3 Tips For Trimming Evergreens

Posted on: 26 January 2019

Evergreen trees add a great deal to your landscape design. Not only do they create texture and definition, but they can also provide shade and privacy in some cases. Although incredibly durable, evergreen trees do require some care and maintenance to ensure they are healthy and appealing. If you have a few evergreen trees in your yard, knowing when and how to prune them is key to their growth. Here are a few simple tips to help you trim your evergreen trees.

1. When

Pruning your evergreen trees at the wrong time can halt growth, decreasing their appeal and value. Thankfully, help is available if you are confused on when to trim your trees. For spruce and fir evergreen trees, consider pruning towards the end of the winter season. Because these trees are dormant in the end part of winter, trimming off dead and discolored branches will stimulate new growth in the spring season.

For pine trees, prune in June or July. Pine trees are sprouting new growth during this time, so trimming will be easier and more effective. Most experts believe pruning evergreens once a year is sufficient. However, it is acceptable to trim off a diseased, dying branch during another part of the year if necessary.

2. Focus

Excessive pruning is not necessary with evergreen trees. It is best to focus on a few areas only. For example, the majority of your pruning should be to remove discolored, broken, and visibly diseased branches from the tree. Make sure to dispose of these branches in an area away from other trees. If your evergreen is infected with a fungus disease, proper disposal will prevent the fungus from spreading to nearby trees/plants.

After removing affected branches, focus on the shape of your evergreen. Overpruning removes too many branches, which can affect the classic shape of your evergreen tree. Unless the branches are diseased, damaged, or affecting your home's structure, avoid removing them if at all possible.

3. Shears

The right tools are also imperative when pruning evergreen trees. For shorter trees that are within your reach, make sure to use handheld shears or longer pruning shears that are sharp and clean. If you are pruning a tree infected by disease or a fungus, make sure to clean the shears with rubbing alcohol.

For taller trees, use pole shears to make clean and effective cuts. Contact professionals for assistance, especially if the taller tree is affecting powerlines or other trees. These taller trees may need to be removed since unhealthy, dying pine trees or other evergreen trees are at risk of falling onto power lines or your home's roof.

Check out a website like https://www.chudytreeservice.com/ today for more information. 

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