Tree pruning is one of the best practices that you can implement on your New England property. It’s the best way to keep trees healthy and thriving. This tree service involves removing dead, dying, diseased, or decaying branches so that your tree can divert its energy into the healthy parts of its structure.
While this is incredibly valuable, unfortunately, bad tree pruning can end up doing more harm than good. Making mistakes when pruning tree branches can actually be detrimental to the health of your tree - not to mention a possible to risk to your safety.
In this article, we’ll dive into some of the most common tree pruning mistakes and how to avoid them.
Jump to:
What Does Pruning Do?
Common Pruning Mistakes
How to Trim a Tree Without Killing It
Choosing Tree Care in Southern NH, Northeastern Massachusetts, and Southern Maine
What Does Pruning Do?
As we explained, tree pruning is the process of removing specific branches in order to benefit the tree as a whole.
Pruning involves making strategic cuts to remove diseased, dead, or dying wood. When these branches are left on the tree, your tree is constantly trying to send “energy” to restore them. But when these branches are removed, your tree can divert that energy elsewhere. This can lead to overall healthier trees.
Of course, tree pruning also plays a valuable role in reducing storm damage as risky branches are removed before they can fall.
Another of the many benefits of regular pruning is the reduction in the risks posed to power lines on your property.
Common Pruning Mistakes
There are a lot of ways that pruning tree branches can ultimately go wrong. Let’s talk about some of the most common pruning mistakes that we see.
#1: Overpruning
Removing too much of the tree can be harmful. You can have a direct impact on the tree’s ability to perform photosynthesis if you remove too much foliage. Overpruning can leave openings for diseases, pests, and other health problems while also possibly leaving the tree less than pleasing to the eye.
#2: Tree Topping
It’s important to be aware that an outdated tree pruning practice, called “Tree Topping”, is actually another example of bad tree pruning. This basically involves exactly what the name says…cutting the top of the tree off. This is also sometimes called “heading” a tree.
People will have this service performed when they believe a tree has grown too large or is at risk of falling. But tree topping can actually create greater risk by leading to significant decay and damage. Even though it’s proven to be outdated and risky, some tree companies still perform this.
#3: Pruning with No Plan
This may not sound like a big deal, but it can lead to major problems. When you prune a tree, there has to be a strategic plan in place. There is so much more to it than just haphazardly choosing branches to cut. When you make poor-cut choices, you could end up with a lopsided or uneven canopy and even potentially harm the tree rather than help it.
#4: Pruning at the Wrong Time
The best time to trim trees in New England can vary based on tree species. But if you prune your trees at the wrong time of the year, you can actually cause problems for them. While many trees can be pruned at any time, ornamental flowering trees and shrubs are especially particular about when they should be pruned. If you prune flowering trees at the wrong time, you can cut off early buds and prevent them from blooming.
#5: Pruning with the Wrong Tools
Pruning with the proper tools is critical to the success of this service. For instance, pruning with dull blades can tear or rip the branch and lead to added stress or even disease or pest problems. There are also different pruning tools depending on exactly what’s been done. A tree pruning expert will know the proper way to prune trees with the proper tools.
How to Trim a Tree Without Killing It
While a lot of people attempt DIY tree pruning, the best way to avoid improper pruning is to let a professional handle it.
In general, if you have trees on your property, then you’ll want to make sure you’re working with a tree care professional who can help you ensure they’re getting everything that they need.
When trees are not taken care of, they can actually become a liability. The last thing that you want is for your beloved trees to become a risk or pose problems. When you hire a professional tree pruning service, you’re actually taking an important step in protecting your investment.
Choosing Tree Care in Southern NH, Northeastern Massachusetts, and Southern Maine
There are a lot of New England tree pruning companies out there, so you’ll need to do your due diligence. Improper tree pruning can truly be detrimental to your tree. There is often more to tree pruning in New England than people tend to realize.
This is why it’s so important that you’re working with well-trained tree service technicians and certified arborists in Southern NH, ME, and MA in order to make sure that your tree pruning is performed correctly.
At Seacoast Tree Care, we’re committed to preserving the health and beauty of trees by performing vital services - like tree pruning - the right way. When you make a wise choice in tree pruning services, you’ll ultimately take an important step in protecting the value of your property’s trees.
Ready for safer and healthier trees at your Southern NH, ME, or MA home? Request your consultation and get a free quote for tree pruning services. We service properties in and around Stratham, NH, Kittery, ME, and Haverhill, MA. By making a wise choice, you’ll know your trees are in good hands.
Image Sources: overpruned tree, planned pruning