Tree trimming is a crucial maintenance exercise that promotes aesthetics and longevity. However, using the proper technique significantly mitigates damages resulting from inexperience and inadequate equipment. Before picking a pruning saw to trim trees in your trees, there are several things you need to consider to ensure optimal results without compromising the health of your trees. It is vital to consult a professional tree care company to maximize the beauty of your landscape with the appropriate trimming technique. Timber Ridge Tree Care has an experienced arborist team with extensive experience ready to offer guidance on the correct tree trimming methods for the trees in your backyard.
Tree Trimming Safety
Before attempting a DIY pruning project, safety should be the primary focus to avoid severe injuries and property damage. Our tree service providers can recommend the most efficient equipment and safety gear to complete the project successfully. Aside from using proper tools and wearing protective gear, there are other safety protocols you need to consider, such as proximity to utility lines, the size of dead trees or branches, and proximity to your home and surrounding structures. A tree service provider leverages industry experience to ensure trimming is done with the utmost safety and professionalism.
Tips for Tree Pruning
While tree species are trimmed during different times, some circumstances make it challenging. Unfortunately, some things are out of your control, such as storm damage, natural growth, and other landscaping needs. If you come across a tree needing trimming but lack the skills to provide the needed care, here are everyday situations you may experience and how to address them.
V-Shaped Branching
Trees usually form V-shaped narrow branch arrangements that weaken the tree’s structure. While the most common solution is providing corrective pruning, it is not always a viable solution. Trees that need corrective pruning to eliminate crossing branches include hornbeams, native elms, hickories, Osage orange, and serviceberries. However, trees such as flowering pears, maples, willows, ashes, and basswoods need routine inspections by a trusted tree care company to mitigate structural issues. Trim one of the V-shaped branches to strengthen the tree’s structure as it grows.
Suckering
Depending on the severity of damage or circumstance, some trees send up new shoots from the ground, ultimately weakening the main tree. If you detect such a development in your backyard, getting rid of the suckers before they reach a height of between 6-12 inches above the ground is crucial. The most effective way of preventing suckering is to avoid planting such trees in your yard, and our arborists can be of great help.
Forked Trunks
A tree with forked trunks is more unstable than a tree with a single trunk and often grows in a bunch leaving a hollow cavity susceptible to infestation and rot. Failure to take action leads to splitting, or a trunk will break off. Trim one of the forked trunks while the tree is young, and make the cut as close to the ground as possible with a single angle to ensure rainwater drains.
For more information on how to trim a tree or our tree care services, contact us at Timber Ridge Tree Care and schedule an appointment with our representatives. We guarantee top-notch services at competitive market rates.