Common Tree Pruning Mistakes To Avoid

Pruning branches from trees may seem like a relatively straightforward task that you could DIY. In reality, this process requires a significant amount of experience and expertise to master, which is why it is best left to professionals.

If you’re committed to attempting tree pruning on your own, review these common tree pruning mistakes to avoid. But if you’d rather just do it the right way, schedule professional tree services in Longview, TX, to ensure that your pruning job is safe and healthy for your trees.

Overpruning and Severely Stressing the Tree

Just like with many haircuts, it’s best to start small with tree pruning and avoid taking off too much at once. You can always prune more, but you can’t reverse cuts you’ve already made.

Overpruning trees can be detrimental to their health. Trees rely on their leaves for photosynthesis, and removing any significant amount of foliage temporarily impacts their ability to produce energy. While trees will heal over time, overpruning prolongs this process, and the tree could succumb to disease or pest infestation in the meantime.

It’s best to remove no more than 25% of a tree’s canopy in a single session, and unless you have experience with pruning, erring on the side of caution is always a good idea.

Making Improper Cuts That Hurt the Tree

The method you use for pruning plays a significant role in how quickly the tree can heal its pruning wounds. You should never make pruning cuts that are flush with the trunk of the tree. Cutting too close to the trunk in the area known as the branch collar can disrupt the tree’s natural defense mechanisms involved in wound closure.

Instead, keep cuts just outside of the branch collar. You should also make sure to use sharp tools that create a clean cut and avoid ripping the bark, which could also lead to larger wounds than necessary.

Pruning With Incorrect Timing

One of the benefits of regular tree service is that you can ensure tree pruning is performed at the proper time of year, during your annual or bi-annual tree maintenance service. You generally should avoid pruning trees during the active growing season, when pests are more active and may be likely to infiltrate the tree while it is healing.

The ideal time to prune trees depends on the species and the presence of diseases in your local area. A professional can determine the best timing for your pruning needs and help you avoid harming your tree by pruning it out of season.

Schedule Professional Tree Pruning With Clear Cutters Tree Service

Knowing common tree pruning mistakes to avoid is just one step in performing this process correctly. Pruning the right way involves understanding selective tree pruning and pinpointing the specific branches to remove to achieve your goals while protecting the tree’s health.

If you’re looking for a company to perform professional tree pruning, trust Clear Cutters Tree Service. Call us today at 903-805-9619 to request a free estimate.