Routine pruning is essential for keeping trees safe and healthy. If the trees in your yard have any dead, overgrown, or hazardous branches, contact our experts for this crucial tree service in Yardley, PA. Don’t try to tackle this project yourself, as amateurs tend to make the following pruning mistakes that do more harm than good.
1. Starting the Project Without a Goal
When you tell an arborist that you’re interested in pruning your trees, they may ask you what you want to gain from the service.
Perhaps you’re looking to control the canopy’s growth and maintain a nice, uniform shape. Maybe you’d like to remove low-hanging branches so there’s more clearance around the bottom of the tree. Some homeowners just want to ensure that their trees stay healthy by pruning dead branches.
Have a goal in mind when you book this service so professionals can plan accordingly.
2. Using Insufficient Tools
One of the biggest errors to avoid when pruning trees is relying on dull or dirty tools. Amateurs may try to complete the job with an old pair of loppers. However, if the blades are not kept sharp, this can lead to uneven cuts that wound the tree.
Professionals regularly sharpen their pruning tools to avoid this problem. They also clean them so no pathogens remain on the surface.
3. Using the Wrong Technique
Of all the common tree pruning mistakes to avoid, using the wrong technique could potentially have the biggest impact on your vegetation. Many property owners prune the small trees in their yard by cutting off the top section so only stubs remain. This method, known as topping, can be incredibly detrimental to the tree’s health.
Arborists know that removing too much of the canopy can stress the tree and impact its future growth. Instead of topping the tree, experts will opt for any of the following techniques:
- Crown raising
- Crown reduction
- Pollarding
- Structural pruning
- Deadwooding
Once you know how improper pruning damages trees, you can avoid the mistake of topping them, making lion’s tail cuts, or using other harmful techniques.
4. Pruning Trees at the Wrong Time of Year
Some tree species need regular pruning. But when exactly should you plan on cutting branches?
In most cases, experts recommend scheduling a pruning service in late winter or early spring. Pruning branches before the tree starts to bloom may encourage healthy growth. It’s important to cut select limbs while the tree is still dormant rather than actively growing.
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t occasionally prune at other times of the year. If you notice several dead branches within the canopy over the summer, let professionals promptly cut them to stop the spread of decay.
Contact Yardley’s Trusted Tree Experts
Relying on professional arborists is one of the best practices to avoid these tree pruning mistakes. At T&T Tree Service, we understand the different types of tree pruning methods and when to use each one.
Contact us today to book a service and learn tree pruning tips for healthy growth and visually appealing landscapes. Call (609) 397-2700 to get started.
