People trim the trees around their home for various reasons; to train a tree, keep it healthy, or to maintain its aesthetic. Every homeowner who has a yard or a garden needs to keep their trees in shape. Failing to trim them can even damage your roof or landscape. Therefore, it is essential that you perform proper tree maintenance to keep your home & property protected!
This article will outline common mistakes other homeowners make when trimming their trees and help to educate you on what to avoid doing!
Wrong Timing
Don’t wait until your trees look overgrown before you decide to trim. Cutting your trees when certain insects are active could also attract them and cause diseases, which is important to consider depending on where you live. And at the wrong time, trimming can affect sprouts and fruit production. So non-blooming trees are best pruned in late winter, while the blooming ones are best trimmed in the spring just after they bloom. However, remove dead branches anytime of the year.
Pruning The Wrong Branches
Most homeowners are ignorant of how to trim branches properly, so they prune them incorrectly. Avoid bad pruning at all costs because this not only affects the aesthetic of the trees, it can also weaken them! So always start by taking down the dead branches. After, cut the branches that join the trunk at weak v shapes angles and avoid cutting the thicker branches.
Neglecting Sanitary Practices
Using dirty or rusted tools and equipment to trim could potentially transmit fungi and bacteria to your trees. Some garden owners may notice discoloration on the foliage or leaves and abnormal growth after trimming. So, it’s essential to sanitize your shears properly before cutting another tree. Also ensure you clear up the debris properly, so it doesn’t harbor fungi and insects.
Trimming With Blunt Shears
Trimming a tree with dull shears will always create rough cuts leading to wounds that may take time to heal. Using dull shears will require several chops, and that may damage the branch collar. Always use a well-sharpened and sterile shear while pruning.
Trimming The Branch Collar With The Branches
Be careful not to cut through the branch collar. Most homeowners make the mistake of cutting the branch collar while trying to cut the branches flush with the trunk. The branch collar contains a big bundle of vascular tissue that losses a lot of sap when you slash through it, and can severely damage the tree. Be careful and aware of what to look out for when trimming your branches to avoid nicking the branch collar.
Contact Us Today
Remember: Proper trimming is essential to maintain your tree’s health and beauty. Trimming your tree doesn’t have to be difficult, it just takes a bit of know-how! With the proper knowledge, you can safely trim minor branches by yourself, and help keep your trees healthy! By avoiding the common mistakes outlined here, you can do a great job trimming branches on your own. However, for larger jobs, you can always contact our team at Walnut Tree Service for assistance! Reach out to our team today by calling us at (781) 640-0377 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your tree pruning needs!