What Is Tree Trimming?​
Tree trimming is the act of removing branches to maintain the shape of a tree for a pleasing look, or to remove limbs for other reasons such as a limb that is a hazard. By removing branches, it promotes the remaining foliage to grow faster and thicker than if the tree was left untrimmed.
By removing branches, not only can it make the tree look better, it can also promote healthier growth.
When smaller branches are removed from the bottom or middle of the canopy, it can promote more energy and growth towards the other branches.
Trimming can also be used to promote better structural integrity for the tree. Some branches may become too long and too large, which creates more leverage and can lead to failure where the branch breaks off and damages the tree. By reducing the length of the branches, also called reduction cuts, it can lead to a longer living and stronger tree.
How to determine if a tree should be trimmed?
Tree trimming can be performed at any time in the life of a tree.
Young trees are usually trimmed to promote a certain shape and to prevent unwanted growth such as competing leaders which can lead to problems later in the trees life.
Older trees are also trimmed to promote shape, as well as to remove unwanted or dangerous limbs that may cause damage to a structure or property.
Trimming is also a form of preventative maintenance for older trees as it can be used to reduce the length of limbs which will help keep the limb from failing and causing damage. The longer a limb is, the more leverage and stress is put on the limb and tree. This can lead to the limb breaking off and causing damage to not only the tree, but to your property. It can the lead to disease and rot which can lead to the tree dying.
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When should trees be trimmed?
Typically you want to wait until the autumn, winter, or spring seasons to trim as some species of tree can be negatively affected in the summer months. This is due to insects attacking and damaging the fresh wounds where the cuts were made. The insects can also spread disease that can infect the tree.
Oak trees should NOT be trimmed in the summer. Pruning or trimming an Oak tree in the summer months can lead to a disease called Oak Wilt which can kill the tree. Always wait until the Fall months for trimming of Oak trees. Pruning dead or diseased branches should be done immediately regardless of the time of year as this will stop the spread of fungi and rot.
Elm tress should NOT be trimmed or pruned in the summer months. Doing so can lead to Dutch elm disease. Always wait until the Fall months for trimming of Elm trees. Pruning dead or diseased branches should be done immediately regardless of the time of year as this will stop the spread of fungi and rot.
Ash trees should NOT be trimmed or pruned in the summer months. Wait until late fall or winter months if any cuts are needed. Ash trees suffer from the Emerald Ash Borer disease, which is caused by a beetle which bores under the bark. Pruning dead or diseased branches should be done immediately regardless of the time of year as this will stop the spread of fungi and rot.
Fruit trees: Fruit production and quality can be improved with proper thinning of blooms and fruits as they set.
Evergreen trees: You can do some light trimming, such as shearing tips or making small thinning cuts less than 1” in diameter, in the summer, but save the major pruning for the dormant season.
Sappy hardwoods: You can prune maple, walnut, and birch trees. Some people prefer a summertime prune for these trees because they typically ooze sap when pruned in winter and early spring.
Trees with dead branches: If you spot dead, broken, or dying limbs, you can remove those at any time.
Do You Have A Tree That Need Trimming?
If you have a tree that is in need of trimming, give us a call to schedule an a free estimate, 803-412-2085 !