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Here are 5 amazing tips for pruning trees that directly impact tree growth and health
Tree pruning is the practice of trimming and shaping a tree and removing extra and diseased branches, shrubs, leaves, and roots of a plant. It not only enhances the appeal of the tree but also makes it healthier, stronger, and safer. Pruning trees regularly will keep the pests and diseases at bay. However, it is important to prune the tree correctly using the right methodology and techniques. Otherwise, you may end up doing more damage than good.
In this guide, we will shed light on tips to pruning trees which include some basic yet important aspects of tree pruning.
Observe The Tree and Decide What to Prune
- Pruning a tree can be a bit like cutting hair. Before beginning the job, you have to analyze and decide which parts you want to remove, what shape you want to give the tree, and whether you want to do a light trimming or a heavy cutting of the tree. Setting your goals for the pruning session will give you a guideline to follow.
By doing so, the end result will not be drastically different than what you had anticipated initially.
Season Matters
- All four seasons impact the growth of a tree differently. If you prune your tree during winters, it will have massive growth during the spring and summer seasons. Due to an abundance of sunlight and humidity, plants experience the highest growth during these seasons.
However, if you want to slow down the growth of a few unwanted branches or make the tree more shapely, it is recommended to prune a tree during summers. Trees have a slower growth during the Autumn and Winter seasons.
Remove The Damaged Branches First
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The goal of pruning a tree is to make it healthier. Parts of trees that have been damaged due to storms or disease should be removed first. By pruning these parts, the nutrients will be redistributed evenly to the healthy parts of the tree.
Before pruning a tree, identify the major branches of a tree that form its skeleton. Do not remove these branches as they provide support and nutrition to multiple other parts of the tree.
Prune The Clustered Areas
- Those areas of the trees that are clustered with lots of thin and unwanted branches require special attention. Remove unnecessary and extra branches so that light and air will circulate the major branches in an improved manner. Light and air are important for the growth of a tree. Clustered branches attract insects and become breeding grounds for fungus and moss.
Also, remove the branches that grow inward towards the center of the tree. These branches lead to unhealthy clutter.
Light Pruning is The Preferred Way to Go
- Always prune with light hands. Avoid heavy pruning unless the tree is heavily infested or diseased. With every cut, the tree’s immune system is compromised a little and it becomes prone to pest infestation and fungus. The rule of thumb is that you should not prune more than 25% percent of a tree’s branches in one season.
75 percent of a deciduous tree should always be covered with living branches. This is important for the supply of nutrients and for supporting the tree’s ecosystem.
Following these tips will ensure healthy and beautifully sculpted trees. If you are new to gardening, call in the pros and let them prune your trees. American Tree Experts provides tree pruning and removal services in Montclair, New Jersey, and surrounding areas. Call them at 973-834-7797 to get a free estimate of the services.