Thriving in Tough Times

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Crown Pruning

ObjectiveThe objective of pruning is to produce strong, healthy, attractive plants. By understanding how, when and why to prune, and by following a few simple principles, this objective can be achieved

Reasons For PruningThe main reasons for pruning ornamental and shade trees include safety, health, and aesthetics. In addition, pruning can be used to stimulate fruit production and increase the value of timber

How to Prune a Tree

Producing strong structure should be the emphasis when pruning young trees. As trees mature, the aim of pruning will shift to maintaining tree structure, form, health and appearance.

Pruning Approaches

How to Prune a Tree

Crown thinning, primarily for hardwoods, is the selective removal of branches to increase light penetration and air movement throughout the crown of a tree. The intent is to maintain or develop a tree's structure and form.

Pruning CutsPruning cuts should be made so that only branch tissue is removed and stem tissue is not damaged

Pruning Practices that Harm Trees

Topping and tipping are pruning practices that harm trees and should not be used. Crown reduction pruning is the preferred method to reduce the size or height of the crown of a tree, but is rarely needed and should be used infrequently.

When to Prune

Conifers may be pruned any time of year, but pruning during the dormant season may minimize sap and resin flow from cut branches.

Generally speaking, the smaller a branch is when pruned, the sooner the wound created will seal

Pruning Guidelines

To encourage the development of a strong, healthy tree, consider the following guidelines when pruning.

Prune first for safety, next for health, and finally for aesthetics. Never prune trees that are touching or near utility lines; instead consult your local utility company

Guidelines for Pruning

Assess how a tree will be pruned from the top down

Removing too many lower branches will hinder the development of a strong stem.

"How to Prune Trees" was written to help people properly prune the trees they care about. If you doubt your ability to safely prune large trees, please hire a professional arborist. Information in this publication can be used to interview and hire a competent arborist.

Adapted from USDA Forest Service Guidelines

Experience

“Experience teaches nothing. But evaluated experience teaches everything. ~ Ask yourself, "What did I learn today?"” – John Maxwell

First things First

Plan Strategic Plan – Board adopted

Include Stake Holders Set District Goals – Outline Purpose

Prioritize Determine Highest & Best Use Prune furthest from classroom first

Prune or Work the Plan

CHANGE

Change is the only Constant,

today and in the future

Current Financial System ADA Based System

Demographic Study Student Growth Projections Review student counts- example sibling search for low SES

students

Class Size Efficiency Policy to set minimum class size Attendance Zones for Elementary Multiple campuses look to overflow and or share staff

Personnel Study Examine Staff Efficiency Personnel allotments

Current Financial System

Leverage Technology On Line Training, PDAS

Review Benefits Rebid all Personnel Benefits

Eliminate Unnecessary Bid Insurance

Change dates of insurance if they are not aligned to fiscal year, one time savings

Audit

Revenue Maximize current system

PEIMS Accurate coding for special programs Course Description numbers

Vocational Transportation

Maximize Routes – reduce Route funding

Audit

Maintenance HVAC Replacement Roof Warranty vs replacement

I&S Refinance Check for possible current M&O

charges to I&S

Other Options Change fiscal years, one time savings of two months

no salary operations Charge indirect cost to federal programs Early retirement incentives, only work if you don’t

replace Charge participation fees Ticket prices at gates and meals Parking at events Construction, charge applicable hours to bond fund Construction Management Agent

Still More Options

Change uniforms for employees Suspend incentives (like masters reimbursement

plans) Eliminate catering and snacks for meetings Coop Services & Purchasing Review & Rebid telephone service Decrease printing and mailing

Leverage Technology Reduce testing outside of TAKS Deplete inventories of supplies Sell surplus property

Audit

Programs for alignment with Plan PEIMS Pupil Transportation & Staff

Transportation

Wrap Up

Energy Management $50 per hour 650 student

Elementary PEIMS audit – students average value

is $32 per day, 1000 students 1% attendance= $3200

Vocational programs same course different number

Highest Percentage of Budget

Personnel Utilities Maintenance Transportation

PURPOSE

PRIORITIES

PLAN

PREPARE

Crown Pruning