Proper Tree Pruning

Trees require pruning for a wide variety of reasons. Trees are usually pruned in order to promote growth, prevent overgrowth, remove damaged or diseased branches, or to simply improve landscaping aesthetic.
Whatever your reason for pruning your tree, it is important that you take the proper steps in order to ensure your safety and the health of the tree. Tree pruning is a relatively simple task and can be done by do-it-yourselfers, but sometimes these tasks may be better suited for professional tree services.

Improper trimming of the tree branches can result in exposing the tree to a number of diseases and insects. Untrained professionals must trim branches properly in order to promote good healing of the branch. Do-it-yourselfers may be able to remove smaller, more manageable branches. However, larger branches and limbs may be better suited for experts. Branches may be heavy and may put you and others in danger of injury.

The autumn and winter months might be the best time to prune your trees. During this time, trees lose their leaves and make it easier to see and access the branches. Additionally, less sap may be lost in the process, reducing the stress to the tree.

Begin with smaller branches and limbs. Remove the limbs in segments – not all at once. Cut larger limbs into three cuts. The first cut is placed in the bottom of the limb to prevent the bark from splitting. A relief cut is placed a few inches from the notch cut and goes all the way through, removing the branch weight so the final cut can be made without splitting. The final cut is placed where the limb extrudes from the branch collar. Follow the angle of the branch collar when making the cut. These steps must be followed in order to ensure the health of the tree. If you are unconfident in your ability to prune a tree, contact a landscaping service.

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