Ten Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Tree Pruning

Today we bring you a short article on a simple concept: Tree Pruning.    Tree Pruning is the thinning or removal of branches from a tree to improve its health and structure.

1) Branches are thinned up to two-thirds of their diameter, as weak as possible, but still able to support weight.  This helps the overall strength of the branch system by removing older and poorly attached branches that may pose future problems for the rest of the tree’s structure.  It also reduces unnecessary weight from those thinned branches that will later become less important over time.

2) It is best to prune in summer when limbs have maximum food supplies and can heal faster than during winter months. However, winter pruning is sometimes necessary due to frost damage or disease pressure.  Tree Planting Services recommends that you check with your local city forester to determine whether it’s best for your area or if there are even any rules against performing tree work during certain months of the year.

3) Pruning also helps trees establish their natural outward form which helps create a healthy, strong canopy structure. Limbs are shaped according to their position on the trunk, location within the tree crown, and the structural function they will provide once they reach maturity.  A well-formed tree can create an attractive view for potential customers who may be driving by.

4) Everyone knows that branches need sunlight to produce food through photosynthesis, however what some people don’t realize is that branches also need light for effective healing.  Without sufficient sunlight, the cut site will not heal properly and may become susceptible to decay or insect damage.

5) Branches are pruned at the proper angle to avoid tearing bark tissue (cambium). Using a sharp blade to cut across the grain of wood fibers rather than along them helps prevent stem damage.

6) Tree Pruning Services recommends that you aim for an open branch collar which will allow nutrients and water to continue moving into that branch without choking off its circulation system.   This results in better, more efficient growth from those branches as time goes on which saves you money down the road from having green, healthy trees.

7) Poor tree structure or low branch distribution reduces the overall strength of the tree system by creating heavy, poorly distributed loads on individual branches.  These heavier limb masses can be further stressed with additional growth in height and width over time making them more susceptible to damage due to wind or other environmental problems.  Pruning helps ensure your trees remain upright and stable for a lifetime of good service.

8) Prune only healthy trees so that you reduce your risk for spreading disease from one tree to another via tools, inventory, employees, customers, etc…

9) Spring pruning stimulates new growth which is important for future structural strength throughout the tree’s canopy. During a severe winter season a well-fed reserve of food may help keep a weakened branch system alive.  In cases of newer trees, pruning in the summer will help force strong branch systems to establish themselves early on in their life cycle which can make a big difference for how tall they grow to be later on.

10) Tree Pruning Services recommends that you consult your local tree care expert or city forester before performing any tree work yourself or hiring someone else to perform it for you.  There are many safety concerns when dealing with large limbs and drastic changes in a tree’s structure.  Be aware of effects that change could have on surrounding objects like power lines, fences, trails, patios, etc…

There you go, ten things you probably didn’t know about tree pruning that you need  to know before you get started taking care of the trees in your yard.  Now that you’re an expert, look into Tree Planting Services’ tree pruning services and find out how we can help keep your trees strong and healthy for years to come .