An Intro to Tree Pruning...

Pruning seems like it would be unnecessarily harmful to trees and the environment, and done recklessly and unsafely it can be, but when done properly it is actually beneficial to the health of the tree, effectually speeding up and assisting in otherwise natural processes. Inefficient limbs and branches are detrimental to a trees ability to compete, and so a limb that is not pulling its weight (literally) in the operations of photosynthesis and etc will be naturally shed. As a careful and calculated pruner, you can enable and even commandeer this process.

A tree might warrant trimming and pruning for a number of reasons: in order to remove diseased or damaged branches, in order to thin the crown to permit new growth, lessen wind resistance and load, and to increase air circulation and absorption of sun and rain, or maybe in order to remove branches that may pose a risk to property or the public. These are just a few reason why a prune might bust out the tree clippers.

While pruning can certainly be done yourself, getting rid of large and especially high branches should mostly likely be left up to an expert certified arborist, like the ones at Hufnagel Trees. But for smaller jobs and smaller trees, many of these pruning techniques are certainly doable for the average handy yardman or woman.

It's understandable that many a yardman or gardner sees such yard and tree care as a laborious distraction from the relaxation of a leisurely weekend, but just remember, when it comes to tree care, safety and technique always supersede speed, no matter how anxious you are to get back to watching the ballgame or making that tee time.

When is it best to prune?

The best time of the year to prune is the dormant season, late fall or winter, when the tree is in a sense hibernating. This allows the tree to enjoy maximum healing and utilize the advantages of pruning for the purposes of new growth in the spring. Pruning during the winter minimizes the stress put on the tree, in limits sap loss, and it lessens the likelihood of a fungus or insect infection. That being said, any dead, damaged, diseased, or rotting limbs should be removed as soon as possible, no matter what the season.

Well know you know a little bit about tree pruning, and when its best to undertake pruning jobs. Next post, we'll go over a few of the simpler and more common tree pruning techniques.