The Basics of Tree Trimming

Tree Trimming is the art and science of pruning trees to control their shape and growth, reduce hazards, improve landscape beauty, enhance property values, and promote plant health. The type of work required depends on the desired effect and the age, size, location and species of the trees being trimmed. For example, the pruning of a small shrub may only require an all over trim in spring or summer with a long handled hedge trimmer; whereas the pruning of large oaks and other trees with a broad canopy will require a variety of different cuts using hand shears and loppers.

Tree trimming can be dangerous, especially when done in windy conditions or during the winter. For this reason, a professional tree trimming company should be used if the task at hand is too large or difficult to be accomplished safely. Pruning should always be done after a thorough inspection of the tree(s), trunk condition, and limb health to avoid any serious structural problems or injury. The safety of those working around a tree should be taken into account as well, especially if the tree is located close to power lines.

A properly pruned tree will have a balanced crown that is free of disease, insects, and competing limbs. Regular pruning of a tree will help to maintain its proper shape, increase sunlight penetration, and reduce wind resistance.

When a tree is being shaped or trained, pruning cuts are made to eliminate problem branches and to encourage the growth of desirable branches. In most cases, the aim is to train a tree into a more natural form by eliminating potential problems such as inward-growing branches that can damage property, crossing or obstruct traffic, or branches that will interfere with buildings or obstruct views. Training a tree into an unnatural form will often cause the tree to become unhealthy and prone to damage, so it is important that any changes are done in a way that will be beneficial to the health of the tree.

It is essential to understand the difference between thinning and heading cuts before you begin your pruning job. Thinning cuts remove branches by cutting them back to their point of origin or attachment, whereas heading cuts remove branch tips and stimulate the growth of buds closest to the cut. The latter can cause unwanted water sprouts and suckers, and they also disfigure the foliage of older trees and expose large areas of bare wood to potential insect infestation and decay.

When a limb or branch is removed, a callus forms where the branch was once attached to the tree. This callus is extremely important to the health of a tree, as it helps to reduce the likelihood of insects and disease from entering a wound. When a tree is being pruned, it is important to make sure that the callus is not removed with the shears or other equipment as this can weaken the remaining branch and lead to future problems.

source https://lirotreeservices.wordpress.com/2024/12/16/the-basics-of-tree-trimming/