards when access is straightforward. In this period, you can also begin removing suppressed watersprouts or vigorous watershoot growth that will otherwise divert energy from the main scaffold limbs.
Maples are particularly sensitive to pruning during bud break and sap flow. As sap begins to rise, cuts can leak more sap, which may affect wound response and healing. In this slender window, keep pruning light on maples and palo alto-like maples in our climate, and reserve deeper cuts for structural corrections that can't wait. Aim to complete the heavier work on maples before buds fully break, then switch to lighter pruning as leaves emerge. If a late-winter frost snaps back and delays leaf flush, you can extend the core winter-pruning plan by a short period, but watch for increased vulnerability to sun scald and splitting on freshly exposed bark.
Hot, humid summers in this area elevate stress on recently cut shade trees. After thunderstorm periods, corrective pruning is more common than in drier inland climates because broken limbs and branch shear from storms create sudden needs. Schedule post-storm checks for safety and to remove snapped or hung branches that could give way further in a heat spike. Avoid large, heavy reductions during peak heat; instead, plan for staged removal of damaged sections with ample recovery time between sessions. If storms are frequent, it helps to create a rolling plan that prioritizes high-traffic areas and trees with known storm vulnerability, balancing access constraints with safety.
Fall leaf drop reduces visibility for crown work, making it harder to assess branch integrity and prune accurately. By mid-fall, focus on establishing a long-term plan for the following winter: identify trees that will need extra time for crown thinning, and note any limbs that will be easier to access with minimal leaf interference in late winter. If you must prune in fall, keep cuts small and avoid heavy wound openings that won't have time to start sealing before dormancy. Prepare to revisit marginal trees after leaf drop begins in earnest, when you can once again see structure but before the first hard frost sets in.
In practice, this calendar keeps the mature canopy in balance with a busy residential landscape. By aligning pruning with dormancy, bloom timing, storm risk, and seasonal visibility challenges, you preserve structure, reduce injury to the tree, and keep your yard safer during Bethesda's storm season.
In this area, mature canopies dominate residential streets, with tall shade trees crowding close to homes, driveways, fences, and neighboring properties. That layout naturally raises the complexity of trimming compared with newer subdivisions that have smaller stock and open lots. Large tulip poplar, oak, and maple are common, and their expansive branch spreads often reach over roofs, patios, and narrow side yards. Access is a practical constraint you'll notice before a tool is chosen or a rig is set up, so plan around the layout of each property rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
Bethesda's dense suburban grid means every job begins with a quick site map in the mind. Start by surveying how branches intersect with the house, driveway, and utility lines, then identify anchor points for rigging or sectional work. When branchwork overhangs a roof or a screened porch, the crew may need to segment the work and tackle one section at a time, moving limbs through smaller openings rather than forcing a single large cut. In side yards or between fences, think through doorways and gate access-temporary removal of obstacles or careful positioning can save time and reduce risk. If parked cars or landscaping are likely to block access, coordinate timing with the homeowner for removal or temporary clearance, or plan work that can be completed from ground level while maintaining balance and control.
With large canopy species common in the area, most projects require more than basic pruning. Advanced rigging might be needed to bring heavy limbs down in controlled pieces, especially when branches extend across multiple properties or over delicate landscaping. Sectional work-cutting a limb into manageable segments and lowering each piece with reins or ropes-often preserves underlying structure and minimizes damage to lawns, gardens, or decorative stonework. In tighter spaces, you may rely on shorter, lighter cuts that reduce the fall footprint and protect neighboring vegetation. Always pre-select anchor points that are strong enough to support controlled lowering, and keep a clear escape path for crew members as cuts are made.
Preparation is the best safety measure: confirm ladder positions, verify footing on uneven ground, and ensure a clear path for equipment movement. Retaining walls and narrow side yards require meticulous planning to avoid unintended contact with masonry or irrigation lines. Given the street-scale reality of mature canopies, expect the crew to adjust tactics as work progresses, re-routing cuts to maintain balance and minimize collateral damage. When storms are imminent or recent weather has softened soils, confirm footing and rigging setups to maintain stability. In practice, this means pausing work to reassess after high winds or heavy rain, then resuming with a refined plan that respects the unique confines of each property.
Natures Friends Landscaping Bethesda
(240) 426-2874 www.naturesfriendslandscaping.com
3 Bethesda Metro Center Suite 700, Bethesda, Maryland
5.0 from 30 reviews
Nature's Friends Landscaping Bethesda has been providing outstanding customer service for more than 20 years. We provide landscaping, hardscaping, tree services and wood fence installation service to the Bethesda Metro area.Please contact us today for a Free in home estimate.
MDR Landscaping & Tree Service
(240) 832-6029 www.mdrlandscapingandtreeservice.com
Serving Montgomery County
5.0 from 32 reviews
MDR Landscaping And Tree Service, established in 2001, is your trusted partner for all your landscaping, tree service, and snow removal needs.
Aspen Arbor Care
(240) 406-8782 aspenarborcare.com
Serving Montgomery County
5.0 from 78 reviews
Aspen Arbor Care is your trusted partner for tree removal, pruning, and grinding services in Rockville, Maryland. Our skilled team is committed to delivering safe, professional, and timely solutions tailored to your needs. Whether it's removing hazardous trees, pruning for optimal growth, or grinding stumps for a clean landscape, we prioritize customer satisfaction and deliver exceptional results. Trust our experts to handle your tree care needs with precision and reliability.
Alfaro's Tree Expert
(240) 608-2852 www.alfarostreeexpert.net
Serving Montgomery County
5.0 from 220 reviews
Alfaro's Tree Expert provides tree removal, trimming, pruning, and stump grinding services in Gaithersburg, MD, and the surrounding areas.
American Choice Exteriors
(301) 687-2345 americanchoiceexteriors.com
Serving Montgomery County
4.9 from 79 reviews
American Choice Exteriors is a family-owned and operated roofing company and we are located in Montgomeryunty, MD.Our extensive knowledge of state-of-the-art roofing techniques and technologies paired with our personalized customer service has continued to make us a top choice in roofing replacement and repair for residential and commercial properties. Your peace of mind is important to us. American Choice Exteriors will make certain you’re well informed about the entire process and are 100% satisfied with your roofing package — and after over 30 years of our combined experience in the trade, we’re completely confident that you will be.
4 Seasons Outdoor Care Landscaping
(240) 701-9435 4seasonsoutdoorcare.com
Serving Montgomery County
4.9 from 52 reviews
4 Seasons Outdoor Care has become the go-to landscaping professionals in Silver Spring and Montgomery county. We have more than 10 years of experience offering our professional landscaping, and hardscaping services to the community. We have hundreds of happy customers and our quality of work and exceptional customer service is unparalleled. Our extensive experience enables us to offer a wide array of services from basic lawn care and landscape maintenance to enhancements and design and build projects. This includes patios, sidewalks, steps, fences and other outdoor structures. When working with our experienced team, you will learn that your vision has no limit.
O & O Tree Service expert's
(202) 409-2885 oandotreeserviceexperts.com
Serving Montgomery County
4.9 from 52 reviews
O & O Tree Services offers affordable tree services in Silver Spring, MD. If you're searching for a professional tree cutting and removal expert, contact us today!
Maryland Tree
(240) 899-6825 www.maryland-tree.com
Serving Montgomery County
5.0 from 4 reviews
At Maryland Tree, we’re your premier tree services provider in Hyattsville, MD. With 25 years of experience, we’ve meticulously cultivated a sterling reputation for unwavering honesty and steadfast integrity. Our comprehensive range of services encompasses tree removal, precise tree pruning, expert cabling and bracing, and meticulous stump grinding. We thoughtfully customized each service to cater only to the unique requirements of our cherished residential customers.
Monster Tree Service of Montgomery County, MD
(301) 478-9466 www.monstertreeservice.com
Serving Montgomery County
4.9 from 105 reviews
Whether you need a tree removal service for a construction project or you need tree trimming to beautify your property, Monster Tree Service can tackle it. Our crews have extensive training, skills, and equipment to handle any kind of tree service, from removing diseased branches to tree stump removal to reshaping old growth of massive trees. We can even plant trees to replace what we remove!
Potomac River Arborists
(301) 467-0515 www.potomacriverarborists.com
Serving Montgomery County
5.0 from 75 reviews
Potomac River Arborists is family and veteran owned and operated by Silver Spring residents and arborists Tom Fitzgerald IV and Tom Fitzgerald V. Our crews are experts at tree evaluations, pruning, tree removal, stump grinding, cabling & bracing and plant healthcare. Tom IV was a Forestry major at W.V.U., a certified arborist and the company’s lead climber. Tom is one of the most honest and hardworking men you will ever meet. Potomac River Arborists are certified Maryland “Licensed Tree Experts” and are fully insured. We love the preservation of trees; their natural beauty is part of our daily lives. Maryland Tree Experts #2332, #2640 and ISA Certified Arborists #MA-6190A, #MA-7156A Contact us for all you your arborist needs.
JCM Tree Service
(571) 384-5658 www.jcmtreeservices.com
Serving Montgomery County
5.0 from 51 reviews
JCM Tree Service, Arlington's premier tree care experts, provide comprehensive and professional services with a commitment to excellence. With highly trained arborists, JCM Tree Service ensures the health and well-being of your trees through services including tree removal, stump grinding, tree trimming, pruning, cabling and bracing, and fertilization. The company proudly provides personalized solutions, catering to residential and commercial properties throughout the Arlington area.
The Heart of Wood Tree Service
(571) 482-0996 www.theheartofwood.com
Serving Montgomery County
4.9 from 72 reviews
For more than 20 years The Heart of Wood, a locally owned and operated tree service company, has proudly and professionally cared for all aspects of trees for both residential and commercial customers alike. Tree services such as tree removal, tree trimming, tree pruning, stump removal and more. From the trimming of small ornamental trees, to the removal of large and dangerous ones - our clients in the DC metro area consistently report that the quality of our workmanship, coupled with our competitive pricing, are unparalleled. As an Angie's List "Super Service Award" winner for the last three consecutive years, we understand how much time and money you invest in your home and we pride ourselves on getting the job done right the first time.
Hot-season thunderstorms are a recurring threat to mature canopy neighborhoods. In Bethesda, the risk is not cosmetic: broken limbs, hanging branches, and split leaders can threaten roofs, sidewalks, and parked cars in an instant. The priority is to identify trees whose failure would reach structures or critical daytime travel routes, and to act with urgency when storms threaten to worsen. Quick assessment after a storm helps prevent further damage from wind-driven failures or saturated root zones.
Many properties feature large trees sitting close to houses, driveways, and utility lines. After a storm, the primary task shifts from pruning for shape to reducing risk. Work focuses on removing or scaffold-backing the most hazardous material-dead wood, inverted crotches, cracked leaders, and branches that overhang roofs or power lines. Clearance over roofs, walkways, and parked vehicles becomes the overriding goal, not ornate thinning. This is not a cosmetic exercise; it's about maintaining safe egress, reducing collateral damage from falling limbs, and preserving the structural envelope of nearby homes and garages.
Storm season often brings disrupted schedules and a surge in emergency-response demand. In Bethesda, that means crews may be tied up with urgent hazard-reduction tasks, and access to the most damaged can be time-sensitive. Plan for weather windows that are short and unpredictable. When a storm ends, a rapid response is critical: secure loose limbs quickly, cordon hazardous zones, and prioritize sections where limb drop could impact high-traffic areas or vulnerable infrastructure. Delays can convert a manageable clean-up into a multi-day risk crawl.
Certain species in the local canopy are more prone to storm-related issues-declining limbs in maples, weak crotches in oaks, and top-heavy crowns in cottonwoods near driveways. On properties with mature shade trees over homes, the focus shifts to structural integrity: reinforcing forks with lime-saturated cuts only as needed, avoiding over-pruning that weakens wind resistance, and ensuring cuts are clean and flush to prevent secondary decay. Closer attention is paid to limbs that lean toward structures or utilities, and to any signs of root disturbance that could loosen anchorage after a storm.
Document hazard-prone areas, mark high-priority targets, and schedule essential removals promptly when conditions allow. Prioritize work that eliminates immediate hazards, then plan for progressive clearance that restores safe clearance zones around the home, sidewalks, and street-facing elevations. In Bethesda, rapid stabilization, focused hazard removal, and access-preserving pruning form the core of storm-response decisions.
These tree service companies have been well reviewed for storm damage jobs.
MDR Landscaping & Tree Service
(240) 832-6029 www.mdrlandscapingandtreeservice.com
Serving Montgomery County
5.0 from 32 reviews
O & O Tree Service expert's
(202) 409-2885 oandotreeserviceexperts.com
Serving Montgomery County
4.9 from 52 reviews
In this region, tree care decisions sit within Montgomery County's urban forest program rather than a standalone Bethesda forestry office. For homeowners, standard pruning on private property is not typically permit-triggering, but the work still sits inside a broader framework that governs tree health, right-of-way considerations, and protected site conditions. The county emphasizes preserving the mature canopy that characterizes many neighborhoods, while balancing utility access, storm response, and street safety. Your pruning schedule should consider the life stage of your trees, the typical heat and drought stress of late summer, and the timing of storms that can damage weakened limbs. Planning around these factors reduces conflict with utilities and public vegetation while maintaining long-term vigor.
Because this area is unincorporated, there is no standalone municipal tree permit office to consult locally. Instead, inquiries are routed through Montgomery County agencies that handle urban forest management, landscape standards, and road-rights. Contacting the county's Department of Permitting Services, the Department of Environmental Protection, or the Office of Underground Utilities can clarify whether a project touches protected roots, critical root zones, or county easements. When in doubt, a quick call can confirm whether the work stays within routine pruning or triggers additional review. Keeping a record of the street address, site plans, and any nearby utility markings speeds up the process.
Routine pruning on private property typically remains within the realm of homeowner responsibility as far as county rules indicate. However, timing pruning to avoid overlap with peak storm seasons and to minimize collateral damage to neighboring trees is prudent. If pruning intersects with habitat features, wildlife corridors, or historic specimens identified by county records, the scope can broaden. Work that moves beyond trimming, such as removing multi-stem clusters near driveways or interfering with county-maintained setbacks, may require closer scrutiny. Align pruning windows with seasonal moisture patterns to reduce soil disturbance during wet periods.
Development projects, right-of-way issues, or site conditions designated as protected at the county level become more likely to attract review. If a tree sits near a county road, utility easement, or a protected buffer, the county may require additional steps to safeguard soils, roots, and irrigation paths. Homeowners should verify any landscape alterations that touch county mappings or arborist designations before proceeding. Questions often center on root protection zones, soil conditions, and compliance with storm-response vegetation plans to keep neighborhoods resilient after severe weather.
In this mix of red maple, sugar maple, and other broadleaf hardwoods, the early spring sap surge eats into pruning windows. You'll notice maples begin "leaking" days before leaf-out, and any significant cuts during that period can sap energy from the tree while it's rebuilding reserves for flowering and leaf emergence. Pruning during sap flow risks excessive wound response, epicormic sprouting on maples, and even late-season stress if the tree is still mobilizing sugars to starch reserves. Plan cuts for after buds set and before the heat of late spring, balancing the need to remove damaged limbs with the tree's natural energy cycle.
Large oaks and tulip poplars in mature neighborhoods create real crown-weight pressures when storms roll through. The oak's substantial nailed-on limbs and the tulip poplar's broad, high-angled crowns mean a single prune can shift balance and invite tearing or heavy drop zones. In practice, you're weighing long-term structure against nuisance pruning. Avoid removing large portions for cosmetic thinning; instead, target specific conflicts-overhanging sidewalks, driveways, or lines of tension-while preserving the tree's natural silhouette. For red or white oaks, respect the natural layered growth habit and aim for gradual reductions over time rather than dramatic annual cuts.
American elm and black cherry in established landscapes tend toward brittle limbs and decline patterns when older. Rather than chasing a perfectly shaped crown, prioritize selective hazard pruning that reduces obvious failure points-deadwood, included bark in joints, and limbs with obvious cracks. Cosmetic thinning is often a false economy here; removing weak or compromised wood now can prevent sudden breakages later and preserve the tree's remaining vigor. Expect some flare of repair response after removal of vulnerable limbs, and plan for subsequent, measured maintenance rather than a single, dramatic cut.
Storms are a familiar rhythm, with utility lines sometimes compounding access problems. Pruning should be timed to avoid last-minute work just before expected front passages and to capitalize on safer access after weather subsides. When pruning around mature oaks, maples, and elms, consider how a cut might alter wind load or branch leverage in a storm, and prioritize removals that reduce risk rather than chase a tidier canopy. In tight spaces, work with the tree's natural architecture instead of forcing a uniform, abrupt shape.
Need someone ISA certified? Reviewers noted these companies' credentials
Potomac River Arborists
(301) 467-0515 www.potomacriverarborists.com
Serving Montgomery County
5.0 from 75 reviews
Mulheron Tree Experts
(301) 942-6700 mulherontreeexperts.com
Serving Montgomery County
4.3 from 12 reviews
Prestige Tree Experts
(240) 673-2453 prestigetreeexperts.com
Serving Montgomery County
5.0 from 528 reviews
Bethesda homeowners are in the Mid-Atlantic pest and disease corridor served by University of Maryland Extension and Montgomery County urban forestry resources, so pruning decisions should be coordinated with current regional advisories rather than made in isolation. Local notices can shift quickly after a storm or a new fungal alert, and timing matters more than many other places.
The area's humid summer conditions can worsen disease pressure on stressed deciduous trees, making timing and sanitation more important for mature canopy trees than in cooler or drier regions. When heat and humidity peak, wait for practical weather windows to reduce pruning-related stress. If disease risk is high, delaying nonessential cuts helps protect leaf area and overall vigor.
Because Bethesda's common species include oak, maple, elm, and cherry, homeowners should expect species-specific health concerns to influence whether a branch should be reduced, removed, or left until a safer seasonal window. Oaks contend with oak wilt and canker diseases, maples with anthracnose and canker pressures, elms with Dutch elm disease considerations, and cherries with bacterial cans and fruiting-walls stress. Know which pathogens are trending locally and tailor cuts to minimize exposure.
Sanitation and practice matter as much as timing. Remove obviously diseased or dead wood promptly and disinfect pruning tools between trees to prevent cross-contamination. Scraps should be bagged and discarded rather than left on the ground in rain-prone periods. When in doubt, observe regional advisories and favor conservative cuts that reduce wound size during peak pathogen activity.
Storm season adds another layer of complexity. Pressure from wind, broken limbs, and exposed cankers increases the risk of spreading disease through torn tissue. If a branch shows signs of decay, brittle texture, oozing sap, or cankers, err on the side of removal or postponement until a safer window and consult a local extension bulletin for species-specific guidance.
Need someone ISA certified? Reviewers noted these companies' credentials
Potomac River Arborists
(301) 467-0515 www.potomacriverarborists.com
Serving Montgomery County
5.0 from 75 reviews
Mulheron Tree Experts
(301) 942-6700 mulherontreeexperts.com
Serving Montgomery County
4.3 from 12 reviews
Prestige Tree Experts
(240) 673-2453 prestigetreeexperts.com
Serving Montgomery County
5.0 from 528 reviews
In Bethesda's established neighborhoods, mature roadside trees and overhead service lines can create clearance conflicts that homeowners should not treat as ordinary DIY pruning. The canopy landscape here often means branches extend toward lines or public frontage, and misjudging clearance can invite outages, fines, or damage to the tree itself. The geometry of these trees-dense, multi-trunk form, and intertwined with utility corridors-demands a plan that accounts for more than aesthetics. When a limb brushes a line, the consequence isn't just a stressed branch; it can trigger utility safety protocols or service interruptions that affect your entire block.
The same local seasonal issues that affect scheduling-winter ice, spring sap flow, summer storms, and fall visibility loss-also complicate utility-adjacent trimming and can delay safe access. Winter ice adds weight and increases the risk of split branches or sudden outages during pruning efforts near lines. Spring sap flow softens branch wood, making cuts more prone to tearing, while summer storms bring tornadic winds and bending branches that amplify risk around lines and poles. In fall, leaf density can obscure precise clearance targets along the curb, making accurate measuring and safe maneuvering harder. These patterns aren't theoretical here; they are daily realities that slow work and elevate the stakes when near utility corridors.
Where branches extend toward lines or public frontage, Bethesda residents may need to distinguish between private tree responsibility and utility or county-managed corridor work. Even well-intentioned pruning can encroach on jurisdictional boundaries, triggering follow-up actions from utility crews or county crews who must maintain clear access for safety and service reliability. The prudent path is to assess more than branch health: map the line of sight from the feeder to the limb, note any cross-clearing requirements, and recognize that some interventions belong to the corridor operators, not the private yard. This awareness helps prevent accidental damage, outages, and long-lasting regret.
These companies have been positively reviewed for their work near utility lines.
Yanez Tree Service Experts
(301) 241-7239 yaneztreeserviceexperts.com
Serving Montgomery County
4.9 from 99 reviews
Manuel Tree Service
(240) 246-3955 www.manueltreeservicemd.com
Serving Montgomery County
5.0 from 22 reviews
In Bethesda, typical trimming costs run about $300 to $2,500, but the upper end is common when mature hardwood canopies require climbing, rigging, or multiple crew members. That higher pricing accounts for more meticulous work, extended time on site, and the need for careful coordination around utility lines and neighbor spaces.
Jobs cost more when access is restricted by narrow side yards, fences, patios, retaining walls, or close spacing between homes typical of established neighborhoods. Every inch of maneuvering space adds planning time, potential risk, and the need for shorter, more controlled cuts. Expect a stepped workflow: initial assessment, then staged limbs or sections moved to a driveway or street, followed by cleanup and debris removal. The tighter the site, the less forgiving the clock, and the more hours show up on the bill.
Large oaks, maples, and tulip poplars over roofs, driveways, and utility lines push pricing higher because work must be done in smaller controlled pieces and may require certified or specialty crews. When a limb threatens structures or lines, a crew often brackets the job into multiple visits with roping, suspensions, and placement of loss-prevention measures. This careful approach reduces damage risk but adds to the overall cost and duration of the project.
A practical approach is to anticipate mid-range pricing for routine maintenance on a single sizable tree, then build a contingency for unexpected engineering or equipment needs. If neighboring properties share tight lines or access paths, coordinate access windows to minimize setup time and multiple trips. Remember that the most significant cost drivers are access, complexity of the crown, and the need for specialized techniques to protect roofs, driveways, and utilities.
Before any pruning plan, start with rule clarification from Montgomery County government. In Bethesda-area neighborhoods, the county oversees most tree-related guidelines even though the area is unincorporated. This means you should look first to county resources for timing, access, and best-practice recommendations that affect mature canopy trees on residential lots. The county can clarify how storm season schedules, utility conflicts, and adverse weather windows influence pruning windows in your yard. Rely on official guidance rather than assuming a private contractor's experience will cover all the local specifics. Keeping to county-advised timing helps protect the large deciduous shade trees.
For pest, disease, and timing advice, turn to the University of Maryland Extension as a regional resource. They regularly publish pest alerts and pruning-timing guidance that reflect our climate and species mix. This guidance is useful when you are deciding whether to prune after leaf-out versus dormancy, or how weather patterns in winter can stress oaks, maples, or ash trees. Do not rely on glossy brochures alone; compare Extension recommendations with what your local arborists report after a storm. The Extension's notes help you schedule work so that wound healing and vigor recovery align with Bethesda's humidity patterns.
County and state urban forestry programs are more relevant here than a standalone city forestry office, which changes where residents should verify rules and best practices. Seek contacts for Montgomery County's Urban Forestry or Maryland's Department of Natural Resources when you need technical guidance, tree appraisal insights, or species-specific pruning windows. These programs bring together experience from neighborhood canopies and storm-resilience projects to offer practical timing strategies. By aligning with this network, you improve odds that pruning supports health and storm readiness of mature trees.