Many Paoli homeowners ask, “Can pruning harm a tree?” It certainly can if you do it incorrectly.
In this article, we draw on our experience as trusted providers of professional tree services in Paoli, PA, to explain common pruning mistakes to avoid.
Topping the Tree
Some property owners chop off the entire crown of a tree and leave behind stubs to control its height and reduce the risk of storm-related damage. In truth, this practice, known as topping, does more harm than good.
When you remove large branches or the top of your tree completely, you reduce its overall structural stability. Additionally, the large wounds left behind increase the risk of infections and pest infestations that can kill your tree.
Now you’re probably wondering, “How do I prune my tall tree without ruining it?”
Arborists recommend trimming tall trees over at least two growing seasons rather than topping them. A tree care specialist won’t cut more than 30% of your tree’s branches in a single year.
Wrong Timing for Pruning
To enjoy all the benefits of tree pruning and trimming, you must schedule it at the right time. If you ask an experienced arborist, “What’s the ideal time for pruning trees?” they’ll often recommend the dormant season.
In other words, you should prune most trees in late winter or early spring. This way, you eliminate dead, weak, and diseased branches, allowing your tree to grow stronger for the upcoming seasons.
Pruning in summer can expose your trees’ bark to intense sun. The result is dehydration and sunscald.
Fall pruning, on the other hand, can encourage new growth before winter, and frost can potentially kill the tender shoots.
Cutting the Tree in the Wrong Places
When offering proper pruning tips to protect tree health, arborists often emphasize the right places to cut. Stub cutting, or sawing too far from the trunk, is among the most common pruning mistakes. This leaves an unsightly stub behind.
You shouldn’t cut a branch flush with the trunk, either, as it leaves your tree with a wound that may not heal quickly.
To avoid these harmful pruning practices for trees, tree care experts make the cut just outside the branch collar. Doing so increases the chances that your tree will heal properly.
Pruning With Dirty, Dull Tools
Our advice on pruning trees without damaging them wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the need to use clean, sharp tools. Cutting your tree with a dull blade can tear its branches or bark, making healing difficult.
Professionals use sharp tools to create clean, smooth cuts. Additionally, they clean the equipment after pruning each tree to reduce the risk of infection.
Call B.G. Tree Care for Proper Tree Pruning Services in Paoli, PA
Now that you understand common tree pruning errors to avoid, trust the experts at B.G. Tree Care to help with proper pruning.
Call us today at 484-941-4232 for an estimate and check our blog on understanding tree pruning 101 to avoid common pruning mistakes.
