Maintaining trees on your property can be important for aesthetics and safety. While tree pruning seems like a simple backyard task, it’s important to understand proper pruning techniques to avoid damaging trees or creating hazards. Here are some tips from professional arborists on how homeowners can safely prune trees or work with tree services providers.
When is Tree Pruning Necessary?
Many homeowners wonder when tree pruning is needed rather than just an optional aesthetic choice. Early signs that pruning may be required include deadwood developing, thinning foliage, rubbing branches, or overgrown trees nearing power lines. Proper pruning performed young helps establish strong tree structure and avoid future risks or complications down the road.
Tree Pruning Techniques for Homeowners
The basic techniques involved in proper pruning include making clean cuts just outside the branch collar without cutting into the trunk or leaving stubs. Use sharp, disinfected tools and make pruning cuts at a 45-degree angle away from the trunk. Don’t remove more than 1/3 of a tree’s canopy at once to avoid stressing the tree. Hire professionals for large trees, tall pruning, or removal of heavy branches.
Safety First with Tree Pruning
Consider risks involved based on the tree species, location and your ability level before climbing or using ladders. Wear protective gear like boots, helmet, and goggles near eyes and use ropes/harnesses for support on learners. Watch out for deadwood that could fall. Turn off home power lines if pruning near them and contact local tree services if work requires heavy equipment or chainsaws.
Winter vs Summer Tree Pruning
Many homeowners believe pruning needs to occur only in late winter or early spring. However, proper pruning season depends on the tree species. For most trees, late winter/early spring focuses on growth while summer pruning right before fall risks bacterial infections at pruning wounds. Avoid pruning oaks during spring and summer. Consult an arborist on specific seasonal timing for your trees.
Tree Pruning and Damage Prevention from Pests or Diseases
Judicious pruning also removes diseased, damaged, or crowding branches that attract pests like borers or make trees more prone to fungal infections during wet periods. Identifying and removing weak tree structures goes a long way in keeping trees healthy with less need for chemicals. Consult a certified arborist for diagnosis of any potential issues.
When to Hire Professional Tree Services for Complex Pruning or Removal Needs
While smaller trees may be manageable for homeowners, it’s important to identify when a job exceeds your skill or safety abilities. Consider hiring ISA certified arborists from licensed tree services companies for large trees needing ropes/lifts, wiring or cabling repairs, complex surgeries, high risk of damage, or felling near homes or power lines. Certified professionals have proper insurance, equipment and can dispose of wood debris safely.
Trees over 30-50 feet can be dangerous for amateur pruning without proper equipment and training. Proximity work, complex pruning, storm damage assessment, disease or insect problems, aging or declining trees, and hazardous trees require professional assistance. Arborists can also provide advice on tree health and protection, such as cabling, injections, or pruning for structures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, practicing proper tree pruning safety and techniques will help homeowners care for valuable trees on their property. But for complex or high risk removal projects, certified arborists offer professional skills, equipment and credentials to complete the job trouble-free. P running also contributes long term to the health of forests through volunteer tree work with friends and family.
