How do you cut a tree branch without killing the tree?

It's easy to avoid making mistakes when you understand the correct pruning techniques, and more importantly why you are pruning a tree or shrub.

 

Pruning trees and shrubs can be done for many reasons. Pruning must be done properly, regardless of the reason. This will ensure that the tree or shrub is healthy and continues to thrive.

 

Arborists and aesthetic pruning professionals are trained to recognize the growth patterns of trees and shrubs. The arborists evaluate the overall plant form, and then only remove or modify those branches that pose a threat to plant health, are a danger to people or property, or detract from its overall character. Every pruning cut can cause injury to the plant. This is why it is important to use as few branches as possible when pruning. This will result in a vigorous, naturally-shaped plant.

 

Do not chop off tree tops

 

Over-pruning, or "topping", is a common mistake. The crown of a tree that has been topped is taken away 100%. Topping can make the tree starve, as its main food source, because leaves are what it eats. Topping can cause a tree to lose its energy and make it sick.

 

Prune your Trees at specific times

 

Timing is everything in trimming. The condition and species of the tree will dictate when pruning should occur. Some species like maple, walnut, birch, or birch should be cut in July and August. Others, such as chestnuts, beech, and Ash, should be cut in the winter and late fall.

Know the Correct Techniques for Trimming

 

There are correct and wrong ways of trimming trees. Using the wrong techniques can lead to injury and death, as well as damage to the tree's health. Cut as close as possible to the trunk. These cuts can lead to delayed sealing of the wound if they are too large.

Read more about Tree Removal Tools for proper tree care.

Also, don't take too much away from the trunk's surface. This will leave an ugly stub, which could lead to insect infestations. The branch collar should be cut. The collar is where the trunk and branch meet. To speed up the healing process, make a cut just outside of the collar.

Prune Trees Not to Be Over-Pruned

 

To give your grass more room to grow, you might be tempted to prune back your trees. Over-pruning is dangerous and can even lead to the death of your plant. It is best to keep the leaf percentage under 15%. If you need to make space for other plants it is better to remove the entire tree than over-pruning it.

 

Clustered branches should be taken care of

 

Tangled branches can be ugly and cause problems. The development of healthier, larger branches is affected by too many small branches. Clustered branches can be reduced to allow for better air, sunlight, water, and other resources. For trees with many notches, it is important to trim clustered branches. This can cause a weak zone.