Pruning
Pruning is the process of removing selected branches from the plant to grow more fully or direct its energy into fewer, sturdier limbs. In the case of bonsai, pruning would be used with a very young tree to produce a desirable shape and encourage the development of finer branching.
The best way to cut branches is at a slant, never straight across or flush against an existing branch or trunk bark ridge. This method allows for seepage of sap to slow down and prevent diseases such as rot from setting in. It also helps lessen scarring that may result from other ways, such as wire-marking that can leave unsightly marks on the bark that have to heal over before they disappear. Instead, this slanting technique results in a more integrated scar and less conspicuous with time (a matter of years usually, and often decades).
There are three primary goals of pruning as follows:
- Improving plant health and vigor
- Increasing fruit production
- Increasing ornamental value
Delayed Pruning May Result In
Weakened plants or trees are more prone to diseases, insect infestation, and pests.
Increased risk of falling branches during windy conditions.
Reduced sturdiness of matured plants due to loss of foliage resulting in pulling out of root ball over time.
Why Hire Pruning Professionals For Your Lawn?
Beautiful and expensive trees and plants become useless no matter how fertile land is. It’s the same if a plant or tree is left unattended, whether grown from seed or cutting. It becomes ugly, with many branches growing in different directions affecting its original shape, making it look shabby and messy. To bring back its vitality and add beauty to the landscape, it is necessary to prune the branches and make your plant or tree look new and attractive once again.
Save Money
Hiring a professional landscaping company will cost more than doing it yourself. However, the amount spent is usually significantly less than having an untrained individual attempt some repairs on your yard. When done correctly, proper tree trimming can help maintain safe access to your home for you and your family, protect the value of your property, enhance curb appeal, and prevent dangerous limbs from falling into your roof or your yard during high winds.
No Time
Another reason many homeowners like to hire local landscaping companies is because they simply do not have the time needed to care for their landscape properly. Many people work more than 40 hours per week. It could also be due to other factors, such as school and/or children. No matter what the cause may be, hiring local landscaping services gives you extra time to relax or to spend with family and friends after a hard day’s work.
Quality Work
The quality of work that lawn professionals perform is superior to what most individuals can do. Professional landscapers have the equipment, training, and experience necessary to ensure that your trees are trimmed or removed safely.
Avoids Injury
A trained professional knows how to avoid injury by taking proper safety precautions. Many homeowners attempt tree removal for themselves, especially when limbs become too close to their homes. Trying this type of task on their own puts a high risk of severe personal injury since they lack knowledge and the proper tools required for tree trimming.
Saves Time And Money
You can save both time and money by hiring local landscaping companies instead of doing it yourself. When you gain access to various services, local landscaping companies offer lawn care, landscape design, pest control, and mowing services. This saves you time making multiple trips to different businesses to achieve these various tasks. You could also save your precious time by not mowing the lawn every week or attempting other simple home repairs that professionals can do.
Common Mistakes Of Pruning
1. Saves Time And Money
This is part of a tree’s anatomy and should not be removed when pruning. The branch collar contains the “branch xylem,” which is responsible for transporting water to the upper parts of your tree. You can remove it, but you’re going to weaken the whole tree with that mistake, no matter how small your pruning job is.
2. Blunt Cuts
Tree bark has a protective layer of cork which protects it from diseases and pests. You can damage this layer when you make blunt or clean-cut type pruning cuts, allowing the condition to enter the tree much easier. In addition, dull cutting tools will add friction to your cut by scraping against the bark. This, too, will damage the protective layer of cork and lead to diseases.
3. Low-Hanging Branches
Removing lower hanging branches leads to crowding, often not desired unless you look for that “tidy” look. It’s best not to hack at the base of your tree, no matter how bad it seems. When pruning cuts, they should be made as close to the trunk as possible.
4. Severed Branch Xylem
Branches cut below a point where they attach to the trunk (or larger branch) will lose water faster because their connection with the rest of the tree is severed. They’ll also dry out more quickly, making pruning mistakes much more evident and noticeable.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Though it depends on your pruning objectives and trees, you can prune all year round if done correctly. For instance, spring is often the best time to prune most deciduous trees and shrubs when they are starting to wake up and grow for the new season. That’s also when their sap levels are highest, so you have the best chance of draining the whole plant.
You need Loppers, Pole Pruner/Lopper, Safety Gear (goggles, gloves, etc.), and a bag to haul away the debris. But you have to remember that while pruning is a beneficial activity and can save you money, it can also be dangerous. So, it’s always best to call professionals, especially when you need to prune large trees.
Many factors affect pruning costs, including the tree’s health, the number of trees to be pruned, and the tree’s location. Removing a tree or having it stumped also has additional costs. But generally, you can expect to pay between $315 to $700 for professional tree pruning.
