Healthy trees require regular maintenance, and one key maintenance task is pruning. When you think of the word pruning, you probably imagine giving the tree something similar to a haircut, taking off a little bit of this and that here and there. However, pruning is a much more involved process; errors are easy to make and can ruin your trees.

Making the Best Cut

After the autumn leaves have fallen from your trees, you can clearly see their “bones.” Tree service experts often recommend December as a good month to begin pruning or conducting a tree health checkup.

You can have pruning done during any season, but winter and summer are the ideal seasons for this task. Trees and shrubs can benefit from the trimming as they enter winter dormancy, as there is less chance of stress occurring then.

Good Pruning Works Wonders

The goal of tree pruning is to remove certain branches so that the entire tree can benefit, allowing its energy to move throughout its healthier regions to thrive. These aren’t just any old cuts, however. Rather, they are strategic removals. Getting rid of dead, dying, or diseased branches is part of the pruning process. Pruning your trees allows them to flourish by preventing disease, enhancing their structure, and promoting sturdy growth.

Common Pruning Errors

One common pruning error is the use of incorrect tools. Even a dull blade can cause injury to a tree, resulting in torn or ripped branches that can eventually cause disease. In addition, you may not feel comfortable trying to wield a tool such as a hand saw. Pruning requires the ability to use some tough tools, including loppers, hand saws, and pole saws that can handle bigger limbs or thicker branches.

Another pruning error is the use of outdated techniques such as tree topping. This involves sawing off the top of a tree that has grown too large or is at risk of falling. However, this is bad for the tree and can lead to major decay or damage. When you don’t have a proper tree plan in place, you could end up with an uneven canopy or a lopsided tree when spring rolls around.

Time to Call In the Tree Service Experts

If you aren’t familiar with pruning equipment and techniques, pruning is a task you need to leave to professional arborists. Your trees need the right maintenance from an expert team. Reach out to Triangle Tree Pros in Raleigh, NC for trimming and pruning services.