Tree Trimming is the selective removal of branches to promote plant health, enhance landscape design and beauty, prevent damage or safety hazards. It involves removing dead, dying, or damaged limbs, as well as thinning out overgrown areas that can impair light penetration and create structural weaknesses in the canopy of a tree. Tree trimming is often done to reduce or remove limbs that interfere with power lines and other overhead utility services, such as a telephone or cable line.
Several different pruning techniques can be used in the proper maintenance of your trees, but there are some general principles that should always be followed. Avoid topping, which is the indiscriminate cutting of main branches back to stubs, as this weakens the tree and can result in structural defects, insect infestation, and decay. Also, flush cuts that remove the branch collar, the wide area where branches connect to the trunk, are not considered good practice because they can cause wounds to fail and create entry points for diseases and pests.
Proper pruning practices promote airflow and provide space for pedestrians and equipment beneath the canopy. It also helps minimize the risk of failure due to heavy loads, wind or snow. Regular pruning eliminates crossing and rubbing branches, which can lead to bark peeling and rot. It also removes diseased or insect-infested limbs and encourages the growth of strong, central leaders that help support the structural integrity of the entire crown.
A well-trained Bartlett Arborist can evaluate your trees and determine the best course of action to ensure the safety of your property and surrounding structures. In general, a mature tree should be pruned every 2 to 3 years. Young trees and those that have been recently planted may need to be pruned more frequently until they are established.
When pruning a tree, be sure to follow the three-cut method to avoid tearing the bark and creating an entry point for insects or disease. The first cut should be on the underside of the branch a few inches from the trunk, followed by a top cut just above the first, and then a final cut extending away from the branch collar. This technique allows the wound to heal more effectively and eliminates the potential for fungus growth.
If a tree is undergoing stress or has a pre-existing condition, it will require more frequent pruning. It is also important to prune at the right time of year. Deciduous trees are typically pruned in late winter or early spring, before bud break, and evergreens should be pruned throughout the growing season to maintain their shape. Pruning in the fall can help alleviate some of the stress on trees caused by summer heat and high winds.
Proper pruning can prevent power outages in times of high wind or thunderstorms. Trees are the most common reason for power outages, so it is critical to keep them properly trimmed and maintained. A well-maintained rights of way will also enable SECO to restore service faster and more efficiently during storms.
source https://realtreesolutions.wordpress.com/2024/09/20/tree-trimming-basics/
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