Tree Trimming 101

Tree trimming is the practice of selectively removing branches from a plant to promote health, safety or aesthetics. It can influence the shape of the overall plant, provide clearance for traffic or structures, and reduce damage from storms, snow, ice or wind. It can also help protect against the spread of disease, insects or other environmental factors that can impact a tree’s health and structure.

Pruning is best conducted during the dormant season (winter/early spring) to minimize stress on the plant and reduce the risk of disease transmission. The timing of pruning depends on the type of plant and the extent of the work required, and may be influenced by seasonal weather conditions.

When pruning, it is important to remove dead or dying limbs as soon as they are noticed. This prevents the spread of disease to healthy parts of the tree and reduces the likelihood of a limb falling and damaging property or hurting people. It is also important to prune away limbs that are crossing or rubbing together, as well as any limbs that obstruct views or buildings. It is also recommended to remove suckers or water sprouts growing from the base of a tree, as these weedy growths steal energy from the main trunk and can cause structural problems.

Other pruning objectives include reducing plant height, opening up vistas or repairing storm damage, and providing clearance for traffic, pedestrians, roofs and power lines. It is important to prune in a way that is consistent with a tree’s natural form. It is a bad idea to try to turn a round-topped tree into an ascending form or a descendant into a fork shape, as this can cause serious problems and may even result in the death of the tree.

The best cuts are slanted, rather than straight across, to avoid creating wounds that are slow to heal and may open up to insect or disease entry points. It is also a good idea to avoid painting or tarring pruned wounds, as these materials can interfere with a tree’s natural defense systems.

Thinning cuts involve removing specific live branches to reduce the density of a crown, allowing more sunlight penetration for interior foliage and ground below the canopy. It can also be used to reduce the stress on selected limbs from gravity, wind or ice and to improve air circulation in a tree canopy.

When thinning, always cut back to an intersecting branch that is at least the same diameter as the one being removed. Also, avoid cutting branches that are less than 2 inches in diameter and consider avoiding any thinning cuts that will remove more than a quarter of the living crown at one time. It’s a good idea to leave the work of tree trimming and pruning to a professional who has the skills, knowledge and equipment to perform the job safely.

from Sunshine Coast Tree Lopping Caloundra https://ift.tt/PNjeCIH