What You Should Know About Tree Trimming

Whether you are trimming to improve the appearance of your landscape or correct an issue with an overgrown tree, proper pruning can help you achieve your desired results. However, if you aren’t familiar with the different pruning techniques, you may end up doing more harm than good. Improperly performed tree trimming can damage a plant or even lead to death.

A properly pruned tree is one that looks good, has good health and can withstand the elements. It also promotes healthy growth and can encourage the development of new branches and limbs in areas where they are most needed.

Tree trimming can be done on any tree, but the process will vary based on the species and age of the tree and what you want to achieve. It’s also important to remember that trees are living organisms and each one has a unique history, growth habits and needs dictated by its environment and location. For example, cutting too much from a large tree with pre-existing health issues could result in irreparable damage or death.

Some types of tree pruning include thinning, crown reduction and tipping. Thinning involves removing specific live branches to reduce the overall density of the tree, which helps increase sunlight penetration and air circulation. It can also reduce stress on selected limbs from wind, snow, gravity and other factors. This method of pruning is typically conducted on mature trees.

Crown reduction is another type of tree trimming, which is often used on older or larger trees to reduce their overall size. It’s important to note that it’s a more drastic procedure than thinning and can cause serious damage if not performed correctly. Topping, on the other hand, is a more temporary solution to oversized trees and can actually be more damaging than trimming.

Tipping involves removing the ends of branches to help guide a tree’s growth and shape. This is a type of pruning that should be avoided on young trees, as it can alter the natural form of the tree and lead to structural failure or unwanted growth patterns.

When it comes to pruning, it’s vital that you make clean cuts that encourage healing and prevent bacterial infection. To do this, it’s a good idea to use sharp tools, such as hand pruners or loppers. It’s also a good idea to wear protective equipment such as gloves and safety glasses when working on high places or near power lines.

When making your first cuts, start on the underside of the branch and travel upwards a few inches to create a callus. Then, make a second cut slightly further up the branch and finally remove the remaining stub. This three-cut process will prevent the bark from tearing and allows for proper callus formation. It’s also important to keep in mind that you should never remove more than a quarter of the total limbs from the tree. The remaining limbs will help the trunk and main branches support future growth.