What is the primary objective to determine before pruning?

The primary objective to determine before pruning is line clearance. This is essential for ensuring that trees do not interfere with power lines, which can lead to safety hazards, service interruptions, and potential damage to the trees or electrical infrastructure. Considering line clearance helps arborists plan their pruning activities to maintain a safe distance between the tree branches and power lines, promoting not only the health of the tree but also the reliability and safety of electrical services.

Knowing the specific measurements and requirements for line clearance allows workers to make informed decisions on which branches to prune and how extensively to prune them, while adhering to local regulations and safety standards. This objective takes precedence because inadvertent contact with live lines can pose serious risks to the arborist and the public.