How to Properly Prune a Tree?
Pruning a tree has many benefits, including promoting plant health, maintain the plant, and improving the plant’s appearance. When assessing a tree for pruning, first identify the major branches of the tree that make up its body. Avoid removal of these branches, and instead remove branches that show clear signs of damage. These branches are decaying and taking up unnecessary nutrients that should be being distributed to healthy branches.
Wounds on trees do not heal or improve. Thin out areas that are thick with branches, branches that are growing inward, and branches that cross. After removing branches that cross, open the plant so that air can circulate throughout the plant. For proper tree growth, they require good air circulation throughout the branches. Branches that are closer together feed the growth of fungus and attract insects which are likely to cause an infestation.
Although pruning is great for the health of the tree, it also benefits the appearance of your yard. So prune branches that obstruct your vision! Whether it be low hanging branches that are tripping hazards, branches that threaten utility wires, or branches on your roof, remove them. Branches that are on or around your roof can create moss growth which will reduce the life of the roof. Small tree climbing critters can also use these branches as means to get onto your roof and into your home. You can also prune branches to generally shape the tree to make it look neater or nicer. Just a few cuts can make a huge difference.
Despite the changes you might want to make to your tree, never remove more than twenty five percent of a tree’s branches. The health of the tree should come first, because if it starts decaying because you wanted to make look nicer you’ll be out of a tree. Also remember to never prune more than once per season.