Hello World! Welcome Friends! Trees are a beautiful aspect of nature. They come in different sizes and shapes and can add a majestic and appealing vibe to a place. Not only do trees add to the physical aesthetics of a place, but they also go a long way in promoting certain ecological benefits.
Knowing these benefits, a lot of homeowners now plant trees and other wonderful plants in their homes. You can check https://ecofriend.org/ to find out the benefits of having trees in your yard. If you own a tree, then you know that from time to time, you have to prune it.
Perhaps, you often leave the job to a professional arborist. But what if we told you that tree pruning is something that you can do by yourself? If you are an outdoorsy/nature person, it can become the perfect activity and hobby for you. In this article, we will discuss tree-pruning steps that will help you carry out this task like a pro.
Get the Right Tools
The first thing you need to do is acquire suitable tools. Some of the tools you’ll need include a pruning saw (long-handled ones for larger trees), ladder, loppers, and secateurs. Make sure that all your tools are sharp; sharp tools will make clean cuts that will aid in the tree’s healing process and make your job easier. Also, be sure to wear protective clothing such as gloves, head protection, and safety goggles.
Know Your Goals
Pruning is often done for various reasons, whether to reduce the tree’s shade, minimize its space requirements, or simply enhance appearance. The goal you wish to achieve will determine the method you should use. To reduce the tree’s shade, thinning out the branches is necessary. If you want to create more space, consider crown lifting, which involves removing lower branches. To enhance the tree’s features, tree shaping is the method to use.
Remove Damaged, Diseased, and Dead Branches
Begin pruning the tree by first removing damaged, diseased, and dead branches. You can visit here to learn how to spot dead branches. Don’t forget to trim away lax and weak growths. To prevent disease, remove branches that are rubbing against each other.
Assess What You’ve Done So Far
Before you proceed, assess the job so far. Do not do your assessment from one angle, stand at different angles to get a general perspective. This would help you identify other things you have to remove. But be careful not to take off too much; removing too many branches can affect the tree’s growth.
Remove Large Branches
Now that you’ve identified the branches to remove, begin the removal process one branch at a time. Instead of immediately cutting off the branch, start by making shallow undercuts and overcuts. After making the cuts, use the saw to safely remove the branch. For heavier branches, consider using multiple cuts for removal.
Remove Stubs
After sawing off a large branch, there may be a stub in its place. To address this, cut through the stub just outside the collar of the branch, which is where it connects to another branch or the tree’s truck. While sawing, support the stub with your hands to prevent it from tearing due to its weight. Do not cut beyond the collar because this is where the natural healing process takes place.
Remove Thin Branches
Use your loppers or secateurs to prune off thinner branches; cut 0.5cm above side shoot or healthy buds. Avoid cutting too close or too far from the bud, as either can harm it. If possible, you can cut outwardly toward the bud so the canopy can be well-shaped.
Reassess Your Work
Take a step back to evaluate your work so far. Check from different sides to see if you’ve missed anything. If you have, then go through the steps again. Do this until you’re satisfied with the outcome but remember not to cut off more than necessary.
When to Hire a Professional Arborist
Sure, your first attempt at pruning may not resemble a professional’s work, but with time, will improve. However, this tree pruning guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning that you can’t always prune your trees by yourself. If you give it a try and notice you aren’t making good progress, do not hesitate to stop and call a professional.
Additionally, your first trial should be with a smaller tree. You’ll need the service of professionals to prune and trim bigger trees. Professional arborists are well-equipped with the skills and tools to properly tackle larger projects. They also have advanced techniques that will help trees stay in great shape despite weather conditions changes.
Conclusion
Pruning trees is something you can do with the right instructions, as discussed in this article. However, it is often advisable to start with smaller trees that are easier to handle. For larger projects, it’s best to enlist the services of a professional arborist who possesses the skills, experience, and tools required to manage these tasks effectively.
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Toodles,
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