Pruning Mistakes

Trees are a natural component of our landscape. They add beauty, provide shade and provide benefits like reducing air pollution. However, they can also be a safety hazard when they are not properly inspected and maintained. A weakened or dead tree can fall on your house, vehicle or other structures during a storm. If you are concerned about the condition of your trees, you can contact a tree care professional to perform routine maintenance or recommend corrective measures.

Proper tree maintenance is important to support the health, longevity and aesthetics of the landscape trees on a micro level – your backyard or neighborhood – and a macro level, the global forest cover that provides biodiversity and climate benefits. Taking a proactive approach to tree care and engaging a certified arborist for proper planting, inspections, pruning and overall maintenance are the best methods for achieving this goal.

Pruning is a critical part of tree maintenance and involves removing diseased, dead, weakly attached or low-vigor branches to improve structural integrity and enhance the appearance of a landscape. When performed improperly, however, pruning can damage or shorten the life of a mature tree.

Some common pruning mistakes include:

Too much staking – Staking young, newly planted and wind-thrown trees can cause them to grow weakly and become susceptible to injury or disease. It can also restrict the flow of water and nutrients to roots.

Excessive pruning – Pruning too frequently or incorrectly can reduce the overall vigor of the tree, making it more susceptible to disease and insect infestation. Removing too many limbs can also negatively impact the form and structural integrity of a tree.

Over-pruning – Removing too many of the leader or primary branch terminals can compromise a tree’s structural integrity. It can also cause the remaining branches to grow too closely together, reducing airflow and light penetration and decreasing the crown’s aesthetic appeal.

Root diseases – Root diseases can occur when the roots are exposed to oxygen deprivation, compacted soil or other stress factors. Proper soil conditions, a regular mulch program and proper watering can help to minimize the chances of root diseases.

Abiotic problems – Roadside trees are particularly susceptible to the abiotic effects of exhaust fumes, toxic road debris, soil compaction and drought which can lead to nutrient deficiencies. These problems can be difficult to diagnose and correct.

Any homeowner can learn to visually inspect a tree for red flags and risks on a daily basis. Look for things like steel cable supports that are visible in the trunk of a tree, electrical wires sagging into the top of a tree, and the overall health and stability of a tree. In addition to these daily visual inspections, it’s a good idea to have a trained tree care professional conduct more routine maintenance on a scheduled basis and after severe storms. Identifying and addressing these problems early on can save lives, property and money. A certified arborist can identify pests and disease organisms, weedy growth, fungi, or other issues that may require treatment.

from Sunshine Coast Tree Lopping Caloundra https://ift.tt/K8MeiDf