There are many reasons why you may need to prune a tree. The tree branches could show signs of damage or disease or the branches may be growing too close to structures, or on your neighbour’s property, resulting in safety concerns. It is important that you pay close attention to your trees, and prune when necessary to keep the trees healthy. Here are three tips for When, Where, and How to Prune your tree.
Wait Until The Right Time To Prune
The best time to prune trees in the autumn is late October through November because, by this time, the leaves of the trees have all fallen. When the leaves are gone, it is easier to see any damage done to the tree branches, including disease and insect damage. In the late autumn months, the temperature is cold enough that fungal issues will not be a problem and the wound will also heal faster without interference. If you do not wait until the weather is cold enough, new growth may be encouraged and the baby buds will not have enough time to harden before the weather turns cold. If you really want to take care of your trees and shrubs, it’s important to take timing into account and understand that you’re dealing with a complex living organism with very specific habits and needs.
Be Careful Where You Cut
Before you take your pruning shears and start cutting the branches of the tree, there is something that you need to consider. If done right, pruning can be helpful, but you need to know precisely where to cut and pruning a tree harms the tree if the technique is improper. If you prune a tree with flush cuts or leave a stub, the tree will not seal over properly and instead, the tree will start to rot in these areas. A properly pruned tree will grow a callous around the wound starting at the edge and grow inward. Do not cut into the branch collar, because this part of the tree contains the chemicals that seal over any wounds the tree may have. The branch collar is a raised dark area located where the trunk and the branch tissue meet – when cutting a large branch, it is important to make three cuts in order to avoid tearing the branch collar. Realistically, it might be better to put down the pruning shears and call a knowledgeable professional.
Use An ISA Certified Professional To Help With Your Pruning Needs
ISA certified means that the person is knowledgeable in tree care and also regarding different types of trees and how to access and treat damage the tree may be facing. Arborists also know safe work practices, which is important, since pruning a tree can be dangerous not only to the tree but to the person if they do not know what they are doing. A knowledgeable professional will have the right equipment for the job; they can easily access what needs to be done and complete the job without any harmful damage.
These three tips will help your trees stay healthy for years to come. Be sure to cut when the weather is colder; be careful where you cut; and hire a knowledgeable professional to help if the job is too big.
