Tree Trimming 101
Tree Trimming is a practice focused on selectively removing branches and limbs from a mature tree to promote health, maintain structure, improve aesthetics, and manage hazards. It’s often performed to prevent the growth of branches that could obstruct views or interfere with power lines, but it can also help in shaping trees for an attractive landscape.
Pruning is a form of selective removal that promotes good health, increases sunlight penetration to lawns and structures, and enhances overall property value. It is usually done with shears or loppers, although for very large or thick branches, a hand saw may be needed.
For most species of shade and ornamental trees, pruning is an essential part of maintenance. When improperly or incompletely done, it can result in damage to the plant, poor appearance and potential safety hazards. For most purposes, it’s best to have a professional do it.
A trained and certified arborist can evaluate a tree’s structure and determine its proper shape to promote healthy and attractive growth. They have the skills and tools to handle any job, including thinning out overgrowth and removing diseased or insect-ridden branches. They will always start small, as it’s important to avoid over-pruning.
Proper pruning techniques will vary with each type of tree. A general rule is to remove dead, diseased or broken branches as soon as possible to reduce the risk of falling debris. This will also prevent the spread of pests or pathogens that can threaten a tree’s health and lead to eventual death.
Young and developing trees need to be pruned more frequently than mature, established ones. This will help them establish their canopy size and overall shape, which can require up to every 2 or 3 years for some species. Young trees that have not been properly pruned can suffer serious injuries or even die from improper cutting.
A common pruning mistake is “topping” shade trees. This involves shearing off the top of a shade tree to control height. It has serious implications re branch structure/strength and can seriously affect the long-term health of the tree.
Other common forms of pruning include crown cleaning, raising and reduction. Crown cleaning is the process of removing the lower branches from a mature tree to increase clearance for buildings, vehicles, pedestrians or vistas. It can also be used to eliminate competing leaders in multiple-stemmed plants or in those with a dominant central leader. Raising, on the other hand, involves removing the tips of limbs to reduce height.
Pruning can be done at any time of the year, but the optimal times are winter and early spring to stimulate growth in the following growing season. In addition, each type of tree will respond differently to pruning at different times of the year. It’s important to work with a trained professional when pruning, especially for larger projects. They can advise you on when to do what and how much to remove, ensuring the best possible results.
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