Trimming trees in the spring and early summer is often better for many types of trees as it can promote healthy growth and ensure your trees remain visually appealing.
Trimming also removes dead, diseased, or overgrown branches, reducing the likelihood that disease or pest infestations will spread and ensuring that the tree uses its energy for new growth. Some of the benefits of trimming trees:
- Promoting healthy growth
- Reducing the chances of disease and pest infestations or preventing either from spreading
- Enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your property and landscape
- Keeping your property safe by reducing the chances that dead branches may fall and harm individuals, pets, or property
However, to realize all of the benefits of tree trimming, proper tree-trimming techniques should be employed to reduce the chances of harming the tree. You must also consider the timing of trimming. Many trees are in their dormant phase later in the season, and trimming during this time will minimize sap loss and reduce the risk of disease transmission. However, the proper timing may vary depending on the local climate and species of tree. Therefore, consulting with a professional before trimming is a great idea.
When trimming, you will want to look for dead, damaged, and diseased limbs. These branches should be removed first to improve the tree’s appearance, reduce safety issues, and improve its appearance.
- Dead: Dead branches are no longer alive. As such, they may break and fall at any time, increasing the risk of an accident that could pose a danger to people, pets, and property. These hazardous branches should be removed first.
- Damaged: Damaged branches are usually broken or injured in a way that can increase the likelihood that they will attract pests or provide a point of entry for disease. These branches are also some of the first ones you will want to target for removal.
- Diseased: Diseased branches pose a risk to your entire yard, as disease can frequently spread from one tree to others when diseased limbs aren’t removed. Trimming these branches and removing them is the best way to prevent further spread.
Proper trimming should follow a step-by-step process that includes careful consideration. The steps to proper tree trimming include:
- Inspect your trees: Completing a quick visual inspection to identify signs of damage or disease is a great way to prioritize your trimming. You will also want to look for overgrown branches and trim those back before they break or damage property. Limbs that are overgrown into driveways and walkways should definitely be slated for a trim.
- Plan your cuts. You will want to prioritize our cuts and identify the best spot on the limb to make each cut. It’s important to remember never to cut a healthy branch after cutting a diseased one, as this can contribute to the spread of disease. You will also want to identify the spot on each limb where a cut will cause the least amount of damage to the tree.
- Cut the limbs: After identifying what branches to cut and where to cut them, you can make the cut using the proper tools and techniques. Remember that each cut is a wound to the tree, and making clean, precise cuts can promote quicker healing.
- Clean up: Remove diseased limbs from the area immediately to prevent the spread of the disease. You will also want to remove the rest of the debris so that pests do not have an ideal place to infest. This step will also ensure that the sight of waste doesn’t diminish the beauty of your landscaping.
- Post-trim care: Tree trimming can take a lot out of a tree, as they expend much effort into healing the cut and regrowing. Therefore, providing adequate amounts of water and fertilizer is often necessary after trimming to help the tree stay in good condition.
When trimming trees, it’s also a good idea to ensure you are using safe techniques and with precaution. Accidents involving tree-trimming tools can be fatal, and these instruments should be handled carefully. Additionally, trimmers should also wear protective gear, such as gloves, safety glasses, and sturdy boots.
As you can see, trimming your trees is a delicate process and should be done only after careful planning and precautions. If you are unsure of anything, it’s best to consult with a professional. For more information about properly trimming trees, contact Tree Barber today!