Pruning and trimming are essential for maintaining the health and appearance of your trees. However, the process involves more than hacking off branches. When done correctly, pruning and trimming can promote growth, improve health, and prolong the lifespan of your trees.
The various trees on your property require different care, so it’s important to understand pruning and trimming techniques to avoid damaging them. We’ll explore the different tree pruning and trimming techniques and some key things to keep in mind so you can provide the best care to your trees.
Understanding Local Tree Care Regulations
Before touching your trees, familiarize yourself with tree care regulations in your area. Every town has rules regarding tree maintenance. Yours may require you to obtain a permit before pruning or removing a tree, while others may have guidelines for the types of tools you can use. Research and follow your city’s standards to avoid fines or penalties.
Prepare ahead of time by acquiring the protective gear and tools for this undertaking. Wear gloves, goggles, and a helmet, and make sure the work area is clear of obstacles. If you’re using power tools, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines. If the task of trimming or pruning the trees on your property is too arduous for you, consider hiring a professional team to take that burden off your shoulders. Not only will they produce great results, but they’ll also know to follow local rules about tree maintenance.
Popular Tree Pruning and Trimming Methodologies
Depending on the trees on your property, you can go about maintenance in several ways. Keep in mind that while these strategies are effective in their own ways, some might be better than others for certain trees. Familiarizing yourself with different tree pruning and trimming techniques will help you choose the best ones for your property so you can give your trees the best care.
Crown Thinning
Crown thinning is the most common type of pruning, and it’s ideal for dense trees with a lot of foliage. The process involves removing the smaller branches dispersed throughout the tree’s crown. The result is a more even distribution of foliage, which allows for more light and airflow and promotes new growth.
Crown Reduction
This technique is best for trees experiencing intense upward growth, forcing them into vulnerable positions due to crowding or infrastructure constraints. The goal is to reduce the height of the crown without harming the tree. Crown reduction is beneficial whenever a tree grows so tall that it interferes with nearby construction or encroaches on your neighbor’s property.
Crown Lifting
Crown lifting involves pruning the branches from the bottom of the tree so that the “lowest” branches are further from the ground, making the growth underneath the tree more visible. Trees growing over adjacent buildings, near telephone wires, or near sidewalks may require a crown lift to create more space around the base of the tree.
During this process, arborists will “raise” a tree’s crown around 10–15 feet to provide clearance underneath the tree. The exact number depends on the situation and the arborist’s judgement.
Pollarding
Pollarding is a traditional pruning method that involves the removal of almost all the branches down to the trunk, resulting in a knobby structure. Trees that are frequently trimmed in this way require significant time to grow back. We don’t recommend pollarding a mature tree, but it can be beneficial for young trees that you want to shape a certain way.
Deadwooding
Deadwooding is a helpful technique to know for tree care. It involves removing dead, damaged, or dying branches from a tree. These branches can be a safety hazard, especially when they’re close to your home or above a high-traffic area, such as sidewalks, streets, or driveways. Removing dead or dying boughs is often the best choice. Deadwooding a tree can also increase the health of the tree by stimulating new growth while preventing the spread of disease.
Caring for Trees After Pruning and Trimming
Using effective trimming strategies is essential for maintaining the health and beauty of your trees. This isn’t where the work ends! Many homeowners are unsure of the next steps to take to care for their trees after pruning or trimming. Yet, this is just as important to maintaining their health and appearance long-term. Here are some additional tips to know.
Watering
One of the most important steps to take after pruning or trimming is watering. Trees need water to heal after pruning. Without it, they can become stressed and more vulnerable to pests and diseases. Water your trees thoroughly and regularly for the following weeks after maintenance, but avoid overwatering and waterlogging the roots, which can cause trauma.
Fertilizing
Fertilization is also important after trimming and pruning. Because trimming can remove a significant amount of a tree’s foliage, it may not be able to produce as many nutrients. Fertilization offers your trees the nutrients they need to recover and continue growing. Use a slow-release fertilizer, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
Mulching
Applying a layer of mulch around your tree’s base can help it retain moisture and soak up the nutrients from the fertilizer. Mulch also protects the roots from extreme temperatures and prevents lawn equipment or foot traffic from damaging the base of the tree. Avoid applying too much mulch, as it can cause root rot.
Inspect for Damage
After pruning or trimming, inspect your tree for damage. Look for broken branches, split bark, or signs of disease. If you see any issues, address them immediately to prevent further damage to the tree. You may need to hire an arborist if the damage is significant.
Wait Before Pruning Again
Give your tree time to recover and regrow before pruning or trimming again. How long you wait will depend on the tree species and how much you removed. In general, it’s best to wait at least a year before doing additional work on your trees.
Pruning a tree requires knowledge, experience, and patience. Understanding these different techniques is essential for taking great care of your trees. Hire a certified arborist to complete the pruning process correctly and reduce the risk of harming your tree. Watts Tree Service offers premium tree pruning services performed by professionals with decades of collective experience in the industry. We’ll carefully assess your case to ensure your trees receive just the care they need to thrive!
Last modified: October 27, 2023
