With temperatures steadily climbing, it’s starting to feel like spring. With the changing seasons, it’s natural to think about your springtime to-do list to get your yard looking great and ready for summer fun.

Trimming your trees is likely one of the items on your chore list. These tree-trimming tips can help you handle this task with maximal ease and in a way that promotes the long-term health of the trees in your yard so that you can enjoy them for years to come.

• Plan ahead: As with most things, the more you plan, the more you will know what to expect and be prepared for any hiccups. While tree trimming can be done at any time of the year, some varieties should be trimmed at different times. Knowing what trees you have and doing a little research can prevent you from making a serious mistake, as you may potentially harm your tree if you trip it when it’s not the right season. Identify the varieties that can handle trimming (such as apple, cherry, plum, and peach) and those in which trimming should be restricted to removing dead wood (such as evergreens). You will also want to plan your trimmings after the coldest part of the year. Many trees can handle trimming much better in milder temperatures. You will also want to identify any diseases or pests your trees may be more susceptible to and ensure you are doing everything possible to prevent these from happening. For instance, beetles attack oak trees from late spring into early summer, which they may be unable to handle if they have been trimmed.
• Identify dead and diseased branches: After the winter season, many trees will have dead or diseased branches. These branches should be the first priority when determining what to remove. Removing these branches can prevent the further spread of disease. Remember, after removing a diseased tree limb, you will want to rinse the pruning blade in a bleach solution between each cut to avoid spreading the disease. Removing these limbs can also eliminate a health and safety hazard since dead and dying limbs can fall and hurt someone or damage your property.

• Determine where to cut: When removing large branches, you will want to first make a shallow cut on the underside of the branch, several inches from the trunk. Then, cut the branch off about two to three inches from the initial cut until the limb balls. The initial cut will prevent the bark from peeling off the side of the tree trunk. Finally, you can make the final cut to remove the remaining stub. This cut should be on the outside of the branch collar (the swollen area where the branch and trunk are joined). You will also want to be sure that you aren’t trimming too much from any tree. Generally, it’s best not to trim more than 10% of any tree. Trimming too much can increase the likelihood of the tree developing disease or becoming infected with pests.
• Use the right tools: Trimming trees can quickly become dangerous. If you are doing it yourself, you should use sharp, clean tools with a suitable capacity for the branches you trim. Otherwise, you may risk hurting yourself or damaging the tree.

Trimming your trees can be an exciting time. It often signals the start of spring, and keeping your trees healthy and disease-free is essential. Ultimately, this task will keep your yard looking great so you and your family can enjoy it all summer. Trimming trees can boost their health in multiple ways. First, removing dead, damaged, and diseased limbs can prevent infestation and the spread of disease. Trimming also thins dense areas, which improves air circulation and sunlight penetration to the entire tree – two key factors in keeping any tree healthy. Pruning also helps you maintain a balanced tree canopy, which can reduce the risk of storm damage.

As you can see, trimming your trees doesn’t only improve the aesthetic appeal of your yard; it’s an essential component in keeping your trees healthy in the long run. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself or would like additional guidance before trimming, you can always consult with professionals. For more information on tree trimming and best practices, contact Tree Barber today!

Recognized as a top tree care company, Tree Barber Enterprises serves thousands of residential and business customers in North County San Diego. Our Certified Arborists and Certified Tree Workers are highly skilled and extensively trained in the newest arboriculture techniques, allowing us to perform our tasks quickly, safely, and economically.