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Proper Pruning
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Before a tree is pruned you must know why to
prune, where to prune, and when to prune.
Pruning trees must be done only if there is a
good reason. Some trees are doing just
fine by themselves and don't need any pruning.
Lumberjack Tree Care is committed to the code of
ethics that is followed by professional
arborists. Our consultations are free and
professional, with the care of your trees being
top priotrity. |
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First, why do we prune trees.
Typically we prune for the health
of the tree, for the safety of
persons or property, or for aesthetic
beauty. |
 Pruning
is done to remove dead, broken, crossing, and
weak branches. This will minimize the risk
of disease and infection, while promoting a
healthier and stronger tree. |
 Many
times trees are not pruned until they pose a
risk to persons or property, a dying branch
overhanging a house for example. However,
trees should be pruned before this extremity is
reached. |
 Aesthetic
beauty is another reason to prune your tree.
Limbs can grow at awkward angles or the crown
can become to cluttered. Crown shaping is
a common aesthetic pruning technique. |
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Second, where do you prune.
When pruning trees you want to make your cuts at
an established branch collar, and not in the
middle of a limb. The proper pruning cut
of a limb of mid to large size is shown below. |
The first cut is always an undercut.
This cut must be deep enough to penetrate the
bark and cambium. This cut is made to
eliminate the risk of the bark and cambium
tearing down the tree when the limb is severed
from the top.
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The second cut comes from the top,
beyond the location of the first cut. This
cut severs the limb from the tree. If a
tear occurs, it will stop where the first cut
was made and not tear down the trunk of the tree
or passed the collar. |
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The third cut will finish the prune.
This cut is made in front of the stem collar, it
is important to not cut the collar so the tree
can heal properly . |
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Lastly, when to prune. It
is best to prune trees in their dormant seasons,
which are fal l
and winter. During these seasons insects,
spores, and bacteria numbers are decreased,
which makes it less likely for the trees wound
to become an entry point for the invader.
The healing process is started and when spring
comes the tree is in a better position to fight
off these pests.
It is especially important not to prune oak
trees in the summer because of the possibility
the infection of oak wilt.
It is also important not to prune dying or
decaying trees. Removing any green or
living piece of these trees will only increase
their decline. In other words, they need
all the help they can get. Typically
cabling or
removal will
be recommended in these cases. |
