There are right and wrong ways to prune shrubs and trees. Green thumb homeowners who want to try pruning for the first time can learn from the mistakes of others.
Read on to learn six things you shouldn't be doing while pruning a tree.
Mistake # 1: Pruning in the fall
When homeowners prune their trees, it stimulates new growth. If this delicate new growth appears just before the first frost, all of the energy the tree puts into production is wasted. To make matters worse, trees reduce energy production in autumn. So if new growth is achieved after a cut in autumn, the stored energy reserves are also used up. A fall is unlikely to kill a tree instantly, but unless homeowners want to begin the dreaded tree-clearing search near me they should avoid getting used to it.
Mistake # 2: Pruning when trees are susceptible to disease and pests
Homeowners need to pay more attention to timing than just avoiding fall pruning. The main reason arborists recommend pruning in winter isn't because the tree isn't wasting energy on improperly planned new growth. The fact is that diseases and pests do not spread as effectively in winter. In the spring and summer, pests and diseases spread easily, and many insects and pathogens are attracted to open wounds. Even a small, well-made cut can cause serious problems. Only prune trees in the warmer months if absolutely necessary to prevent further damage to the tree or surrounding structures.
Mistake # 3: cutting off branches with the trunk
While flush cuts look neat, they can damage trees. Removing the branch collar will make it more difficult for the tree to close the wound. Therefore, it is better to leave the branch collar intact. Cut right behind it to give the tree the best chance of successfully healing the wound before pests or pathogens can wreak havoc.
Mistake # 4: making stub cuts
Stub cuts are the opposite of flush cuts. They let too much of the branch stub stick out, which also makes it harder for trees to heal themselves. Identify the branch collar and cut right over it. This is the only way to avoid disease and insect invasion.
Mistake # 5: liontail branches
Lion tail refers to the process of removing all of the inner foliage while leaving the ends of the branches intact. Most homeowners have good intentions using liontail branches when pruning to increase airflow. Going overboard can cause a variety of problems. Lion's tail removes too much foliage and hinders photosynthesis. It also affects the structure of the tree, leaving its crown open to damage. Lion's tail can also trigger a stress response, in which the tree grows water shoots along its trunk or branch, creating a whole host of new problems.
Mistake # 6: cutting headings
Heading cuts are cuts that occur at a random point on a branch rather than directly behind the crown of the branch. Branches pruned with this poor technique look messy, are more prone to breakage, and release more shoots of water that disrupt the natural shape of the tree.
The best way to avoid cutting mistakes
Property owners who care deeply about their trees have an easy way to avoid these and other beginner mistakes. You can hire professional arborists. These experts have the experience and expertise to properly prune trees, keep them healthy, and look their best.
