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TREE CARE BLOG
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It's easy to avoid making mistakes when pruning trees or shrubs. Tree and shrub pruning can be done for many reasons. These include reducing the plant's size, opening up its canopy, removing obstacles, improving the shape of the tree or removing any dead or damaged growth. Pruning must be done correctly, 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 cut or modify any branches that pose a threat to plant health, are dangerous for 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. PRUNE AT THE RIGHT TIME First, you should know when the best time to prune your trees. Winter pruning offers many benefits. Winter is the dormant period for trees and plants around Winchester, VA. This is a great time to prune most trees or shrubs. It's less stressful for the tree and it's easier for you to see the branch structure. Also, it is less likely to spread pathogens. Pruning trees before spring buds break will help them heal faster. Do not prune in autumn. New growth can be stimulated by pruning cuts. Unfortunately, temperatures dropping to freezing will kill the new growth. As the growing season winds down, trees and shrubs lose energy. New growth in autumn will therefore draw on their stored energy. The energy that was used to grow this plant is lost if it dies from a freeze. Do not cut the flower buds and leaf buds. A fall pruning might remove any leaf or flower buds that have been set by a tree during its summer growth. These buds remain dormant during winter and then bloom in the spring. These dormant buds can be lost and plants will need to expend more energy to make new buds. Conifers and rhododendrons, for example, should be pruned in the late summer to ensure they do not set buds next year. If you prune spring flowering trees or shrubs in the late winter, or early spring, you'll experience a similar lackluster crop of blooms. You should wait until they have bloomed before you make any pruning cuts.
NO STUB CUTS Stub cuts are the opposite to flush cuts. They leave a protruding branch stump that is too long for the branch collar to grow over. Avoid stub cuts by following this rule: If you can hang a hat on a branch stub, it is too long. NO LION TAILING Another mistake is "lion tailing", which involves removing inner branches and keeping growth and leaves at the branch ends. This is a bad practice.
NO HEADING CUTS Heading cuts on large branches are both damaging structurally as well as aesthetically. A heading cut is a cutting of the branch's end at an inconspicuous point or at a branch junction where there is only one undersized branch growing in the opposite direction. A pruning cut made at an inconspicuous branch point stimulates the growth many smaller branches around the wound. These small branches are not attached to the tree and don't follow natural branch growth. It is unattractive to leave only a small branch at a branch's end, as it can lead to unstable branches growing up from the stub. If you’ve ever seen a forsythia that’s been sheared or a topped tree, then you know that heading cuts generally don’t work out well. The spindly, swollen branches that emerge from cut branches are not only ugly but are also prone to breaking apart and will need to be pruned more often to keep them under control. Heading cuts may be the best option in certain situations, but it's best to leave that decision to a Certified Arborist, who knows exactly when, where, and why to make those cuts.
USE THE RIGHT PRUNING TOOLS
There are four types that can be used to prune: pruning shears, loppers, pruning saws, and chainsaws. The more difficult the job, the better the tool. A lopper can be used to hack through a 3 inch branch. This will result in frustration and a branch that is susceptible to pests and diseases. You must ensure that all cutting tools are sharp, well-tuned and appropriate for the job.
2 Comments
5/10/2023 08:44:31 pm
Upon exploring the website, I was immediately drawn to the informative content and user-friendly layout. The blog post, "Pruning Mistakes to Avoid," is a must-read for anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of tree pruning. The article delves into the common errors that homeowners often make when pruning their trees and offers expert advice on how to prevent these mistakes. It serves as an excellent educational tool to help homeowners achieve optimal results and ensure the long-term health of their trees.
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Patriot Tree Service is the fastest growing tree service company in the tri-state region. Located just a few miles north of Winchester, Virginia; We uuse years of experience to give the best service at a fair price. In addition to our free, no obligation estimates, we offer 24-hour emergency tree removal services, competitive pricing & we're licensed & insured. Our commitment to customer satisfaction & quality of work set us apart from our competition.
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