Trees and shrubs help enhance the curb appeal of your home. However, young and ornamental trees need trimming to grow in a healthy manner. If you don't regularly trim your trees, you may see branches growing unevenly, making them appear untidy. At the same time, dead or broken branches pose a huge risk to personal safety and nearby property.
If you have decided to trim your tree, read this post to learn the basics.
How to know when to trim a tree
Broken branches
If you see any broken or splintering branches, you need to trim the tree as soon as possible.
Dead/Diseased limbs
It is always a good idea to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
A dead branch is easy to spot as it is leafless as compared to a healthy branch. If you see large areas of smooth wood in an old branch, it's a warning sign. At the same time, shelf fungus and wood conchs infecting a section of wood also point to a major problem.
Branches over power lines
If the branches are growing close or on top of power lines, it's time to trim.
Too much growth
If a tree is growing too quickly, it is good to trim it to keep it healthy.
To encourage fruit growth
If you have fruit trees, removing the dead limbs helps encourage the fruit to grow in plenty.
If you see any broken or splintering branches, you need to trim the tree as soon as possible.
Dead/Diseased limbs
It is always a good idea to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
A dead branch is easy to spot as it is leafless as compared to a healthy branch. If you see large areas of smooth wood in an old branch, it's a warning sign. At the same time, shelf fungus and wood conchs infecting a section of wood also point to a major problem.
Branches over power lines
If the branches are growing close or on top of power lines, it's time to trim.
Too much growth
If a tree is growing too quickly, it is good to trim it to keep it healthy.
To encourage fruit growth
If you have fruit trees, removing the dead limbs helps encourage the fruit to grow in plenty.
Best time to trim a tree
Whenever you see dead, damaged, and diseased branches, you can trim the tree at any time of the year. Depending on the type, size, and health of a tree, typically a tree's pruning cycle is 3 to 5 years. Fall and winter are considered to be the best time to maintain trees as they enter a dormant stage, obstructing their growth. Dry grounds and bare branches make it easy for arborists to access and inspect your trees with ease. The lack of leaves after autumn makes it easy to identify branches and limbs that require removal. Pruning your tree after the start of new growth can restrict the plant's bloom potential for the year.
However, there are also some species that you can trim in summer:
However, there are also some species that you can trim in summer:
- Maples
- Birches
- Dogwoods
- Walnuts
- Elms
Best tools for trimming trees
Pruning shears (or hand pruners, clippers)
Pruners are designed to smoothly cut shrubs, flowers, vines, and small growth on trees. Shears are also helpful in cutting flowers and fruits from plants. These hand-held devices resemble large scissors with their short handles and set of blades. They can cut branches and twigs up to 3/4 of an inch thick. The two most popular types of pruning shears are bypass shears and anvil shears. These pruning shears use the cutting motion to slice the branch from the tree.
Pruning saws
A pruning saw is the best tool for cutting large branches. It can cut branches from 1 ½ to 5 inches in diameter. All pruning saws have a metal blade with sharp cutting teeth machined into them.
Loppers
They are two-handed tools that are used for medium-size branches and stems. They help prune fruit trees, nut trees, and vines.
Hedge shears
These tools are useful to trim hedges, shrubs, and small trees to maintain the desired shape of your plants. They can cut branches up to 2 1/4 inches thick.
Pruners are designed to smoothly cut shrubs, flowers, vines, and small growth on trees. Shears are also helpful in cutting flowers and fruits from plants. These hand-held devices resemble large scissors with their short handles and set of blades. They can cut branches and twigs up to 3/4 of an inch thick. The two most popular types of pruning shears are bypass shears and anvil shears. These pruning shears use the cutting motion to slice the branch from the tree.
Pruning saws
A pruning saw is the best tool for cutting large branches. It can cut branches from 1 ½ to 5 inches in diameter. All pruning saws have a metal blade with sharp cutting teeth machined into them.
Loppers
They are two-handed tools that are used for medium-size branches and stems. They help prune fruit trees, nut trees, and vines.
Hedge shears
These tools are useful to trim hedges, shrubs, and small trees to maintain the desired shape of your plants. They can cut branches up to 2 1/4 inches thick.
About Seacoast Tree Care
If you are looking for certified arborists to take care of your tree removal needs, Seacoast Tree Care is your one-stop destination. We offer a complete range of tree care and removal services in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts. We are experts in tree pruning, cabling, fertilizing, preservation, pest control, and root collar excavation.
To get information, call us at 603-431-0101 or 978-225-6644, or email us at info@seacoasttreecare.com.
To get information, call us at 603-431-0101 or 978-225-6644, or email us at info@seacoasttreecare.com.
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