Do you have a tree in your yard that you’re trying to get rid of? Do you feel that one of the trees on your property needs to be pruning? If so, then you need to learn all that you can about how to trim a tree properly.
Doing so can help you improve the curb appeal of your house, protect your trees from disease, and ensure that they keep a healthy aesthetic.
See below for an in-depth guide on how to trim a tree properly and why you should put your tree pruning needs in the hands of experienced professionals. You’ll be glad that you did!
1. Know the Signs
Not enough homeowners are educated on when a tree needs to be trimmed. There are several signs that you need to schedule proper tree pruning to keep your trees happy and healthy. Here are the telltale signs that will dictate when to trim trees.
- Dead limbs
- Overgrowth
- Damage after a storm
- Branches hanging over power lines
- Broken or split branches
- Crooked trees
- Weak or brittle branches
- Signs of rotting
- Braches that cross over each other
- Cracks in the branches or bark
If you notice any of these signs, then you need to call the great folks over at Dawkins Tree Care. They’ll help you keep your trees in great shape and nurture them for the long haul.
If you’ll notice, most of the signs above indicate an upcoming problem. For example, dead limbs can be a sign that the tree is suffering from dry rot, which can start at the branches and slowly make its way to the trunk. Thankfully, trimming off the branches can cut the disease off at the source.
Then there are preventative measures to ensure an accident doesn’t happen in the future, such as cutting off branches that are hanging over power lines.
2. Perform Regular DIY Tree Pruning
For those of you that don’t know, there is a vast difference between DIY tree pruning and professional tree trimming performed by a tree trimming service.
Generally, DIY tree trimming involves less risky pruning. For example, you could confidently trim your young, growing trees by learning a few tricks of the trade. However, when you need to trim dead branches at the top of a fully-grown tree, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
To perform DIY tree pruning, all you need to know is the basics. First, you should make sure that you only trim the stems that are growing from the branch, not the branch itself. This can ensure that your tree heals from the trimming quickly.
Next, you’ll want to make sure you’re pruning the branch the right way. You want to avoid tearing off bark at all costs. Make sure that, if you’re cutting off a branch, make a wedge on the branch, leaving about an inch between it and the base of the tree.
Start cutting off the branch about half a foot away from the wedge you created until it falls off. Then, you can cut off the brand side of the stem and leave as little of a nub as possible.
3. Know When Not to Trim Trees
Did you know that there are certain times when you shouldn’t trim a tree? This is, once again, a fact that most homeowners aren’t aware of.
First, try to avoid pruning when it’s wet outside. If you trim a tree while it’s wet outside (such as after several hours of rain), then it can leave your tree susceptible to airborne diseases. It’s a quick way to cause a tree to rot.
Second, don’t ever trim your branches during the fall, since the fall is a time where most trees are getting ready to wind down and tough it out for the winter months ahead. Instead, you want to prune in the spring or summer, when trees are growing and strengthening.
4. Prioritize Safety
No matter how misshapen or rough your tree’s branches look, it isn’t worth risking your own safety to perform. If you’re going to prune your trees, then make sure you have a stable way to do so. Do not, under any circumstances, climb up the tree to trim branches.
If the branches seem unstable or too high up, then it’s best to leave it to a professional tree trimming service.
They have the manpower, experience, and equipment to get the job done safely. Also, they have business insurance in place to make sure you’re covered in the case of an emergency.
5. Contact Tree Trimming Companies
You know how the old saying goes “if a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing right.” That certainly applies to your need to have your trees trimmed.
Be sure to reach out to a tree trimming service the next time you need your trees pruned. They’ll get the job done quickly and can guarantee desirable results.
As a bonus, you can start to build a business relationship with them. That way, they’ll provide frequent service to your trees and extend their life. You’ll have someone that you can contact at any time.
How to Trim a Tree Properly: Call the Experts
Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on how to trim a tree properly, be sure to use this information to your advantage.
Make sure that you hire a trusted tree trimming company. That way, you have business insurance to provide you with financial protection if a branch does damage to your property, a worker gets injured, etc.
Be sure to browse our website for more articles on tree trimming, as well as many other topics that you’ll find helpful.
