Trees are the silent sentinels of our landscapes, offering shade, beauty, and a home for wildlife. But to ensure they remain healthy and aesthetically pleasing, we must undertake an essential task known as tree pruning in Skennars Head.
Why Prune Trees?
Pruning is not just about maintaining a tree’s shape. It’s a vital process that improves the tree’s health by removing dead or dying branches. It also helps to prevent the spread of diseases and pests that could potentially harm the tree. Additionally, pruning can stimulate growth in sparse areas of the tree and restrict growth where it’s too dense.
When to Prune?
The timing of tree pruning depends on why you need to prune. Light pruning and removal of dead wood can take place anytime. However, for more extensive pruning, it’s best to wait until the tree is dormant, typically in late winter or early spring.
Pruning during dormancy encourages new growth as soon as the weather begins to warm. Additionally, it’s easier to see what you are doing when the foliage isn’t in the way.
Remember, each cut has the potential to change the tree’s growth, so it’s essential not to over-prune. You should never remove more than 25 per cent of a tree’s branches.
How to Prune?
Pruning involves more than just chopping off branches. There’s a science behind where, how, and when to make the cuts. Here are some general tips:
- Identify the branch to be pruned: Make sure you’re cutting a branch that needs to be removed for the benefit of the tree. This could be a dead or diseased branch or one that’s growing in the wrong direction.
- Make the cut in the right place: Don’t cut too close to the trunk; this can cause injury to the tree. Instead, cut the branch just outside the branch collar – the swollen area where the branch joins the trunk.
- Use the three-cut technique: This technique is used to prevent the bark from tearing. First, make a notch on the side of the branch away from the trunk. Then, make a second cut inside the notch, on the branch side. The branch’s weight should cause it to break away. Finally, remove the stub that’s left by making the third cut parallel to the stem.
Proper tree pruning in Skennars Head can seem like a daunting task, but with understanding and practice, it can become second nature. Remember, if a job seems too big, it’s always best to call in a professional tree surgeon.
