Some woody plants with narrow, V-shape junctures, such as azaleas, rhododendrons and mountain laurel, do not require corrective pruning. Others, such as oaks and flowering pears, do.
Light structural and corrective pruning is best done during the growing season as wounds close more quickly then. However, avoid pruning plants during their peak bloom periods. Keep reading the article below to learn more about Tree Pruning.
Thinning involves the selective removal of live branches, mainly at the outer crown, to reduce the overall density of a tree. This increases sunlight penetration, air circulation, and may reduce stress on selected limbs due to gravity, wind, ice, or snow. This is the most common pruning performed on mature trees. The removed live branches are often used for pulp and paper production, which can be found in thousands of everyday products including papers, fabrics, bath products, rubber tires, and LCD screens.
Thinning a tree can also help with tree shaping and can be used to reduce canopy gaps or open areas, making it easier for people or other plants to move through the area. It can also improve the health of a tree by allowing water and nutrients to flow more easily throughout the canopy.
In some cases, thinning can be used to promote the growth of new branches that are not currently growing. This is known as epicormic sprouting and can be a useful form of pruning in some situations. However, it can become a problem when this is done to an excessive degree because the dense sprouts require additional work to prune and maintain.
Tree thinning can be conducted by either heading or drop crotching cuts. Heading cuts remove a branch to its point of origin, while drop crotch cuts remove the tip of a branch from its point of attachment. Both types of cuts encourage a more vigorous re-growth of the remaining limbs, while maintaining the tree’s natural shape.
A thinning operation can be performed early or late in the life of a tree. Performing it earlier can cause a tree to develop wider crowns, increase trunk diameter, and be more resilient against threats such as wind breakage. Thinning later in a tree’s life can result in more compact crowns, reduced trunk diameter, and increased risk of stem failure and insect damage.
While a large number of studies have been undertaken to investigate the effects of different thinning treatments on the performance and structure of forest stands, it has been difficult for researchers to compare the results of these experiments because of the diversity in the thinning methods used. This has been a significant limitation for assessing the effectiveness of local forest management approaches such as frame tree thinning.
Reducing
Tree pruning is used for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common include improving safety, enhancing appearance, reducing risk and maintaining structural integrity. Pruning is also performed to promote plant health and control disease, insect infestation and damage from wind, snow or ice. However, improper pruning can have negative effects on the overall health and performance of trees.
Choosing the right pruner is crucial for successful results. Tree pruning is an art and a science that requires professional training to understand and execute properly. Many pruning mistakes can be avoided by understanding how trees respond to different types of cuts. The angle that a branch is cut has a significant impact on how it heals and impacts future growth.
Thinning is the most common type of pruning performed on mature trees. Correct thinning reduces a tree’s density and increases light penetration and air movement throughout the crown. It can also reduce stress on selected limbs caused by gravity, wind, ice or snow.
A good rule of thumb is that a lateral branch should be no smaller than one-third the diameter of the stem it’s attached to. This is referred to as the 1/3 rule and is important for proper thinning pruning. By following this guideline you ensure that a branch is not being cut back so far that it becomes a heading cut and will not regrow at the point of removal.
Some trees such as elms, hornbeams and Osage orange are strong enough or small enough that little corrective pruning is needed for structural purposes. However, other trees such as maples, birches, elms, hickories and willows need to be pruned regularly for structure. This is usually done to prevent them from rubbing or growing too close to structures, power lines or pedestrians. A tree’s form can also be improved through crown raising. This removes lower branches to provide clearance for traffic or buildings and enhances a tree’s visual appeal.
Raising
Sometimes a specific tree goal calls for a pruning technique or strategy that goes above and beyond what’s needed for thinning or reducing density. One such method is crown raising.
This is a type of pruning that helps train trees to grow as they should, rather than hanging over walkways or extending into power lines. It’s also a common approach when a tree or shrub begins to droop and sag toward the ground. It’s a simple solution for complex problems, and it can give the whole landscape a polished look.
It’s important to choose a reputable and experienced tree service company that specializes in this type of work. They’ll have the experience to know what techniques are best for your specific situation and can provide a high level of service while doing so with care and attention to detail.
When a tree or shrub gets overgrown, it can cause damage and risk to people and property. This is often caused by limbs that rub against one another as they grow and by the way they interfere with each other’s natural movement. These interactions create wounds, leaving openings for pathogens and pests. They can also compromise the shape and structure of a tree and reduce its overall health.
Getting rid of these types of problems is why pruning is so important for healthy trees and shrubs. It is a critical step in ensuring that the safety of everyone who uses or visits your landscape is protected.
Other issues that can lead to overgrowth are suckers and epicormic growth, which divert energy from a tree’s canopy, making it less productive and potentially damaging. In addition, downward and inward-growing branches can compromise a tree’s shape and structural integrity.
A good time to prune a plant is during its dormant season. This can help minimize the amount of buds that are removed, and it will allow the remaining ones to develop more slowly. This is especially true for plants that bloom in the spring, such as azaleas, rhododendrons, mountain laurel, and flowering quince, which should be pruned after they finish blooming.
Cleaning
Many homeowners believe that pruning is only for a plant’s aesthetic appearance, but it is also an important tool in promoting good health. Tree pruning improves airflow and light penetration for the plants below, removes dead or diseased branches, and reduces the risk of damage from storms, heavy snow, or ice. The best time to prune a tree is during the dormant season. This allows wounds to heal faster and reduces the chance of disease.
The first thing to remember when pruning a tree is that the cut must be clean. Dirty or improperly cleaned cuts can let in fungus and other diseases, which may quickly kill the plant. Always sanitize pruning tools before and after use with isopropyl alcohol or a bleach solution of nine parts water to one part bleach. This will keep your tools clean and sanitary and help prevent the spread of disease between plants.
It is also important to cut at a downward angle, not horizontally. This ensures that the wound will drain and prevent fungal infections. Cutting a tree in this manner will also minimize sap flow and spore production from the wound. Lastly, make sure the cutting tool is sharp. Sharp tools cut more cleanly, and this will also increase the speed at which the wound heals.
A common mistake made by non-professionals when pruning a tree is to cut too much off at once. This can stress the plant, leading to the formation of suckers which are not only unsightly but will tax the plant’s energy reserves. In addition, the suckers can form in the wrong place in the crown of the tree and interfere with its structural integrity.
Generally, no more than 20% of the canopy of a tree should be removed at any one time. This reduces the likelihood of a stress response, and it will also prevent the plant from putting out lots of unneeded leaves and stems, which will again tax the tree’s energy resources.
It is important to note that pruning trees is a complex task and should only be done by a qualified arborist. It is essential to work with a professional who will not only understand the correct procedure for your individual tree or shrub but will also be able to evaluate the condition of your property and determine if any problems are present. This will allow the arborist to develop a plan that will promote a healthy tree, prevent damage, and reduce the chances of future problems.