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Tree Pruning - Part 2 One thing we don't believe in is "shaping" trees. Shaping involves cutting back the terminal growth in an attempt to create a shape that is not natural. Whenever terminal limbs are cut back you force the tree to grow right where you made the cut. So now instead of having a single branch, you now have 2,3 or 5 branches sprouting at one location. As time passes, each of these new sprouts will grow longer... and in turn cause more shading to the interior of the tree and increase the potential for storm damage. "Shaping" completely defeats the purpose of what we described on the previous page. Most trees, with few exceptions, are not meant to be perfectly round. Like people... they all have their own shape. Our job is to keep them healthy, enhance the overall appearance, and try to keep them safe to live with. Many people judge a pruning
job... The absolute worse thing to do a tree is to "top" them. Topping is the indiscriminate cutting back of tree branches to stubs, or laterals that are to small to assume the terminal role. Topping opens wood to decay and causes excessive sprouting. In some cases it outright kills the tree. It reduces the trees ability to produce food, and if it lives... the tree is now more susceptible to falling apart. A common reason given by homeowners for wanting their tree topped is that they think it's too big. Each species of tree is genetically designed to grow to a certain size. If it's really too large for an area... or if you just don't feel safe around it, then perhaps removing the tree should be considered. Topping it will just make it more dangerous in the future... and it's just not right. Know your limitations! Pruning small trees is not a difficult task if you have the right tools. There are several good references available to guide you through the process. If you have to get out a ladder to prune... you may want to think twice. Professional arborists rarely trim from a ladder. It is very dangerous. How much money will it cost you if you should fall and seriously injure yourself? Chances are it would cost you much more than it would cost to have the tree trimmed by a professional. Trimming larger trees should be done by the pros. We have the equipment, knowledge and training to do the job right. When choosing an arborist make certain that they are licensed and insured. Ask if they have ISA certified arborists on the staff... and if the crewmembers are trained by them. Beware of companies that use terms like topping, rounding-over, and tipping. Don't be afraid to ask for references... or at least a location where you can drive by and see the quality of their work. Remember: you get what you pay for... and the cheapest price is rarely a deal. It has been said that tree pruning is an art and science. This statement is true. You have to know how trees respond to pruning in This properly pruned Linden was trimmed in January of 2003. It came through the March 2003 blizzard without a single broken limb. Routine maintenance really does pay off!
Article written by: Kevin Jones - Jones Tree & Lawn, Inc. |
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© Copyright 2003
nSnare Digital Media |
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order to do the job right. A properly pruned tree is a work of art. Trees
respond to pruning in either a positive or negative way. Every pruning cut
has an impact for the life of the tree. Make your cuts wisely!
