Trees are magnificent. If left alone, they can grow by their own rules. They can spread their branches as high as they wish, reach heights well above homes and some buildings, and deepen their grip on the ground for as long as there is space for their roots.
While they thrive in their natural habitats, like forests, trees can also flourish in residential and commercial properties. These are considered excellent additions to a property because they provide shade, beautiful colours that make landscapes more attractive, and even fruits.
The trees growing in backyards or along the streets, however, don’t have that much freedom. But, these restrictions are all for a good reason. If trees are not pruned, they can pose safety risks. It’s important to find a reliable tree pruning company to ensure that trees are maintained in places people reside and frequent.
What Is the Process of Pruning?
Pruning refers to the process of selectively removing the branches from a tree. Removing these unwanted branches help improve the structure of the tree and promote new and healthy growth. Do all trees and plants need pruning? According to professionals, most trees that bear fruits, palm trees, ferns, and conifers should be pruned.
Benefits of Tree Pruning
One of the common concerns of property owners is if pruning is detrimental to their plants. Part of the tree pruning process is explaining to them the different benefits trees and owners can enjoy by cutting off a few branches.
- Improve Health – Pruning removes dead or dying branches that are injured by disease, insect infestation, natural calamities, and mechanical damage. It can also be done to remove branches that are rubbing and stubs that destroy the natural shape of trees.
- Maintain the Landscape -. Evergreens, if well-maintained, can greatly improve landscapes. For example, most find winter as the best time to prune cypress trees because this coincides with the holidays. These are often cleaned, shaped, and adorned to make homes, buildings, and streets more attractive and festive.
- Promote Intended Function – Some trees need to let go of dying parts to encourage flower and fruit development. Other plants need pruning to maintain the density of their hedges or to be shaped to suit gardens and landscapes.
- Protect Safety – Dead branches can fall and hurt people and damage property. Sometimes, fallen branches can block important street lights, traffic lights, wires, and windows. There are also hazardous trees that tree removal services need to take care of in order to keep people safe.
These are just a few of the reasons to contact professionals to help with pruning trees around your property. If done regularly, plants can grow healthier for a longer period.
Pruning Dos
Pruning is known for contributing to the health of trees. To maximize these benefits, the process should be done properly. Here are the dos of cutting tree branches:
- Know when it is the best time to prune
Timing is important in removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches so you should be familiar with the Caledon tree pruning guide. A majority of species benefit most if the process is administered in mid to late winter when trees are more dormant. Pruning at this time encourages more growth when the weather starts to feel warmer. It is also easier to prune. There are no leaves, making it easier to identify the limbs that should be removed.
Knowing when trees bloom is also crucial information. There are trees like apricot, ornamental cherry, magnolia, flowering plum, and chokecherry that set buds from the previous year’s growth. If these are pruned over the winter, they will not bloom.
Some trees like dogwood, catalpa, Japanese tree lilac, and hawthorn are known for being late bloomers, meaning they bloom in the growth of that same year. It is best to prune them in the early spring.
- Use clean and sharp pruning tools
You can find different pruning tools in the market. Having the right instruments will make the process easier and more precise. It is necessary to keep these implements well-maintained and sharp to avoid damaging the trees and for cutting work time. Some of the tools to keep are:
-
- Pruning shears that can cut branches up to ¾ inches in diameter
- Lopping shears look similar to pruning shears but have longer handles and are best used for branches that are 1 ½ inches in diameter
- Hedge shears are used solely for pruning hedges
- Hand saws are used for cutting larger branches
- Pole saws that can extend reach with their long handle.
- Small chain saws for large branches
You can also hire companies with the appropriate tree pruning equipment needed.
- Call professionals to help with pruning large trees
The tree pruning tools you have lying around can come in handy if you have shrubs and smaller trees on your property. However, if you have trees that have branches larger than 1 inch in diameter, you need to consider calling professionals. They have the right implements and experience to handle plants of that variety.
- Cut from the bottom of the branch to avoid splitting
The first cut should be ⅓ of the way through the branch’s underside. Proceed to cut ahead from the top to prevent splitting or tearing.
- Get a free estimate from an expert
There are several tree pruning services in Caledon that can help maintain your plants. Estimates can be higher if there are plenty of trees on your property. Some could also quote their services according to the different types of tree pruning they will be required to do. Decide which company you will work with according to your budget and need.
Pruning Don’ts
You need to keep safety and budget in mind. These are some of the things that you SHOULD NOT do:
- Do not cut branches you can’t reach with both your feet on the ground. Tiptoeing will not be a good idea because you are prone to falling. Instead, use a ladder and make sure that it is secured to avoid accidents.
- Do not cut too close to the trunk. There are various tree pruning techniques that are used to keep plants healthy. Generally, it is more helpful to cut at least 3 inches from the collar of the branch.
- Avoid topping or cutting branches very close to the crown because it will damage the plant.
- Do not scrimp on paying professionals because they have the skills, knowledge, experience, and tools that can make the pruning process smooth and safe for everyone.
Pruning is a process that can greatly help keep trees healthy. If you want to plant a certain tree, turn to Caledon Treeland. We have a variety of species that can benefit your property whether you’re in need of privacy trees or hedges. Call 905-880-1828 or send us an email at treeland@treeland.ca for inquiries.