Which pruning dose is generally suitable for mature trees?

When managing the health and appearance of mature trees, the accepted practice is to minimize the removal of live foliage. This is primarily because mature trees have established canopies that play critical roles in photosynthesis, energy storage, and overall vitality. Removing very little live foliage helps maintain the tree's capacity to sustain itself and encourages healthy growth. The emphasis is on retaining as much of the tree's leaf area as possible to support its physiological functions.

In the context of pruning, excessive removal of foliage—whether significant or moderate—can stress a tree, leading to potential decline or susceptibility to pests and diseases. While dead branches should certainly be removed to prevent safety hazards and encourage new growth, this does not relate directly to the question about the pruning dose suitable for mature trees. The focus should primarily be on preserving live foliage for the long-term health of the tree. Therefore, the notion of removing very little live foliage aligns perfectly with best practices in arboriculture for mature trees.