A Complete Guide to Pruning and Trimming Trees

As leaves fall from the trees each autumn, branches formerly covered in a canopy of dense foliage come out of hiding. Although many gardeners would rather never deal with the falling mess of leaves, I relish this time as an opportunity to inspect each tree canopy. It's now that I carefully make note of any branches I may need to remove from my trees. Taking advantage of these dormant months gives me time to develop a plan for pruning and trimming trees in my landscaping. Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA

Why is it Important to Prune Trees?

Tree limbs are pruned for multiple reasons, all of which result in a better looking and better performing tree. Although trees do grow quite naturally without pruning, this routine landscape maintenance allows your trees to reach their full potential and live a long life. But before you can learn how to trim a tree properly, you need to know why you should trim a tree. Pruning for plant health focuses on removing dead, dying and diseased branches, branches that rub together and any branch stubs so the entire tree continues to grow in a healthy way. Opening up the canopy to let light and air filter throughout the entire tree allows for increased foliage while decreasing the risk of disease. At the ground level, suckers and water sprouts weaken wood and steal nutrients from the main tree. By helping a tree establish one main tree and a dominant leader, you create a strong tree that's ultimately able to withstand winter storms and high winds. Landscape maintenance and appearance pruning combine to create the ideal plant you envision. By pruning and trimming trees in specific ways, you can encourage fruiting and flowering, shape plants into specific forms and control plant size. Safety concerns are not often considered, but they're definitely a good reason to prune your trees. Trimming the trees in your yard creates a safe environment for your family and friends. Well-pruned trees are stronger and healthier. Dead branches, diseased trees and weak limbs are all a danger to people and property. When pruning trees, take a moment to assess if tree branches are becoming too close to safety lights, electrical lines or are blocking traffic views. Depending on where you live, it is also important to prune trees to thin out branches and dead limbs before hurricane seasons. Too much foliage can result in trees being top heavy and falling over easier in storms, and falling branches may damage a house or plants below. Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA

Proper Way to Prune a Tree Limb

When thinning, reducing and shaping branches and limbs small enough to cut with hand tools, keep in mind that your cuts are going to encourage new growth. Cut limbs ¼ inch above a bud that faces the outside of the plant. This will be the direction of the new growth. Keep your cuts at a 45-degree angle to prevent water damage and disease.

Pruning Thick Tree Branches

Properly pruned tree branches form a callus where the removed branch once was. This callus is essential to the health of the tree. Most tree branches that are cut back to the trunk or a main branch will require three cuts to prevent damage to the bark. The first two cuts remove the weight from the tree branch, and the final cut is designed for the best callus growth. Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA Tree Service Erie PA