Tree Pruning: What You Should Never Do
Ornamental pruning is an important part of tree care and maintenance. It helps keep trees healthy, safe, and aesthetically pleasing by removing dead or damaged branches and allowing for new growth. Unfortunately, it also can be a daunting task if done incorrectly as some of the wrong pruning techniques can cause irreparable damage to the tree. It is important to understand what you should never do when pruning trees so you can avoid any costly mistakes.
Don’t top or “hat-rack” your tree.
Tree topping or hat-racking is a practice of removing the major branches from the top of the tree down to stubs, leaving the tree with a flat top. This practice is often seen in cities and communities where trees are not managed properly, resulting in an unsightly look. Tree topping also causes weak sprouts to form at the stubs of the branches which can lead to more damage further down the line.
Don’t prune too much.
Removing too much of the tree, either in one sitting or over time, can be detrimental to its health. When pruning, only remove dead or damaged branches and leave as much foliage on the tree as possible. Doing too much pruning can remove a large portion of the leaves which will reduce the tree’s ability to absorb light energy and create food for itself.
Don’t prune live branches unnecessarily
Pruning live branches should only be done if there is a specific reason for doing so, such as improving the structure of the tree or removing dead, damaged, or diseased parts. Pruning live branches too often can leave the tree with open wounds and weak points which may lead to infection. If you absolutely must prune a live branch, be sure to use clean, sharp tools and make cuts at the right angle to prevent further damage.
Don’t remove large branches without professional help
Removing large branches without professional help can be extremely dangerous and damaging to the tree. It is important to consult a certified arborist before attempting to remove any large branches as they have the knowledge and experience necessary to do it safely and correctly.
If you need quality ornamental pruning in the Davison, MI area, you’re in the right place. You can always trust D & T Tree Experts, LLC to do an excellent job pruning your trees!