| There are three primary reasons for tree pruning. | | | | into these shapes. Instead, pruning is about |
| Prune for safety when branches are too weak to | | | | selectively removing limbs without damaging the |
| survive heavy winds, snow or ice. Other safety | | | | main stem. |
| issues occur when branches are too low to allow | | | | 3. Choose branches wisely. Trees have ways of |
| pedestrians or vehicles - or, when tree limbs block | | | | self-pruning. Limbs that don't get enough light, are |
| visibility to stop signs or grow too close to power | | | | unhealthy or that aren't strongly attached to the |
| lines. Health reasons to prune a tree may include: | | | | stem will eventually die and be shed from the |
| trimming limbs to allow enough air and light or | | | | tree. Pruning speeds up this natural process and |
| removing portions that are dead and diseased. | | | | assures that branches don't jeopardize property |
| The third reason to trim a tree is to try and | | | | or the safety of people or domestic animals. Plan |
| improve its aesthetics by reshaping and improving | | | | before you begin removing branches. Good |
| the tree's visual balance. Effective pruning should | | | | choices for pruning include branches that overlap |
| leave the tree healthier and more attractive. | | | | or rub other branches. Pruning should improve |
| Following are some basic tips to successful | | | | access to light and air for the remaining branches. |
| pruning. | | | | Also, remove any branches that aren't firmly |
| 1. Understand your reason for pruning. As | | | | attached - look for v-branching patterns because |
| mentioned above, the primary goals for pruning | | | | they typically aren't as healthy and u-shaped |
| trees are to improve safety, plant health and the | | | | branchings. And, remove any branches that are |
| tree's visual appeal. Trees that might constantly | | | | dead or diseased. Work deliberately and avoid |
| be pruned for safety reasons - particularly if they | | | | removing any more than ¼ to 1/3 of tree |
| grow into overhead power lines or block sidewalks | | | | limbs in a single year. |
| and streets may be too large for the space. In | | | | 4. Prune at the right time. In general, the best |
| some cases, removing a tree that is too large for | | | | time to prune trees is during dormancy in late fall |
| the space and replacing it with a more appropriate | | | | or winter. It is easier to see the growth patterns |
| specimen may be the best choice. | | | | of deciduous trees after they had shed leaves, |
| 2. Understand the natural shape of your tree. In | | | | and trees are more likely to repair their wounds |
| general, trees take on one of two basic shapes. | | | | and prepare for new growth in the spring when |
| Conifers like pine and spruce trees grow in a | | | | pruned in dormancy. |
| pyramid or inverted cone shape. These trees | | | | Finally, for best results consider working with an |
| have a single stem that grows up the full length | | | | expert. In many cases, the best choice is to |
| of the tree and all branches grow out of that | | | | consult a certified arborist or other tree expert. |
| stem. Deciduous trees including maples and oak | | | | Pruning at the wrong time can leave your tree |
| trees grow in a spherical pattern. A single stem at | | | | vulnerable to parasites and other pests. Pruning |
| the bottom divides into major branches, which | | | | incorrectly can make it difficult for a tree to heal, |
| then subdivide into still smaller branches. Correct | | | | and ineffective pruning can leave you with trees |
| pruning works with these natural grow patterns | | | | that aren't as safe, healthy or attractive as they |
| but doesn't cut all limbs shorter to force a tree | | | | should be. |