One of several sayings that are circulating concerning tree trimming is that you simply do it once your tools are generally sharp. It is, just like several of other sorts of common things, quite wrong. Or, to be more precise, it can apply to cutting dead or partially broken branches, but not to all the rest of the situations when tree trimming is required. In the case of flower trimming, for example, timing is most important.
While it’s normal for many trees to blossom one year prior until they bloom, you have to know the blooming won’t occur if you don’t cut the blossom buds of the tree. The most effective occasion to do that is within 3 weeks occasion from once the tree finished blooming and the reason for which is which otherwise you might minimize the particular buds which contain next year’s bouquets, which is certainly not advised. Several kinds have adequate tree lowering instances; maples, for instance, are bleeding if you trim them in late autumn or early spring.
Tree Trimming Tips to Keep Your Landscape Looking Pristine
1. Know your trees. The most basic fact of tree trimming needs to be clearly stated. Knowing the type of trees, you’re working with before doing anything is essential. If you trim your Japanese maple like you treat your crepe myrtle, you’re going to end up with a very strange looking tree.
2. Avoid topping your tree. Topping trees is a good idea only when the tree is running the risk of interfering with a power line. If you top trees for aesthetics, you’ll weaken the tree which can become a hazard and will look bad eventually, forcing you to cut it down.
3. Never trim more than 30% off the healthy portion of a tree. Don’t hesitate to trim the outer branches but try not to cut too much off. Cutting away more than a third of the tree’s volume may damage the tree. However if the branch is diseased, rotting or dead, definitely cut it all the way off.
4. Trim only when the tree is not actively growing. The best time for tree trimming is during the middle of the winter when the tree is completely dormant. Avoid trimming when the tree is actively putting out shoots, and especially when the tree has its complete foliage. Trimming a leafless tree is easier and safer for you and the tree. The only exception to this rule involves dead or diseased branches. Dead branches need to be removed as soon as possible.
5. Cut branches close to the trunk, but avoid cutting the trunk or branch collar. Each branch is surrounded by a “branch collar” at its base. This collar forms a protective boundary against fungi. Cut the branch on the outside edge of this branch collar.
6. Cut a branch from the bottom, then from the top. As you trim branches, always begin cutting it from the bottom and work your way up then when you’ve cut approximately 1/4 the way through, change places with the saw and finish cutting from the top. This bottom-first approach to cutting the branch will prevent the bark from tearing when the branch breaks off.
Even though trimming trees is a chore, if you want healthy trees and great looking landscaping, don’t overlook it. These tree trimming tips will give you the edge you need to get the yard you want.
If there are any questions or anything that needs a further explanation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our tree trimming experts in Erie, PA.
Call Erie Tree Trimmers for all of your tree trimming needs.