Tree Trimming Basics

Trimming trees isn’t as difficult as it appears, but it also isn’t as simple as it might seem.

Pruning experts say it’s a matter of knowing what to cut, how much to trim and when to take your saws and pruners out of the garage.

Benefits to Trimming

There are a number of benefits to properly trimming the trees in your yard. Proper pruning improves the health of your trees by removing dead or dying branches. It also protects the branch structure and reduces hazards such as falling limbs or low-hanging branches. On fruit trees, it can improve the size and quantity of the crop.

Officials at the Tree Care Industry Association – formerly known as the National Arborist Association – says trees in open settings do need trimming. Trees in the forests compete with each other and develop strong and practical branch structure to gather in sunlight and absorb water. In a yard, a lone tree can develop a broad or weak structure and die an early death.

Four Classes of Pruning

The association has established four classes of pruning.

The first is fine pruning. This consists of small, premium cutting that improves a tree’s aesthetics.

The second is standard pruning. This involves slightly heavier cutting more devoted to enhancing the tree’s branch structure.

The third is hazard pruning, which is recommended when there are safety considerations. This usually involves the removal of branches two inches or greater in diameter.

The fourth is crown reduction pruning. This involves the reduction of the tops and sides of a tree. Major branches are usually removed. This pruning should only be done when there is storm damage, significant dieback or when branches are interfering with utility lines.

How To Prune

When pruning, experts recommend all cuts on live branches be as close to the trunk or parent limb as possible. They also say the bark at the edge of all pruning cuts should remain firmly attached.

Any branch that is too large to support with one hand should be cut in stages to avoid splitting or tearing of bark. Ropes should be used to lower large branches to the ground.

There is disagreement on whether to use wound dressing or paints on a tree after a significant cut. Some experts say these substances haven’t necessarily proven effective in reducing decay or infection.

Expert also discourage any equipment such as climbing spurs that will damage bark.

When to Prune

Different trees should be pruned at different times of the year.

On her web page, Garden Gal Marilyn Burns recommends trimming ornamental trees before they bloom, especially those that flower before June.

She suggests pruning summer blooming trees in early spring before they get their new growth.

She says fruit trees should be pruned in late winter for shape and to expose the center of the tree to light. She also says young fruit trees should be pruned later than older fruit trees.

Safety First!

Experts say there are some basic rules when trimming your own trees.

They say never trim trees from a ladder. Instead, secure yourself to the tree from at least two points.

Never climb with cutting tools in hand. Have them raised to you.

Always wear a hardhat and safety glasses.

Most of all, leave the difficult or hard-to-reach work to the professionals.