Fundamental Things You Should Know About Tree Pruning
Posted on: 7 December 2022
If you have plants in your yard, it's crucial to understand a few things about the pruning procedure. After all, it helps restore the plants' health, boosts strength, increases fruit production (for fruity trees), and improves general appearance. But how do you eliminate the diseased, dead, or damaged parts if you don't know much about the process? Keep reading to learn more about pruning so you can make informed choices.
When Should You Start Pruning Trees?
If you'd like your trees to have a strong structure, you should start pruning the trees while they are still young. This is because training them early makes the maintenance process easier throughout their lifetime. During the process, you should remove the damaged, dead, or infected twigs as needed. Note that if younger plants are not pruned appropriately, they might require significant maintenance to eliminate the large or overgrown twigs down the line. Also, as you prune, ensure you eliminate crossing branches spreading towards the center part of the tree. More importantly, cut off lower branches as the tree matures to raise its crown.
Which Tools Do You Require for the Task?
Another way to ensure you prune trees efficiently is to get the right tools. Common options include lopping, pruning shears, hedge shears, a hand saw, and a pole saw. Once you get the equipment, sharpen and clean them before starting the work. Also, take time to learn how to handle each tool if it's your first-time pruning. This way, you can ensure safety and avoid injuries resulting from severe cuts.
What Tips Should You Remember While Pruning?
Whether you're pruning for the first time or are used to the task, there are several guidelines you should keep in mind to avoid costly mistakes. First, start by identifying the twig collar, which grows from the stem near the branch's base. Note that you shouldn't make a final cut that will remove a branch from the tree stem without locating the collar. Ultimately, you must leave it intact after severing the twig so the tissue can heal properly. Simply put, it minimizes the chances of decay after pruning. Another mistake you should not make is damaging the bark. So, use the recommended techniques, which entails making the first cut under the twig some inches away from a trunk. Next, make another cut outward and keep cutting until the target twig falls off.
As you can see, pruning your trees is no easy task. Given this, you should assign the task to an arborist. The expert will promote safety and ensure your trees remain healthy. After all, they have the expertise and state-of-the-art equipment for the job. For more information on tree pruning, contact a company near you.
Share