How to Properly Trim a Tree

Trees are always growing. Unfortunately, they don’t always grow the way we want them to. When trees start growing over the sunny parts of your garden or into an unsightly shape, it’s time to start trimming them. Here are some tips on how to trim trees to keep them healthy.

When to Trim Trees

Different types of trees are best pruned at different times of the year. How distinctly your location experiences the seasons can impact the timing as well. There are some general rules of thumb, though. If a tree flowers in the spring, prune it immediately after the flowers fade. If a tree blooms in the summer, prune it in the late winter or early spring. If a tree creates a lot of sap, avoid pruning it between January and March, since that is when trees come out of dormancy and sap starts running through the trees again.

If a branch is dead or diseased, do not wait for the ideal trimming time to get rid of the branch. Trim it right away to prevent spreading rot and disease through the rest of the tree, and clean any cutting implements you use to prevent spreading disease as well.

How to Trim Trees

The best way to remove branches from a tree is to make three cuts.

1. Cut into the branch from the bottom. This cut should be 6-12” from the trunk and should only go through the bottom third of the branch.
2. Cut into the branch from the top. This cut should be about an inch farther from the trunk than the first cut. Cut through the branch until the branch rips off. The first cut will prevent the bark of the tree from ripping off any closer to the trunk than the cut is.
3. Cut off the remaining piece of the branch. There will be a small bump on the underside of the branch near the trunk called the branch collar. Make this final cut on the side of the branch collar away from the trunk. Make sure to cut cleanly all the way through.

By getting rid of most of the branch before you cut close to the tree, you minimize the amount of damage you might do to the tree through a broken branch or ripped bark.

Other Tree Trimming Tips

Thinning out a tree too much can stunt future growth and leave holes in the foliage. Try not to remove more than 25% of a tree’s branches all at once. Plan out where you want to trim before you start and step back to review your progress periodically. It’s better to have an uneven tree than a tree with overly thin foliage.

If you’re not comfortable trimming your tree, don’t do it. When you’re working with sharp blades and heavy branches, it’s easy for things to go wrong. You could cause property damage or serious injury. If you’re confident that you know how to trim trees yourself, make sure you have the right equipment and safety gear. If you’re not sure, err on the side of caution and call a professional.

When to Call a Tree Specialist

There are some situations where it is safer to leave pruning to the professionals since they know how to trim trees safely and with the proper equipment. Call a tree specialist if there are large branches near your home or another building that need to be looked after, or if there are branches tangling with power lines. You should also have a professional take care of very tall trees. They have the equipment and training to deal with these situations safely.

Do You Need A Tree Specialist?

LTRC-Tree Specialists takes pride in helping clients with their tree issues. We specialize in Low Impact Tree Removal & Dangerous Tree Removal. We guarantee that we will work hard until you are satisfied and happy. Visit our website or call us at (404) 288-5872.