How To Prune Trees The Right Way

It's a fact that you have to know some very important principles when you perform tree pruning. Some people may think that pruning is just cutting off tree branches for the sake of making it look good.

Tree pruning is not rocket science. All you need is the right tools, the skills, and a bit of knowledge. However, you should remember that anything you do to the tree will last a lifetime. That’s the very reason why you should learn how to prune trees the right way.

We’ve created this guide to help you with your tree pruning. This article will help you perform your routine landscape maintenance, help your trees reach their full potential, and keep your garden or orchard free from safety hazards.

Why You Should Do Tree Pruning

Arborists always say that poor pruning is done without a reason. You should never cut branches just for the sake of doing it. Do you need an excuse to do tree pruning? This part is for you.

There are numerous reasons why you should perform tree pruning.

Pruning is conducted to achieve the following benefits:

• Keeping the buildings, people, and power lines safe.
• Keeping the tree healthy by removing dead, dying, and parts afflicted with infection and disease.
• Opening the canopy to allow sunlight to reach all parts of the tree.
• Provide aesthetic value and maintaining the good growth of branches.

When is the Best Time to Prune Your Trees

Did you know that pruning should be done at the right time to avoid harming the tree? Trees are also prone to stress and you wouldn’t want that to happen by cutting off their branches any time of the year.

The best time to prune your trees is during the late autumn and early winter season. During this period, you can easily identify the branches and limbs that need to be removed.

Having said that, you should not be too concerned about the timing of tree pruning. What is most important is your purpose. If there are dead branches or parts of the tree afflicted with disease and infestation, you have to prune immediately to save the tree.

Joseph K, Managing Director of Trees Down Under, a tree removal company in Sydney advises that pruning can also be done during emergency situations. If the safety of the people, animals, or property is at risk, don’t hesitate to call a professional for a tree removal service.

Best Technique for Pruning Thick Branches

Pruning thick and large branches may pose a challenge. There’s no need to worry. Just follow these three simple steps and you’ll cut those thick branches in no time.

1. About 4-5 inches from the trunk, start cutting at the underside. Just keep the cut shallow.
2. From that initial cut, go further about 3 inches and totally cut off the branch.
3. Your third and final cut will be on the outside of the collar branch. The purpose of this cut is to remove the remaining stub.

There you go! Cutting large branches isn’t as difficult as you thought, huh?

Best Pruning Methods for Tree Problems

There are situations that may require special interventions. These situations may require special pruning methods or are the aftermath of your own pruning session.

Stubs

Stubs should be removed as soon as you see them. They prevent the closing of the wound and would be the ideal entry point for pests to wreak havoc. Make sure not to cut at the callous that is forming near the trunk. This callous tissue is needed to seal the wound.

Tree Wounds

Tree wounds from pruning cuts should not be sealed. Allow the wound to heal by itself with good air circulation and sunlight. Keep unnecessary moisture away to prevent rotting and infestation.

Forked Trunks

Forked trunks are less stable compared to the main trunk. It may lead to safety problems if you allow them to grow as your main trunk. Remove one of the trunks as early as possible. Cut the trunk at ground level.

Clustered Branches

A tree with clustered branches will grow weak and unhealthy. These clustered branches hamper the air circulation as well as the sunlight on that side of the tree. Remove the excessive branches to allow better growth of the remaining branch.

Suckers

Suckers are new shoots that grow from the ground. This is part of the tree’s survival instincts. However, suckers can become competitors to the main tree in terms of the nutrients they get from the soil. It is best to cut them at ground level.

Final Thoughts

Pruning is a tree care activity that you can do by yourself. However, keep in mind that there are professionals who can help you save time as well as perform the procedure as efficiently and safely as possible.