Pruning is the process of removing dead, diseased and damaged branches as well as shaping and thinning out the tree or shrub. It improves the appearance, health and strength of the plant, while also enhancing the reach of sunlight to lower branches.
The proper pruning of trees ensures they thrive and are attractive, while helping to reduce the risk of pest infestation and rot. It stimulates new growth, increases air circulation and sun penetration and makes the tree more resistant to insects and disease.
Using proper tools and knowledge, fishkill tree pruning can help you maintain the healthy and beautiful appearance of your landscape by eliminating dead, infested or broken branches. They can also reduce the risks posed by fallen branches that might fall onto your home or on power lines.
There are three primary methods of pruning: developmental, crown cleaning and hazard pruning. Developmental pruning is the most important type of pruning because it ensures the health and strength of a young tree.
It also helps in preventing the growth of structural defects that can be costly to correct later on. It can be performed any time of year and can even include pruning during the growing season.
If you’re considering pruning your landscape, it’s a good idea to consult with an arborist for a consultation and recommendations on when to prune. They will be able to advise you on the best time to perform the necessary work and provide the tools and training to do the job safely and effectively.
When to Trim
Pruning should be done annually on most trees and shrubs to maintain their size, shape and health and stop structural failure or split wood. It’s usually best to conduct pruning before the spring growth flush, but this depends on the species of the plant and climate conditions.
When to Avoid trimming
If pruning is performed just after the spring growth flush, it can cause problems with wound closure and encourage the spread of certain tree diseases. This is particularly true for oak wilt, which can be transmitted when pruning wounds provide access to the soil and other organisms that feed on the root system.
During the summer and fall, light pruning can be done to remove dead or diseased tissue that is affecting the tree’s performance. However, heavy pruning during this period can damage the tree and may result in loss of branch or trunk integrity.
To properly prune a branch, you should look at the branch collar, which is the stem tissue around the bottom base of the branch. This area will be slightly swollen and rougher than the bark of the rest of the tree. You should angle your cut away from the branch collar and not toward it.
Always use a sharp blade when cutting the branch, and be sure to make your cuts outside of the branch collar. This will prevent water damage and encourage the formation of a callus that can protect the tree from future fungi or insects.
Check out this related post to get more enlightened on the topic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pruning.
