In order to ensure that your trees are as healthy as they can be, there are a number of things that you need to do to take care of them. Watering and adding mulch are only part of the equation; you’ll need to clip the weakest linked branches to ensure the survival of your tree! Choosing which branches to prune and which to keep is easier said than done, so what can you do to differentiate between them? We give you our best tips for effectively pruning your trees below!
Crossed Branches
Perhaps the most obvious sign that a tree branch needs to be pruned is if it crosses paths with other branches. However, you shouldn’t just be snipping crossed branches willy nilly! You need to determine which of the two branches to prune. A general rule of thumb is if the branch moves on the natural path of the tree branches, it’s safe to stay. Those that jut into the path of other branches (i.e. branches that point directly up or down) are the ones that will pose the most danger to their growth. Removing these quickly will save you from a world of problems later!
Timing Your Pruning
Did you know that the timing of your tree pruning will affect how effective it is? In fact, pruning your tree at the wrong time can actually stunt its growth! In order to successfully avoid this issue, you’ll want to prune a tree’s branches during its dormant season. A tree’s dormant season is the period of time when a tree stops growing to conserve energy, waiting for conditions to improve before doing so again. You won’t be putting as much stress on your tree and you’ll be promoting healthy growth later.
Always Remove Your Stubs
Weak branches aren’t the only thing you should be removing from your tree! When its branches break off, they’ll usually leave behind stubs. If left unchecked, stubs can turn into a home for pests that can ruin your tree from the inside out. This is because stubs are essentially like wounds for a tree; they prevent it from fully healing, which leaves the part of the tree exposed. Don’t leave your trees exposed!
Tree Pruning at Elliott Tree
Worried about messing up your tree pruning? Let the experts at Elliott Tree handle it for you! We offer tree pruning services in addition to tree removal and stump grinding. We care about your tree’s health just as much as you, so we’ll work carefully to ensure that it can grow in the best way possible. To preserve your trees’ health, contact us today!
