When it comes to nature, nothing is more attractive than a bevy of healthy trees growing tall on your property. However, even if you are an avid lover of nature, it can be hard to properly maintain your trees and ensure that they stay healthy. Trimming and pruning on a regular schedule is one of the best ways to keep them healthy, and there are a few techniques to follow in this regard. Five Star Tree Services has put together an easy to follow guide that will help you prune and trim your trees perfectly every time.
Why is Tree Care Important?
There are a few reasons why you should always prune and trim your trees. The three main ones are:
Tree Safety – Dead or broken branches can fall on people or even damage your home. Trimming your tree limits the risk and also ensures that your tree doesn’t present a safety hazard.
Aesthetics – A properly maintained tree will improve or maintain the curb appeal of your home. When pruning, make sure that you don’t alter the size or shape of the tree.
Tree Health – A tree that is suffering from disease or is dying may be able to survive with proper pruning. Crown thinning and removing specific limbs can mean the difference between tree removal and a sick tree that recovers.
Tips for Tree Trimming
Hiring a qualified arborist during the dormant season is the best way to keep your trees perfectly trimmed. It is more effective to trim during dormant seasons, but trimming can also be completed throughout the year.
Before removing any branches, first, consider their size. Branches that are larger than five centimetres in diameter should be left alone. Those smaller can be cut away safely. Any branches that have narrow angles that are shaped in a V should be trimmed. Durable U branches that have a healthy U shape should always remain on the tree. Pruning younger branches will prevent serious scarring, and you should also avoid cutting long or close branches.
Tips for Tree Pruning
There are three main methods for tree pruning for you to consider, and each offers its own benefits.
Crown Raising – If the crown of your tree limits accesses to walkways, you can raise the crown to accommodate it. Any living branches that are at least two thirds the height of the tree should be retained. Avoid removing too many branches from the tree’s bottom to prevent a weak stem from developing.
Crown Thinning – Sometimes the top of the tree, its crown, needs to be reduced. The lateral branches should be evenly spaced, and branches that rub or cross should be removed first. Never cut more than a fourth of a tree crown removed at once, or you risk triggering tree failure.
Crown Reduction – When more than half of the foliage on any branch has to be cut, it is better to just remove the whole branch. Crown reduction should always be the last option when pruning.
How We Can Help
Five Star Tree Services is here to assist you with all of your tree trimming, pruning, planting, and seasonal maintenance needs. To find out more about our service packages or ask us a question about the trees on your property, give us a call at (416) 990-3355 today.