Healthy Trimming Techniques
When thinking about pruning your trees consider the following questions:
Why do you want to prune the tree?
Each cut needs to be made for a reason. Every live branch removed reduces a tree's overall ability to create necessary sugars for itself through photosynthesis. Therefore, a tree may look like it is fine after a severe pruning, however you may have significantly shortened its lifespan.
When should you prune the tree?
Reduction reduces the size of a tree, often for clearance for utility lines. Reducing the height or spread of a tree is best accomplished by pruning back the leaders and branch terminals to lateral branches that are large enough to assume the terminal roles (at least one-third the diameter of the cut stem). Compared to topping, reduction helps maintain the form and structural integrity of the tree.
When thinking about pruning your trees consider the following questions:
Why do you want to prune the tree?
Pruning should only be done for the following reasons:
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Each cut needs to be made for a reason. Every live branch removed reduces a tree's overall ability to create necessary sugars for itself through photosynthesis. Therefore, a tree may look like it is fine after a severe pruning, however you may have significantly shortened its lifespan.
When should you prune the tree?
| Basically it depends on two things: the species of tree you will be pruning and the type of pruning you want to do. Most species will be fine with a minor pruning (called "cleaning" see below) any time of the year. However, certain species, especially coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia), have certain times of the year (summer) that will be less stressful for the tree. You should always consult with a tree professional to determine what time of year is best for your trees.
Who should prune my trees? You may get lucky with a number seen on a flyer found on a telephone pole, but it's more likely your valuable, living, long-term investment could be destroyed. Trees are living species that provide years of enjoyment if maintained properly. Who should you choose when looking for a tree professional? First and foremost the company should have a contractor's license (typically for any work over $500) and liability and Workman's Compensation insurance. Trimming trees can be dangerous and insurance is important. Without insurance, you, the property owner will become liable for any accidents. Be sure to ask for a certificate of insurance naming you as the insured prior to work starts. Next, you should look for a certification as either a certified arborist (knowledge based exam) or certified tree worker (performance based exam.) Ask for references and check them. Finally, any company that advertises "topping" should be avoided. Pruning Types Cleaning is the removal of dead, dying, diseased, crowded, weakly attached and low-vigor branches from the crown of a tree. Thinning is the selective removal of branches to increase light penetration and air movement through the crown. Thinning opens the foliage of a tree, reduces weight on heavy limbs, and helps retain the tree's natural shape. Raising removes the lower branches from a tree in order to provide clearance for buildings, vehicles, pedestrians, and vistas. |
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Reduction reduces the size of a tree, often for clearance for utility lines. Reducing the height or spread of a tree is best accomplished by pruning back the leaders and branch terminals to lateral branches that are large enough to assume the terminal roles (at least one-third the diameter of the cut stem). Compared to topping, reduction helps maintain the form and structural integrity of the tree.
| Diagram courtesy of International Society of Arboriculture Website
For further detailed information, please visit the ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) website at www.isa-arbor.com |
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