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The complete guide to tree pruning and 5 important Do’s and Dont’s of tree trimming
Tree pruning is the practice of selectively cutting or removing certain parts of the tree such as branches, roots, or buds. It is a common horticultural technique that delivers multiple benefits for the plants. However, to gain the maximum advantage, it is important to prune the tree the right way. Below are some important dos and don’ts of tree pruning that will make all the difference in the result. So read on.
1) Do Remove Dead Branches
- The main purpose of pruning a tree is to improve its health and enhance its appearance. Over time, certain parts of the tree will dry up and become dead. These dried parts, especially the branches, are dead weight for the tree. They should be pruned and removed earliest.
Branches that may break off partly due to the blowing of heavy wind present a safety hazard. Pruning partly broken or diseased branches result in a healthier tree that does not pose any danger to nearby structures or people.
2) Do Maintain The Structural Balance of The Tree
- Whenever you prune, try to prune equally on both sides of the tree. If you take off too many branches from one side of the tree and too little from the other side, the structural balance of the canopy will be disturbed. This will cause the tree to lean on one side. In extreme cases, the tree may fall on the heavier side, if the trunk cannot handle the weight of the imbalanced tree.
Before you start pruning the tree, take a holistic look at it to understand how to maintain the balance of the tree after it has been pruned.
3) Don’t Use Blunt Tools To Cut Branches
- Blunt tools can cause a deep wound to the tree. Tools that are not sharpened are not equipped to make a precise cut to the tree branches. Deep wounds caused by blunt tools can cause a hindrance in the tree’s capacity to deliver food and nutrition to the branches. As a result, several areas of the tree may decay and die.
To avoid this, always use sharp and durable tools to make a precise cut and cause minimum damage to the adjoining trunk. Sharpen your shears before pruning the tree.
4) Don’t Prune The Top Of The Tree
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Most of the tree’s foliage is at its top, also called the crown of the tree. Avoid pruning branches from the top of the tree. The reason being that most of the photosynthesis takes place at the crown. Photosynthesis is the most important process through which trees get their food and nutrition. Hence, pruning the tree’s crown can reduce the tree’s ability to synthesize its food which can endanger the rest of the tree.
5) Don’t Prune Too Close To The Tree’s Collar
- The tree’s collar is the curved part that joins the tree’s branches to its main body or the trunk. The tree’s collar is an important junction and chopping off the branch too close to it will leave a wide opened hole or wound.
By doing so, you will attract pests and disease into your tree through the hollow holes left in the main branch whenever you cut a branch, cut at a slanted angle while ensuring that the outer bark is not cut off.
The experts at American Tree Inc understand the theory and principles of tree pruning. We will provide you the best services at reasonable rates. Call us at 973-744-6091. We are located in Mont Clair, New Jersey.