28 May 2019
 Categories: , Blog

Healthy, appealing trees add a lot to your home. Not only do they make your curb appeal more attractive, but trees can add value and efficiency to your home. Of course, proper care is key if you want your trees to be both healthy and attractive for many years to come. Unfortunately, most people do not understand the proper techniques necessary to trim their trees. With this guide, you will learn a few important trimming mistakes to avoid.

Topping

Topping is actually one of the most common and most dangerous mistakes people make with their trees even though you may not even realize what it is.

Like the name suggests, topping involves trimming off the entire top of the tree. You may want top the tree for a few reasons, such as to reduce its height if it is growing too close to another tree or outdoor structure. You may also think topping is necessary in the end part of winter to stimulate new growth.

In reality, when you top off multiple branches of your tree, even more branches will start to grow in its place. You may think this is a good thing, but the new branches will actually weaken the structural integrity of the tree. In most cases, topping can do more harm than good.

Instead of topping, concentrate the trimming on the larger branches on the side of the tree and allow the top to grow as normal.

Cutting the Collar

Removing the collar is another mistake you need to avoid when trimming your tree. The collar is the area where the branch meets the trunk. Many people think of the collar as the umbilical cord, since it contains important nutrients and cells that your tree needs to grow and thrive.

If you cut the collar, you are cutting the umbilical cord, reducing the branches ability to receive the important cells. If you must cut the branch, make the cut a few feet away from the trunk, ensuring the collar remains in place.

Trimming at the Wrong Time

Timing is important when you are trimming your tree, as well. Winter is usually a good time to trim because the weather is cold and the tree will have sufficient time to heal any pruning wounds before the spring's new growing season begins.

Avoid trimming your tree if it is in severe distress because of pests or disease. It is best to treat the tree with pesticide or fungicide to help the tree strengthen before making any cuts.

Help is available if you are worried of making mistakes when trimming your trees. Contact your tree trimming specialist today.