Proper pruning is important to make sure your trees grow healthy and beautiful, but unfortunately, it is very easy to make mistakes if you are not careful. Below, this tree pruning company in Winnetka, Illinois, is going to explain five common pruning mistakes and how to avoid them to keep your trees in perfect shape.
Mistake 1: Not pruning at the right time.
The first thing you should consider is when to prune your trees. Do it at the wrong time, and you might end up leaving your trees more vulnerable to diseases or pest infestation.
Winter is usually the best time to prune in Winnetka, Illinois. Trees are less affected by the cuts during this season, and it is easier to see what branches need to be trimmed. Pruning in winter also prevents most diseases from spreading and helps trees heal faster before spring growth starts.
It is not really the best idea to prune in the fall. Cutting branches in the fall can promote new growth that might not survive the cold winter. You could also accidentally prune the buds that will eventually bloom into beautiful flowers and leaves in the spring.
Mistake 2: Using the wrong pruning techniques.
If you are pruning your trees, you should know the proper way to do it. One mistake that you want to avoid is making flash cuts — or cutting branches too close to the trunk, which removes the branch collar. Instead, make your cuts just outside the branch collar so the tree can heal properly.
Another thing you need to be careful about is making stub cuts, where branches are cut too far from the trunk, leaving stubs that can lead to decay and disease if not sealed properly. If you want to avoid this, make sure to cut branches at a point where the collar can easily cover the wound.
Heading cuts — or cutting branches haphazardly — can also be harmful. This type of cut can result in the growth of weak, poorly attached branches that can break easily and don’t look good. If you are shortening a branch, always cut it back to a lateral branch that is at least one-third the size of the branch you are pruning to maintain the tree’s natural shape and strength.
If you are not sure how to prune your trees the proper way, hire a professional tree pruning company in Winnetka, Illinois, to handle it for you.
Mistake 3: Over-pruning
When you over-prune your tree, you are basically cutting off too many interior branches, which leaves all the growth at the ends of the branches. Over-pruning can make the tree weaker because all the weight is concentrated at the ends, making them more likely to break in the wind or get sun scald. It also takes away too many leaves that the tree needs for photosynthesis.
If you want to avoid over-pruning, only prune dead, damaged, or dangerous branches and keep the tree’s canopy balanced.
Mistake 4: Using the wrong pruning tools
Having the right pruning tools is just as important as knowing the right pruning techniques. You are going to need pruning shears for small branches, loppers for medium-sized branches, and a pruning saw or chainsaw for larger branches. Always keep your tools sharp and clean for precise cuts and to avoid spreading disease.
Learn the 3-cut method
When you are pruning bigger branches, use the 3-cut method to prevent bark tearing and get clean cuts. Start with a small cut under the branch a few inches away from the tree trunk to prevent the bark from tearing when the branch falls. Then, cut through the branch a few inches further out from the first cut to remove most of it. Finish by making a final clean cut just outside the branch collar to remove the remaining stub.
Pruning can be a lot to handle, especially with big trees or if you don’t have the right tools and you don’t know the proper techniques. This is one of the many reasons why you should consider hiring a professional tree pruning company in Winnetka, Illinois. These companies have a team of certified arborists that can expertly prune your trees and keep them healthy and strong.
Looking for a Tree Pruning Company in Winnetka, Illinois?
Are you ready to have your trees safely pruned by the professionals? If so, and if you’re ready to schedule a service with the most trusted tree pruning company in Winnetka, Illinois, Brown Tree Service Inc. is the company to call. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
