Knowing When and How to Prune Trees

It’s not only important to know when to prune a tree, but how. Done improperly, pruning can readily destroy the natural beauty of a tree. Trees that have outgrown their location, weak or sagging limbs on the verge of collapsing, and diseased tree limbs are all conditions that await the professional pruner’s expertise. This is why it's so important to get the opinion of a professional tree pruning service.For instance, there's a difference between pruning and removing dead limbs. The best way to tell if a limb is truly dead is to scratch off a piece of the bark. You'll find green underneath if the tree limb is still alive. While most experts agree that deadwood can be removed at any time during the year, wintertime is the best time of year because the leaves have dropped from deciduous tress, allowing easier access to the tree's limbs.Winter is also a great time for pruning because most trees are dormant. A professional, such as those at Wauson Tree Service, has the ability to visualize the shape and growth of a tree and prune with a light hand.Wauson Tree Service Pruning Tips1.Determine if a branch is dead, broken or diseased. Cut these back from a lateral branch as to open up the canopy enough so that no further pruning is required. Cutting at an angle less than 45 degrees leaves a limb at risk for breaking later.2. A tree with more than one main trunk growing should be targeted for the removal of one trunk. Trees with only one main trunk are generally stronger. Cutting tools should be sharp and clean as to encourage rapid healing. Disinfecting blades between each cut helps prevent the spread of disease.3. Be on the lookout for tree hazards and make sure that structures and any personal property is well away from the area where any tree debris might fall. Safety is job one! Make sure you have the skills and the equipment to ensure personal safety. Take caution with high branches and consider a qualified professional to do the job.4. Consider removing smaller branches first. Rather than drop an entire limb, consider cutting it piece by piece and be careful to plan for where the limb might fall. Limbs can be cut to a stub of about a foot long or so. Cut from the bottom of the limb upward (but not too deep) as an insurance against bark stripping. Then go ahead and cut through the branch from the top.5. Determine your final cuts for larger limbs. These cuts are similar and should be made from the bottom up, and then from the top down in the final desired locations.Pruning Tools for the Novice· Hand Pruners for twigs· Lopping shears for limbs up to 2 inches in diameter· Saws· Pole Pruners· A mind keen on safetyThere's more to tree pruning than most people realize. And we know that people quite often will bite off more than they can chew. Don't hesitate to call the professionals at Wauson Tree Service for a free quote if you find yourself in a bind. Call us today at 214-450-8720, or email us at Walt {at} waustontreeservice {dot} com.