Tree pruning is an arborist, horticultural and landscaping practice involving the selective elimination of some portions of a tree, such as leaves, branches or even roots. It involves removing unwanted, unsightly parts to allow for new growth or improve tree texture or appearance. Pruning is essential in maintaining a tree’s health, both economically and functionally. Here are five effective tree pruning practices that should be used to beautify your trees and increase their overall value.
One of the most popular tree pruning practices employed by arborists is the trunk tilt. This procedure involves removing a portion of the tree’s canopy or crown and replacing it with a lower portion of the same size. The crown will likely be younger than the lower trunk so when the two are planted together, they will likely look and act alike. Some experts prefer to perform this procedure when the trunk is considerably older because it can create a more natural and visually appealing effect in comparison to younger branches.
Another tree pruning practice that can be used to change the form and condition of a tree is topping. During topping, branches and trunks are removed, often completely, to allow for new growth. There are a variety of reasons why a tree might require pruning, including growth that is inconsistent with the direction the tree branches are growing, excessive growth that interferes with surrounding tree growth, or even the presence of insects or decay that poses a threat to the tree. Tops can be performed in a number of different ways, including through manually picking, wire or sawing, and hydraulic type topping. Regardless of the method of pruning used, the purpose is to provide the tree with an attractive appearance, promote growth, and enhance tree functionality.
Tree pruning may also be performed during the spring time. Experts prefer this procedure because it provides ample time for new growth to develop before the cut is cut. This allows time for the cut to properly adjust to its new location, which can save time and money if the cut is made correctly. There are many tree pruning techniques that can be used, but some of the most popular include diagonal cuts, branch-cutting, back-cutting, and one-cutting.
Tree pruning generally occurs when old, sick, or brittle branches are removed to make room for healthier ones. This often occurs when the tree is pruned in preparation for a transplant. While trees do not typically need to be removed, branch cutting and back-cutting remove dead and weak branches that could cause damage to other trees or harm people. When a substantial amount of dead wood is removed, it encourages the growth of healthy branches over time.
Using good pruners, like chainsaws, makes it easier to prune trees. However, some chainsaw blades are not as sharp as others, and even when they are, using a blunt blade will cause injury. Good pruners have to be able to recognize weak branches that are causing damage without harming other trees. It is also a good idea to use multiple types of tools for tree pruning, so that even the thinning trees will receive proper attention.
When tree pruning, it is important to be thorough, and remove all dead and broken parts. This includes the actual blades of the saw, as well as any string, wire, staples, or screws that may have been used to attach the cuttings to the saw. If the saw has an electronic probe attached, it is a good idea to disconnect the device while performing tree trimming. Some individuals prune with a hedge trimmer, while others prefer a regular hedge trimmer. Regardless of which tool is used, it is important to be as accurate as possible, as inaccurate sawing could cause unnecessary injury.
For many homeowners, who perform their own tree trimming, the task can be somewhat overwhelming. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help with this task. Websites offer step-by-step instructions for pruning, as well as lists of tools needed. There are also many helpful books available, written by experienced tree cutters. Whether a person performs tree trimming on their own or utilizes a resource for information, learning about the proper techniques is essential for a healthy tree.