kdolu When tree trimming, safety is paramount, especially if you are pruning a tree after a storm. Here are some tips for tree pruning that will keep you safe, or you can contact tree trimming Kent for information. First, avoid cutting into the branch collar! Always cut in the direction of growth, and use the proper equipment and techniques.
Pruning a Tree Safely
Pruning a tree safely means following a strict set of guidelines. This includes safely removing large branches and regular interval pruning to keep the tree healthy and balanced. Pruning should be done only by a qualified tree expert. Large branches should be removed quickly to avoid damaging the crown.
The size of branches should be no larger than five centimeters in diameter. Branches more than 10 centimeters should be removed only with good reason. Also, prune branches that are weak or weighing down the tree. It is also advisable to prune lateral branches that are half to three-quarters the diameter of the stem at their attachment points. This pruning technique should not damage the tree or its surrounding plants or harm insects.
Pruning a Tree After a Storm
Pruning a tree after a significant storm should be done carefully to minimize the risk of further damage. Generally, you will need to remove large branches that have fallen from the tree and trim them to a more manageable height. After cutting the stems back to a stub, you should smooth out the torn bark and remove any insects. The cut should also prevent the limbs from growing back higher than they originally were.
After a storm, many homeowners experience damaged trees. Many storm-damaged trees require pruning, wound repair, or staking. While it is possible to treat trees yourself, it is advisable to hire a professional if the storm damage is extensive. A professional arborist will be able to prune and repair damaged trees safely.
Pruning Branches That are Growing Upward
Pruning branches growing upwards is a vital part of shrub care. The goal is to reduce side growth and encourage vigor in the leader. Side growth can be detrimental, mainly when trees grow in a nursery. To maintain the desired shape of a shrub, prune only those branches growing upwards.
The first step in pruning is to identify the leader of the tree. This can be done in winter or spring. Then, you can prune vigorous side branches with pruners or your fingernail. If you find that there are multiple new branches, they are considered competing leaders. In this case, you may prune off the straightest, thickest branch.
Avoiding Cutting into the Branch Collar
When cutting branches from trees, it’s best to avoid cutting into the collar to prevent damaging the branch stub. The branch collar contains a huge bundle of vascular tissue and can cause the tree to suffer severe damage. To avoid this problem, you should cut the branches two to four inches outside the collar.
If possible, avoid cutting into the branch collar altogether by making your cuts from outside the branch-bark ridge. This will ensure that you do not miss the branch collar and do the trimming the right way. Cutting into the collar can cause sap loss and slow-healing wounds. Generally, it is best to leave about an inch of the branch at the base when trimming a tree.
Pruning Branches Growing Too Close to Utility Lines
Trees growing too close to utility lines can pose a severe threat. Not only can they cause power outages, but they can also spark fires. By pruning the branches, you can help reduce the risks and make your trees look healthier. Consider using a natural pruning technique such as the Shigo method for best results. It involves cutting off branches at the “crotch,” a branch’s location where it meets another branch. Proper pruning cuts will allow the components to heal correctly and minimize sprouting.
If a tree branch grows too close to a power line, it is essential to prune it back. The distance between a tree branch and a power line will vary based on the size of the tree and the height of the lines. It is also dangerous to climb a tree with energized lines, which can lead to electrocution. People are killed or burned every year for climbing trees near energized lines.
