Tree trimming, and pruning, are a couple of the most important parts of tree care. However, homeowners who take tree trimming into their own hands can end up doing more harm than good. Proper tree trimming takes time and experience to master, but we are going to try and speed up that process for you with some tips. In this article, we will go over some common tree trimming mistakes to avoid. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you would like to hire an ISA-certified arborist, then call Timber Ridge Tree Care. Our friendly representatives are on standby to take your call today. We offer a host of tree service including tree trimming and emergency tree removal.
Trimming the Wrong Branches
When it comes to proper tree trimming, you cannot just jump in with some sheers and willy-nilly cut off branches. There is a literal science to tree trimming and arborists are trained in this discipline.
Depending on the type of the tree, there are specific time frames when trimming is appropriate. There are also timeframes when pruning can endanger the health of the tree. For instance, trimming the tree during growing season can stimulate growth, but doing so in the fall can prevent the tree from going into natural dormancy.
Trimming the Wrong Way
If you have ever paid close attention to the barber’s scissors, you will notice that they cut at specific angles. Similarly, tree trimming involves precision. The location of each cut is crucial. For example, cutting through the branch collar, or base of the branch where it connects, will mean you have cut into the trunk. Open wounds in the trunk of a tree are an invitation for bacteria, pests, and diseases.
If you have cut into your tree’s trunk, then call Timber Ridge Tree Care to have an arborist come by and take a look at the wound. We must work to help that wound heal.
Using the Wrong Tools
Surely you are not going to head out to the garden with a pair of scissors. There are specific tools for proper tree trimming, and you should invest in the right tools. There are shears made specifically for tree trimming. These tools will ensure safety and quality work.
Once you have the right type of shears, you want to make sure they are sharp and clean. Dull shears can make you work harder than you need to. They can also cause unnecessarily large or unusual wounds on the tree. Contaminated shears, meanwhile, can spread disease. Make sure to sanitize your trimming tools to avoid cross-contamination.
Beating a Dead Horse
Let’s face it: some trees are just beyond mending. If your tree is in an unsafe location, like right next to your building or utility lines, then constantly trimming the branches can be futile. Call Timber Ridge Tree Care to have an ISA-certified arborist inspect the property. We can determine whether the tree is a threat and should be removed. Our friendly representatives are on standby to take your call.