05/27/2023
How to properly prune your tree, a complimentary Limelight Walkthrough!
If tree pruning is something you think you might need done, but the idea of properly pruning seems daunting, we do have certified arborists that can be of great help! Whether or not you choose our services for pruning this year, we want to provide you with a free comprehensive guide to correctly pruning your trees and keeping them healthy!
Trees on a property can increase the value of a home by almost 20%. However, that value can be diminished when trees are not properly maintained through proper pruning and thinning.
The time for pruning trees has arrived! Pruning at this time can help to avoid certain diseases or physiological problems such as oak wilt in oaks, stem cankers in honey locusts, Dutch elm disease in elms, and fire blight in apple trees (includes flowering crabapples, mountain ash, and hawthorns).
Pruning should begin when trees are young to help reduce pruning later in the tree’s lifetime. In a young tree, it is important to develop a single dominant leader from which branches will develop. Trees can produce multiple leaders which can result in greater issues further down the road.
It is also important to remove dead and diseased branches; this helps defend against the spread of pests and diseases to prevent further damage to the tree. Removal of dead and diseased branches can really be removed at any point in the year.
Trees should also be thinned out to remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing as this can create wounds making the tree susceptible to diseases. Branches with a narrow crotch angle should also be evaluated for removal. As trees mature, bark becomes enclosed in the narrow crotch creating a weak joint and in the occurrence of a wind storm, that joint will easily split.
It is much more effective for the life of the tree and for your wallet to practice proper pruning while the tree is young. Figure 1 provides a graphic of ideal branches to be removed. However, it is suggested to not remove more than 15 to 20% of the canopy, so it is important to prioritize cuts.
Before getting started, be sure that your tools are clean and sharp. When cutting diseased branches, it is a good idea to clean your tools when finished to prevent spread. The tools you may need will vary based on the size of the branch to be cut. For smaller branches, a pair of pruning shears will work. For branches up to 1.5” in diameter, lopping shears can be used. For larger branches, you may choose to use a hand saw or a chain saw. Pole saws can also be useful for pruning branches out of reach. When using these tools, it is also important to protect yourself with the proper PPE. When making cuts, the limb should be removed at the collar. The collar is where the limb attaches to the tree(see Figure 2). Cutting at this point allows the tree to form a natural protective boundary.
During our visit our specialists are happy to inspect the property for additional issues and help formulate an action plan to keep your lawn in the Limelight!
For friendly EXPERT ADVICE, call Blake at 208-386-0801!
For FREE QUOTES & ESTIMATES or to get put on the schedule, call Devan at 208-982-2802!
Give us a call or send us a message and let’s get your lawn on the schedule!
Or visit our webpage at LimelightLawn.com
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