Why proper pruning is important
Why proper pruning is important
Pruning trees looks to be simple, doesn’t it? You just take a chainsaw and remove some limbs. Within a few weeks/months you will have new growth and you believe the tree is healthy & possibly looks better than ever before. Most homeowners & inexperienced tree trimmers don’t realize that improperly pruning a tree can not only cause many issues, but can also shorten the life expectancy of said tree(s).
Pruning trees really involves science. In order to have a healthy tree, you have to understand the species, the growth patterns, and the biology of a tree. A tree should never be pruned without an objective. Most common objectives for pruning are:
- Improving structure
- Reducing risk
- Providing clearance
- Managing crown size
- Reducing crown density
- Restoring structure
- Rejuvenating shrubs
- Creating new growth for Ornamentals
- Training juvenile tree(s)
As you see there are many reasons as to why pruning is needed. If done improperly it can cause minor to major issues to the tree(s) and structures around it. Here are some examples as to why improper pruning can negatively affect the tree(s).
- Over pruning- Taking food away from the tree and causing potential stress. The more mature a tree is the less likely it can recover from major stress factors. Trees such as Evergreen most likely won’t be able to grow back full again.
- Open wounds- If the wrong cutting technique is used, it can cause wounds to the tree(s), making the healing process longer and sometimes unrecoverable. By doing this, it can invite unwanted pest and diseases that the tree(s) potentially can’t recover from.
- Misbalancing Canopy- Over pruning one side and not the other can cause a misbalance in the tree(s) canopy. This can become very hazardous. It can cause the tree to have a severe lean, uproot, and or fall over in a storm causing damages.
Proper pruning technique is critical to long-term tree health. The most important principle to remember is that each cut has the potential to change the architecture, dynamics, and health of a tree. That is why it is important to get a professional tree service, such as Tree Service Express, INC. to assess your tree needs & purposes. We have arborist and certified arborist on staff to make sure that your tree(s) are taken care of along with a trained staff that follows ISA proper pruning standards. When you deal with professionals, you receive professional results.