The Benefits of Proper Tree Trimming
/Not only does trimming your trees create a more aesthetic landscape for your home and business, but pruning them has multiple benefits!
Tree trimming is necessary for many industries. It helps keep the trees healthy and provides a safe area for workers, customers, and homeowners.
From damaged to diseased trees to requiring better visitation, Marksmen Vegetation is available to provide tree trimming services for residential, commercial, and industrial areas!
Keep reading to learn more about the importance of proper tree trimming:
The Importance of Regular Tree Trimming
Regular tree trimming will make your property look more appealing, but it will also make the area safer. Dead limbs and dry, dead wood are highly flammable and can pose a safety concern for fires and the rapid spread of the flames.
Dead branches can also become dislodged from the tree and potentially fall onto workers, customers, pedestrians, and homeowners. Plus, if the limbs are left on the ground, they can mold, rot, and attract insects to the area.
Insects and mold can eventually lead to the decay of living trees. When a tree is focused on fending off pests or illnesses, it cannot grow and thrive. This can lead to future damage and the death of the tree.
Overall, even a small amount of trimming can do wonders for the health of your trees!
Along with removing dead limbs, eliminating unnecessary shoots can help the tree grow new limbs and develop its root system. Dense overgrowth restricts airflow into the tree’s canopy and can encourage the growth of harmful fungi.
How to Properly Trim Your Trees
While leaving large tree trimming projects to the professionals is recommended, it is possible to properly trim your trees:
When to Trim Your Trees
Knowing the right time of year to trim your trees is as important as knowing how to do it - but knowing when depends on the type of tree you are trimming.
For instance, deciduous trees are best trimmed when they are dormant during the wintertime. However, it’s best to avoid trimming these trees during the coldest part of winter when frost can damage freshly cut surfaces.
Late fall is preferable after the leaves have fallen or before new buds appear in early spring.
Fruit trees are best trimmed while dormant, but flowering trees should be trimmed immediately following the blooms to allow for new growth the following year.
Evergreens never go fully dormant, but they are still seasonal trees, growing the most in the summertime. The best time to trim evergreens is in the spring after the last frost or during the summer.
Tree Trimming Tools
The tools you will require to trim your trees will depend on where the tree is. Usually, you can get away with using a set of pruning shears for small branches and lopping shears for larger ones.
However, if the tree is mature, you may also need pole shears to reach the crown and a saw (such as a chainsaw or handsaw) to handle thicker branches.
You may also need a ladder to reach higher branches. If this is the case, wear a hard hat, protective eyewear, and work gloves to protect yourself.
Identifying Areas to Trim
Now that you’re all set, it’s important not to get too carried away and over-trim your tree.
Start by identifying which parts of the tree need to be removed, such as:
Dead branches
Diseased areas
Inward-growing branches
Low branches (below head height)
New shoots around the root
Overlapping branches
Overall, anything growing too close to your building should be trimmed to avoid damage caused by high winds and provide pests with easy access to your building or home.
Trimming the Tree
Starting trimming at the bottom, moving upwards and outwards to maintain a natural shape. Begin with larger branches - this makes it easier to manage the tree's shape later.
Cut slightly above where the branch joins the trunk and avoid cutting it flush. This will make it harder for the tree to heal.
When it comes to thicker branches, cut from the bottom through a third of the thickness. Then cut from the top to make sure the branch breaks away cleanly.
If you are cutting large and heavy branches, check where the branch will fall to prevent injury and damage.
Why Not Leave It To the Professionals?
Doing your own tree trimming is not all that hard, but it does take a lot of time and effort. That’s why we recommend seeking the services of professional tree trimmers.
From Winnipeg to Vancouver, Marksmen Vegetation can help keep your trees healthy and keep you safe!
We have UTT-certified professionals who hold their fellers certificate and first aid, WHMIS, and chainsaw training. We stand by our work by ensuring safety and 100% customer satisfaction.
