Tree Trimming Basics

Tree Trimming is a necessary and beneficial practice for the overall health of your trees, shrubs and garden. It is more than just chopping off unwanted growth in a random fashion like most people think of when they hear the term “tree trimming.” Tree Trimming is a skillful process that corrects structure, promotes plant health, and enhances aesthetics. It is a necessary practice that helps prevent branches from obstructing views, interfering with power lines, or creating hazards.

A common goal of pruning is to reduce the overall density of the crown, which can be accomplished by removing specific branches or removing the entire lower portion of the canopy. This technique is usually used on older or mature trees to increase air circulation, allow sunlight penetration, and provide clearance for structures, traffic, and pedestrians. It also helps reduce stress on specific limbs from wind, snow, ice, and gravity.

It is important to note that pruning should be performed by a trained professional in order to minimize the risk of injury and property damage. The best time of year to prune is in the spring and early summer, before the tree’s energy is devoted to root growth and fruit production. It is not recommended to prune oak trees during any other season, due to the risk of introducing and spreading the oak wilt disease via beetles that spread this infectious fungal mat.

The most important thing to remember when pruning is that you must have a plan! Attempting to prune a tree without a clear understanding of what needs to be done and how it should be accomplished can result in poor structure, unbalanced growth, and substandard new growth. Thorough planning ensures that only what is needed is removed, and that it is done in a way that will benefit the tree in the long run.

Proper pruning starts by identifying the main branches of a tree, and removing any damaged, dead, or insect-infested wood. Next, it is important to keep a strong leader (the tallest or dominant upright branch) by not letting secondary branches outgrow the leader. It is also important to remove crossing or rubbing branches, and to avoid removing the wide areas of the branch collar (the wide area around where the branch joins the trunk).

A final point is that you should never cut within 10-12 feet of power lines, as this is a very dangerous and potentially deadly task. It is always recommended to work with a professional that has the experience and equipment required for working safely near electrical wires. Even though it can be an expensive option, the safety of your home, family, and pets is well worth the investment in a professional tree service.

from TLC Trees and Co https://ift.tt/VjQ6B1D