What Is Tree Pruning And Importance Of Pruning – Gardenley

Pruning is a world of its own. It is a generic term containing a vast amount of goals and requires specific means with a view to achieving those goals. It is a part of tree maintenance ensuring it lives a long and healthy life reaching its full potential.

Tree pruning is an influential activity for the well being of a tree. If you’re interested in making your tree live long, pretty, and healthy then keep reading to find out what is tree pruning and exploring everything it has to offer.

Everything you need to know about tree pruning

What is tree pruning

Pruning is a technique used in horticulture where selective removal of branches or roots occurs which requires a good deal of care and knowledge of tree biology. So, a decent level of skill is required to attempt a tree pruning. However, unplanned tree pruning can put negative effect, ruining your tree.

Importance of pruning

Pruning is a very influential activity, which is why there are many reasons for which you’d want to prune your trees, all of them resulting in the betterment of your trees if done correctly. Below we will discuss a few reasons why pruning is important:

⮚ The biggest importance of pruning is its safety benefits. People and their properties are protected as dangerous limbs are removed. Moreover, this is exceedingly significant in cases of storms. One branch is enough to cause a big injury.

⮚ By proper pruning, you can mold the tree in a certain configuration of limbs and branches to get better structural integrity. This will improve the overall core structure of the tree and give it a stronger foundation.

⮚ Pruning keeps the tree healthy through removing damaged and dead parts. It also stops the spread of diseases by cutting down infected branches.

⮚ Trees can receive more light penetration if you remove excessive branches which will improve the health of the tree as they depend significantly on photosynthesis which needs light. Removal of excessive branches also results in better air circulation which is also beneficial for the health of the tree.

⮚ Pruning helps to shape the plant size and form to make it look more aesthetically pleasing, it also encourages better flowering and fruit production.

Best Time For pruning

An important aspect of pruning is, knowing when to start. Pruning at the right time ensures productive and attractive trees. Nevertheless, there is no one size fits all situations when it comes to tree trimming.

The best time for pruning is significantly dependent on the type of trees. So, you need to have good understanding about this matter. The idyllic times for different types of trees are described below:

• Deciduous trees: February to March. Oak trees are the only exception that should be pruned during winter.

• Fruit trees: Late February to April. Fruit tree shortening should be completed before new leaves start to grow.

• Evergreen trees: Late winter. Doesn’t need much pruning.

• Flowering trees: After blooming.

• Sub-tropic Trees: Can be pruned throughout the year as long as sunlight and water are present. Don’t cut more than 30% of live tissue.

Tools used for pruning

For successful pruning, you need sharp and good quality tools to make it as easy as possible. There are a few must-have tools you would need to have a delightful pruning experience:

 2. Hedge shears

• Can handle thicker stems and branches or shrubs. 
• Can cut cleanly up to 2.25 inches.
• Look like giant scissors. You can cut multiple branches or big bushes easily with these cutters. 

4. Loppers

• Same as shears but with longer handles and stronger blades.
• Can cut small fruit trees and vines with a thickness of up to 2.5 inches. 
• With its long handles, it can easily reach higher places than most other pruning tools.
• They leave a clean cut, so trees can heal easier after pruning.

5. Pole pruners

• Can easily cut dead branches that reach over 8 feet with a thickness of 1.25 inches. 
• Used for small and clean cuts.

6. Hard rake

• Gathers small stems, shrubs, leaves, and pruning debris.
• Can move a large pile of debris instantly.

Safety tips

By now, you have a good idea of tree pruning. But don’t forget to follow a few safety measures so that you can finish trimming your trees without any worries.

• Wear safety gear like protective glasses, helmet, gloves, non-slip shoes.
• Use a sturdy ladder.
• If you are using a power tool like pole saw, then do a proper inspection before you start pruning. Because, nobody likes a surprise at work.
• If unsure about a cut, leave it be until you study it more.
• If the work gets too extensive or you are in doubt about the risks involved, call an expert. Tree service won’t cost as much as a trip to the hospital.

winding up

I believe you have enjoyed our in-depth guide on what is tree pruning. If you read until now, you have a firm idea about the ins and outs of tree pruning. Take out your equipment and start planning your pruning adventures.

Some of the new posts from our blog

How to Sharpen a Chainsaw and Sharpening Tricks