Gallery
Before-and-after photographs with the decisions behind the change from my work in Peninsula gardens.
ORNAMENTAL & PINE TREES
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FRUIT TREES
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JAPANESE MAPLES
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SHRUBS & VINES
WEEPING DEODAR CEDAR
Letting the trunk tell the story
BEFORE
The horizontal trunk was the tree’s defining feature, but the dense foliage hid its line. A frequently used path and the surrounding garden also shaped the decisions.
AFTER
Selective branch and foliage removal created negative space around the trunk. A small branch on the right provides balance, while the remaining weeping foliage catches the light.
JAPANESE MAPLE
A clearer view
BEFORE
The dense canopy obscured the branching and part of the window.
AFTER
The open canopy reveals the trunks and branching beneath the leaves.
GREGG ACACIA
A clearer view, a more natural balance
BEFORE
The client wanted to see out of the window. The tree’s red-brown trunk echoed the window frame, but dense foliage obscured both the architecture and the succulents below.
AFTER
I reduced density near the window and raised the canopy. I revealed a leader splitting into a fan of three branches, creating a stronger relationship between the tree, house, and planting.
JAPANESE MAPLE · WINTER
Framing the window
BEFORE
Strong upward growth blocked the window and hid the tree’s branching.
AFTER
I reduced the height, encouraged horizontal branches, and opened the winter silhouette.
JAPANESE MAPLE
Keeping the wildness, finding the balance
BEFORE
Partial shade had encouraged long, thin branches. The tree shared a close growing space with camellias, roses, and vines near a garden seating area.
AFTER
I shortened some extending branches and reduced the lower canopy. The upper growth retains its lively, reaching character, so the tree feels more settled without losing its nature.
WILSONII OLIVE TREE
Less of a ball & more of a tree
BEFORE
The owner wanted a natural shape as this olive’s canopy became a dense ball.
AFTER
I lifted the canopy, revealed the lateral branches, and opened windows through the foliage to the house and sky.
LACELEAF JAPANESE MAPLE
A quiet trunk, revealed
BEFORE
The tree sat on a planted mound among rocks and shrubs, but its dense lower branches prevented a view into the structure.
AFTER
Removing selected low branches revealed the spotted grey trunk and opened space within the canopy. Some low, sloping branches remain, lifted clear of the ground.
LEMON TREE
Plant & soil care
BEFORE (SPRING)
While the tree had dense foliage, the leaves were yellow and not in it's thriving state.
AFTER (LATE SUMMER)
My soil-first approach included tailored liquid drenches and bio-stimulant and fertilizer programs to help bring this plant back to a healthy state.
LEMON TREE
Supporting health from the soil up
BEFORE
The tree had sparse foliage and several large dead branches.
AFTER
The goal was to support its health over time, alongside caring for its shape. I removed large dead branches and approached the tree as a whole, considering the soil and growing conditions
What clients say
All benefited greatly from her magic touch
One of her areas of specialty is aesthetic pruning. My camellias, bamboo, bird of paradise and orange tree have all benefited greatly from her magic touch
Linda · San Carlos
Fantastic guidance & insight
She did a major renovation on our overgrown Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar (previously dubbed “Cousin It”) and provided fantastic guidance and insight into citrus pruning.
Kristen · Woodside
Knowledgeable and easy to work with
Anna Ruth made my tired looking back yard look healthy and on pace to grow and flourish this summer!
Mark · East Farmhill
Rooted in Redwood City, Serving the Peninsula
I care for trees and gardens in Redwood City, San Carlos, Belmont, San Mateo, Atherton, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and nearby communities.
Outside the area? Reach out and we can have a conversation.
Arc Trees & Gardens
Aesthetic pruning & plant health care in Redwood City & the Bay Area Peninsula by Anna Ruth Baylon
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