Tree pruning is best left to the pros. It’s a dangerous job, climbing trees, wielding chainsaws and dropping heavy tree limbs to the ground; and it can be dangerous for the tree too. Trees that aren’t pruned the right way can experience a lifetime of problems.
Instead of putting yourself in harm’s way and putting the tree itself at risk, enlist an arborist who is trained and experienced to do the job for you.
This will lead to stronger trees and a safer environment around your landscaping for many reasons:
- Healthy trees are stronger and not as likely to cause damage during severe storms
- Cared for trees won’t attract or spread diseases and parasites
- Pruned trees grow more flowers or fruit
- Trimmed trees offer shade while still allowing air to flow throughout their canopies and your landscaping
TX Tree Trimming highly suggests trimming trees that are very close to your home or any that are an integral part of your property.
Is Tree Pruning Necessary?
It is not required. But it is beneficial. Trees are hardy and are able to grow on their own all over the world, in many different climates and regions, without pruning.
That said, there are several benefits of professional tree pruning, so it’s recommended for trees that you value. This can include sentimental trees, fruit trees and flowering trees or trees that perform an important job for your house, such as shade or wildlife habitat.
Tree Pruning Gone Wrong
Trimming a tree is a complex task. You need the right equipment and a lot of information to guarantee the project is done correctly. The majority of homeowners don’t have either of these!
But that’s OK, because there are several services available who know exactly how to properly prune trees for an affordable price to you including all arborists throughout Texas we work with!
Here are the 5 most common mistakes people make when attempting DIY tree trimming that can lead to many tree problems. These are things that a professional arborist from TX Tree Trimming will know, and that’s the reason why their services are worth the price!
Pruning Too Much
When done properly, tree pruning is an ongoing process. Beginning when your trees are just 2 or 3 years old, they should be maintained by an arborist if you value them and intend to keep them healthy.
A huge mistake that homeowners often make when pruning trees themselves is trimming too much of the tree at a time. This happens because they let the tree’s growth get out of hand and try to correct it all immediately. Ideally, you should only cut off 5-20% of the tree’s crown at the actual removal cut. It is much easier to do this during a season that there are no leaves, but an experienced arborist is able to properly prune trees any time of year.
Trimming in the Wrong Place
An experienced arborist knows where to trim each limb to prevent damage. This cut should be done just beyond the branch collar, the specific place where the branch connects to the trunk.
Trimming too close to the branch collar exposes the tree to decay, mildew and pests. Cutting too far from it leaves a stump when the tree has recovered. Most DIY tree trimming results in an improper cut, leaving either structural or aesthetic issues.
Pruning Big Branches
Branches larger than 4 inches in diameter shouldn’t be trimmed unless it is necessary. Cutting off a branch this large can lead to imbalance in the tree and expose it to pests and rodents and decay as the tree recovers from losing such a large branch.
Conservative pruning every year ensures that the tree service company only has to cut off branches that are 2-3 inches in diameter, which produces a more attractive shape for the tree and less chance of harming the tree or exposing it to decay and pests.
Topping the Tree
Tree topping is no longer a type of pruning, and for good reason! With this process, tree trimming companies would cut the top off of the tree to achieve the desired height. It was neither attractive nor was it beneficial for the tree, so the vast majority of arborists do not practice tree topping anymore.
During DIY tree pruning, you might think this is a good way to reduce the height of your tree with only one cut, but once you have cut the top of a tree off, there’s virtually no chance it will ever regain a natural shape.
The Solution? Call TX Tree Trimming
Your tree may never recover from poor trimming.
Performing this project yourself might seem like a way to save money, but you could end up with way more expenses trying to revive damaged trees, so it’s a lot safer (and more economical in the long run) to hire a certified arborist in Texas from TX Tree Trimming.
Limbs don’t grow back. The tree will grow more, but not in the same places, which produces odd shapes that might require years to correct. The tree could look bad for the remainder of its life, all because of just one trimming mistake.
Bad trimming could also result in death of the tree. Removing too many branches (and, therefore, leaves) can alter the tree’s photosynthesis process, which means it won’t get enough water or enough carbon dioxide and sunlight to continue growing.
Cutting too many branches can also send the tree into a state of shock. Shock can be overcome, but it takes a great deal of care and patience. Even with proper care, a tree experiencing shock may still die.
Avoid all of these tree trimming mistakes and call TX Tree Trimming to speak with a tree care specialist in Texas able to devise a plan to ensure your tree continues to blossom and look beautiful for years to come!
