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Learn different types of tree pruning and their benefits from tree experts near you
Trees are an important gift of nature. They add beauty, offer protection, shade, and increase the commercial value of a property. Grooming and regular maintenance are important aspects of tree care. One essential practice of tree maintenance is regular pruning.
Tree pruning is the practice of selectively removing dead branches from the tree. The purpose of tree pruning is to add strength to the tree, fortify its structure and stimulate its growth.
In this article, let us explore the different types and techniques of pruning trees.
Types of Tree Pruning
1. Dead Pruning
As the name suggests, dead pruning involves the trimming or complete removal of dead, diseased, or lifeless branches of a tree. This type of pruning is often performed at the tree’s crown, hence it is also known as crown cleaning. Dead pruning is the most basic type of pruning which offers the following benefits:
- Protection from injury and damage to property from accidental fall of dangling dead branches.
- Preventing the spread of diseases from sick branches
- Enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the tree and giving it a more groomed appearance
In some cases, only the dead portion of the branch is removed rather than the whole branch itself. This gives a clean look to the tree without losing critical mass.
2. Crown Thinning
- This is another type of tree pruning that involves the removal of weak branches from the tree’s crown. Crown thinning reduces the extra branches and allows greater penetration of light and air into the tree. This practice removes the diseased branches and allows healthy branches to flourish due to the better distribution of nutrients.
When performing crown thinning, avoid removing too much mass from the center because that can impact the structural integrity of the tree.
3. Crown Lifting
- In crown lifting, the lower branches of the crown are trimmed and pruned. This practice reduces the load of the larger limbs. The reduction in extra weight results in an uplifted appearance of the crown, hence the name crown lifting is assigned.
Low-hanging branches are a health hazard for anyone in their vicinity. Crown lifting makes sidewalks and roads safer for passersby when they travel on the sidewalks or roads. Crown lifting should be performed for younger plants because they don’t develop deep wounds. Crown lifting gives a groomed and crisp appearance to the tree.
4. Crown Reduction
Crown reduction is performed to preserve the main limb. To do so, terminal branches of the tree are removed. Crown reduction promotes the health of the tree by decreasing the risk of decay. When performed correctly, crown reduction results in an overall reduction of tree height. It also lifts a dead weight from the tree.
Crown reduction gives better results when performed on younger trees that are in the growing phase. For mature trees, it is recommended to remove the entire limb rather than removing the dead part of it.
5. Pollarding
- This is the most advanced pruning technique in which all primary branches are removed. Only the secondary branches remain on the tree trunk. Arborists recommend that pollarding should be performed periodically during the entire lifespan of the tree. Pollarding gives the best results when performed on young trees.
Tree pruning requires an in-depth understanding of tree structure and its needs. For best results, contact an experienced pruning and removals service provider such as American Tree Experts, Inc. We offer pruning, removal, tree cabling, bracing, pest, and nutrient management services in Mont Clair, NJ, and nearby areas. For a free estimate of our services, contact us at 973-744-6091.