Tree trimming is a process that improves the aesthetic look of trees and shrubs in your yard. Moreover, trimming helps control overgrown branches that can interfere with the growth of other plants.
Trimming is done to maintain the shape of a tree and ensure that it gets adequate light, water, nutrients and air. It also protects your landscape from damage and disease.
Depending on the type of tree you have, it may need to be trimmed every few years. You can do this yourself or hire a professional to take care of it for you.
If you want to trim your trees yourself, you’ll need the right equipment and knowledge. There are several different tree trimming techniques you can follow, so make sure you choose one that best suits your needs.
Remove Overgrown Branches
Unwanted branch growth can cause a tree to become uneven, scraggly and misshapen. It can also interfere with the health and vitality of your other plants. Moreover, extra branches can prevent your trees from getting the nutrients they need to thrive.
Removing excess lateral branches that grow in various directions can give your tree more space to expand and promote healthy root growth. These branches can also be removed to provide more light and air circulation for other limbs of the tree.
Avoid removing too many branches at once, as this can stress the tree. Generally, you should not remove more than 5% to 20% of the crown at one time.
Whether you’re pruning young or mature trees, trimming cuts fall into two categories: heading and thinning. Heading cuts are used when you want to stimulate growth, remove weak, crooked or problem branches and to keep a tree’s natural shape.
When you are heading a branch, start at the base and make a cut that is about 12 inches away from the branch collar (the point at which stem tissue forms) and almost a quarter to halfway through the branch. Next, angle your cut down and away from the stem to encourage the growth of a callus at the base of the branch.
A callus is a tough, protective layer that forms on the bark of branches as they grow. It allows the tree to survive when it is damaged and reduces the risk of injury when a branch falls off.
Before you begin cutting, examine the branch for signs of decay. Check for splits or rot on the trunk or main branch, which can cause dangerous problems later on.
Properly pruned branches form a healthy callus, which can be a good defense against disease and pests. The bark will also thicken and become more resistant to damage.
You’ll need a pair of hand shears or lopping shears to do this job. Be sure to wear proper safety gear, such as goggles, gloves and boots.
Be careful when cutting around power lines. This is because trees can interfere with electrical current. Be sure to contact your utility company before you do any work near power lines and find out what the minimum distance is between them and your trees.