Tree Trimming Basics For Homeowners

Tree trimming is essential to the health and longevity of landscape trees. Keeping your trees in proper form enhances their aesthetics and provides safety and privacy screening, while stimulating flowering and fruit production. Proper pruning techniques also help trees resist diseases and insects.

Tree Trimming is often best left to qualified arborists and tree care professionals who are trained in the use of proper pruning equipment and techniques to achieve desired results. However, even homeowners can learn basic pruning principles to keep their ornamental and fruit trees healthy and attractive.

To avoid serious injury to the tree, a pruning cut should always be made just beyond a node (point of origin) where a new branch is needed. This encourages rapid healing and minimizes wounds. When removing larger branches, make a smooth cut that is not flush with the trunk or stem. This reduces the risk of bark tearing, which can lead to rot and insect infestations. Avoid tearing or shearing cuts, which can also weaken the plant. It is important to use sharp, clean equipment.

Depending on the size of the tree, its species and age, the desired outcome and the pruning objectives, there are several different pruning strategies that can be used. Thinning a tree is the most common form of pruning. This reduces the overall density of the crown, allowing light to penetrate deeper and increasing air circulation. It also reduces stress on selected limbs from the weight of leaves or from wind, snow and ice damage.

The most important aspect of thinning is the method of cut used. A slanting cut is preferred, as it prevents water from collecting in the wound and expedites healing. A slanting cut also minimizes the amount of wood that is removed, which is especially important for older or mature trees. To avoid removing too much foliage, thin the crown evenly throughout the entire canopy.

Topping a tree is rarely done, as it can cause large amounts of new growth that are difficult to control. Topping may also weaken the structure of the tree by promoting the formation of suckers and rootstock. It is important to avoid topping in young trees, as it can significantly reduce the life expectancy of a newly planted tree.

For ornamental and small fruit trees, an all-over pruning in the spring or summer is appropriate and beneficial. This will typically involve shortening all side-branches to a desired height, and thinning in the lower crown. This allows access for mowing and mulching, improves visibility, promotes flowering and fruit production and may need to be repeated every year or two.

To train a tree, eliminate inward-growing branches, cross-bound branches, those that will obstruct traffic or buildings and narrow V-shaped crotches. This form of pruning should be done in a way that is consistent with the natural form of the tree, eliminating potential problems but not dramatically changing the shape.

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