5 Trimming Mistakes That Could Kill Your Trees

1. Topping

There's a misconception that topping is the best practice to slow down a tree's growth. Unfortunately, topping leads to mass sprouting of branches from the end of the trunk or the branch leader.

The new growth doesn't look good, and you might need to carry out extensive and costly corrective work to get the tree back into the desired shape. Professional pruners don't top trees and instead try to promote sideway growth of the tree using different techniques.

2. Pruning at the Wrong Time

An experienced pruner can advise property owners on the best time to trim a tree. For example, they often avoid trimming in fall as temperatures soon drop to freezing.

Fall trimming also affects leaves and flowers that had started to sprout in summer. Trimming in summer is also not advisable as this can leave the tree exposed to the hot sun. The heat affects the bark and can cause wounds that lead to severe damage. A tree service also advises against trimming when trees are prone to pest and disease attacks. 

Winter trimming, on the other hand, is advisable because this is a dormant time for plants. You don't stress the tree and you can easily trace the tree structure.

3. Using the Wrong Tools

Homeowners can cause irreversible damage to their trees by using tools that are blunt or not suited to tree trimming. For this reason, you should call in a tree company in your area for the job. These professionals know their way around trees, and they come equipped with the appropriate tools for the job.

4. Trimming Excessively

When you cut any part of a tree, you affect the quantity of nutrients supplied through the branches. For the best tree maintenance, you have to balance between your pruning needs and the tree's survival. Over trimming at any time of the year reduces photosynthesis, and this affects the tree's energy.

Unprofessional trimming can impact the tree's growth and also leaves it susceptible to disease. Too much trimming creates entry points for fungi, which can precipitate decay and eventually kill your tree.

5. Making Flush Cuts

Another common misconception about tree trimming is that flush cuts promote better growth. Flush cuts remove a tree's branch collar, which offers natural protection. If you make flush cuts to your tree, the tree will not have a layer to cover the wound created when pruning; this exposes the tree to pests, fungi, and disease.

A professional pruner knows how to identify the branch collar and cut above it. By doing this, they allow the tree to heal naturally as a cover grows over the trimming cut.

Trimming not only improves the tree's aesthetics but also promotes its healthy growth. When done professionally, trimming maintains your trees in great health and shape. A professional tree service evaluates your trees and recommends the best trimming timing and techniques to use.

For all your tree services, contact us at Baumann Tree and schedule a free estimate. We have more than 30 years of experience providing exceptional tree care solutions to property owners in this community.