Tree Trimming: The Go-To Guide For Homeowners
Having trees on your property is a rewarding luxury because they let you experience nature at its finest. To keep your trees healthy, though, you need to correctly prune (trim) them. You can have an easy time with this process if you follow this guide.
When to Prune
To extend a tree's life and maintain its appearance, you can't just prune branches any time you want. There are certain times during the year that determine your success. Generally, the best time to prune is during late winter, when trees are dormant. That's because leaves have fallen to the ground, now making it easier to see which branches need to be cut. You can also spot dead wood much easier.
Pruning during this dormant season also yields better results since you don't have to worry about pests or diseases. The health of your tree is also preserved as wounds tend to heal much faster in colder temperatures.
Where to Cut
Looking at the tree, you may think anywhere is a good place to start cutting. This is simply not true. For your trees' health, focus on narrow v-shaped junctures. After all, this is where branches tend to split apart during severe weather storms. Severe property damage could result if you neglect these areas. As such, you should remove one section of the juncture as early as possible.
For safety, make your cut several inches out from the union of the two branches. Anticipate the branch's drop zone, making sure pets and children are clear from the area. The younger the tree is when you perform this step, the easier cutting will be since the branches have not had adequate time to grow thick.
Tools Involved
There are many tools you can use for pruning, but two of the most common are shears and pruning pole saws. Shears are powerful and give you plenty of leverage when shaping branches close to the ground.
Pruning pole saws, on the other hand, are designed for branches higher up. The saw's length helps you reach high areas safely, while the angled design lets you remove branches in tighter spaces. Additionally, a lot of these saws feature a cordless design that lets you move around freely.
If there are trees on your property, it's important to keep them trimmed. Not only does this keep them healthy year-round, but it protects your property from costly damage. Tree trimming services are readily available if your trees are too tall or thick to cut. For more information, talk with a company like Robert Jefferies Logging & Tree Service.