In this month’s blog, instead of just talking about when to prune your trees, we’d like to discuss how and why to prune your trees, and when to contact a certified arborist to do the job. “Tree experts say a basic understanding of tree biology when pruning helps promote and maintain a tree’s health and structure, in addition to improving the economic investment to the landscape.”(ISA)

Here are Arbor Day Foundations steps to pruning at all stages of a tree’s life:

Pruning at Planting – Leave as much of the entire leaf surface as possible to manufacture food that will build a larger root system. Roots will be larger after one year if left unpruned.
Year 3 and 4 – Root growth should be well on its way to anchoring the transplant and expanding the size necessary to nourish the growing branches
Years 5 to 7 – Lower limbs are pruned off to raise the bottom of the crown well out of the way of human heads. The lowest limbs are now permanent limbs.
Years 15 and beyond – With proper pruning at the beginning of your trees life your tree will have a better chance of surviving extreme conditions such as wind storms, ice, and drought. That is because proper pruning gave strength to the branches.

When considering smaller trees, “Proper pruning will save you money and give you a safer more beautiful, healthier, and easier-to-maintain tree.” (Arbor Day Foundation). However, please keep in mind, pruning large trees can be risky. “It usually involves working above the ground and using power equipment, like chain saws. It’s important to consider your safety, and that of your trees. Hire a professional arborist or ISA Certified Tree Worker™ because they are trained in the latest safety measures and techniques.”(ISA) If you are in need of assistance with pruning your trees, call us today, we are experienced certified arborists!

References:

http://www.treesaregood.org/portals/0/docs/newsroom/ProperPruning_TreeHealth.pdf

https://www.arborday.org/trees/tips/annual-pruning.cfm