5 July 2023
 Categories: , Blog

Pruning is important for trees so they stay healthy and attractive. Fruit and flowering trees in particular need to be pruned to encourage more blooms and a larger yield of fruit. Young trees need to be pruned to help them develop an attractive shape. Mature trees need to be pruned too, so injured and diseased branches are removed. Here's how tree pruning is done.

Late Winter Is A Good Time For Tree Pruning

Some trees have specific times of the year when they should be pruned based on their growth cycle. However, in general, late winter is a good time to prune trees since all the leaves are gone and the shape of the tree is easy to see. Plus, insects are often dormant this time of year and that keeps them from infesting the cuts and making the trees sick. Once spring growth has caused the trees to fill in, pruning might be more challenging, but it can still be done.

Sharp And Sanitary Tools Are Required

It's important not to shred the bark when making cuts on a tree. Shears are often used for tree pruning, but loppers and saws may be needed for larger branches. A tree trimming service keeps their cutting and pruning tools sharp so they make clean cuts and don't put your tree at risk of infection. In addition, they make sure their tools are kept sanitary. Shears used to cut off sick growth shouldn't be used on a different tree until they've been sanitized, or infections can spread.

Cutting Technique Is Important

Tree pruning usually doesn't require cutting off a lot of growth like tree trimming might. Even so, proper technique is important for the health of the tree when cutting off branches and limbs. That's why you may want a tree trimming service to prune your trees. Unless you understand how to make cuts where branches join the trunk or main limb, you could endanger the health and future shape of the tree. Also, it's important to be careful about leaving the tree symmetrical when pruning away growth. This is important for the beauty of the tree and the tree's stability.

Pruning Should Start Early

If you plant new trees or have young trees on your property, early pruning helps them grow into an attractive shape and prevents problems with limbs crossing and scraping. Pruning can also direct the growth of the tree so limbs stay away from your house. However, if you move to a property with mature trees, they may still need to be trimmed, but not as often. Pruning for mature trees is important when there are dead or sick branches that need to come off to keep the infection from spreading. 

For more info about tree pruning, contact a local company.