Trees are the most valuable asset of a landscape. They provide shade to our homes, reduce air pollution and soil erosion, and provide habitat for wildlife. Having large trees in the back or front yard increases a home's value. As a tree grows, it is essential to trim it regularly to ensure healthy growth. If not done correctly, a tree can become an eyesore and make the rest of the yard look ugly.
If you are looking to trim your tree, here are the five most common mistakes to avoid:
#1 Topping
Many homeowners believe they can shorten a tree length by cutting off the top. Topping a tree is removing the tree’s main trunk (called leader) at a random point, which can permanently disfigure the tree and may even kill it. It often results in a tree with thin and upright branches called water sprouts at the top. Once a tree is topped, it becomes prone to disease, decay, and insects. The water sprouts that grow at the top of the tree can easily break in a storm. Topping also results in sunburn of the tissues beneath the bark, causing the death of some branches.
#2 Lion’s tailing
Lion-tailing is another name for over-pruning. The process involves trimming off all the interior branches and foliage except for minimal growth at the end, which resembles a lion’s tail. It is detrimental to a tree’s health as all the weight gets concentrated at the end of the branch. If a tree’s branching structure cannot support this uneven growth, it is likely to break the branch of that tree. It is important to remember that once a tree's foliage is removed, it will cut short its food supply, leading the tree to suffer from malnutrition.
#3 Seasonal Mistakes
Choosing the right time to trim your tree is of great importance. Spring is usually the best time for heavy pruning. The best time for pruning flowering trees is before the onset of new buds. As a rule of thumb, light summer pruning can be performed on most deciduous trees and shrubs. However, for trees like Oaks, Mahogany, Black Olives, Hickory, and other large shade trees, it's best to trim them during the dormant season. Trees such as maple may bleed sap, so they should be pruned in winter when they are dormant.
#4 Using climbing spikes when pruning a tree
Tree trimming services use sharp steel spikes that are attached to a tree climber’s leg. While it makes it easier to climb a tree, it causes puncture to the bark, allowing disease and decay to creep in. If a tree is repeatedly pruned using spikes, the groupings of spike holes can cause the entire area on the trunk to die. Professional tree care services use equipment such as ropes and climbing harnesses to ascend the tree.
#5 Trimming with dull and wrong tools
The saying “the right tool for the job” is more relevant when it comes to trimming your trees. Trimming with unsharpened tools can lead to rough or improper cuts that can lead to wounds on the bark. Blunt tools lead to the formation of jagged edges that are unsightly. Moreover, unsanitized tools can cause bacteria and fungi to grow. It is always a good idea to let all major tree work be done by a certified arborist.
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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