If you have a tree on your property, you’ve
probably experienced branches growing out of place. Some stick out, disrupting
the overall look of your trees, while others just hang down, impeding your
walkway. But is the solution as simple as just trimming the tree branches
yourself?
Giving your tree a good trim can be the best
thing to support its health and maintain the look you desire. If you want to
trim your trees on your own, it’s best to stick to small trees. Smaller trees
are much safer to trim yourself than larger trees. With a smaller tree, you can
visually inspect each branch without having to climb the tree or use a ladder.
You’ll also be working with smaller branches, which are easier to trim and
don’t pose as much of a risk to your or your property.
On the other hand, larger trees require skill and
precision. If you aren’t knowledgeable about how or why to cut into a larger
tree, it’s best to hire a tree service company. The knowledge,
skill, and experience that professional arborists possess will ensure your tree
is trimmed safely and remains healthy after the work is done.
If you do plan on trimming your tree branches,
you should make sure you learn more about the process of trimming trees, have
the correct tools to do the job, and know the risks that come with performing
this task on your own.
Know Your Basics
The Arbor Day Foundation suggests a few tips for pruning for people
hoping to cut their tree branches on their own. But one of the most important
things you should do when you’re about to trim tree branches is to assess the
tree. Walk around the entire tree looking for any large damages or stray
branches. Note which branches are bothersome and plan how you’re going to cut
them. You should also be looking at the overall health of the tree. If the tree
is in good shape, you can usually afford to trim the tree as you wish, but if
it looks unhealthy, trimming the tree might make things worse.
You should also know what seasons are best for
trimming your tree. Though fall seems like a good time to trim your trees,
because the leaves are all falling away, it can actually be the most
detrimental time to do so. Wounds made from trimming have a harder time healing
themselves in the fall, which leaves them susceptible to become infected with
fungus or disease. Cutting your trees in the winter tends to be the most
popular option, as it can yield to more growth in the spring and the branches
are in a dormant state.
Lastly, look into how to cut your trees in a way
that causes the least amount of damage. Trimming is usually best done early in
a tree’s life so that it can learn to grow in the way that you wish, and so it
can heal the very small wounds made on it quickly. When you’re cutting a small
branch, like on a young tree, it’s best to make the cut at a lateral branch.
Your cut should be clean and sharp and also done at a slight angle.
Have the Right
Tools
When it comes to trimming your tree branches, you
want to have the proper tools to do the job. And depending on the size of the
job, you’ll need specific tools to cut with. All of your cutting tools should
be kept at peak sharpness for the best results.
For smaller trees, with small twigs and thin
branches, you’ll want to have a pair of pruning shears. This type of scissor is
specifically made for cutting plants and is strong enough to cut through hard
branches. For young trees, use one-handed shears with a curved blade.
When it comes to bigger projects, a pair of
pruning shears won’t be enough. For branches that are bigger than one inch in
diameter, you’ll want to use a looper. They act much like a running shear but
have longer handles so you can reach further into your tree to cut.
And if you do decide to pursue a larger project
on your own, you’ll want to have a pole pruner to get to the branches you want
trimmed. Pole pruners are able to reach over eight feet away. But be mindful.
When you cut a large branch, it will usually fall to the ground. Make sure the
area is clear of things that could be damaged by the falling branch—and clear
of any bystanders.
It Can Be
Dangerous
When you see a half-broken branch, your first
instinct may be to climb up and cut it yourself. But your tree-climbing skills
from childhood won’t suffice for this task. If you have to climb the tree to
access a branch, you’re likely carrying some kind of equipment up with you, and
it’s a trained skill to be able to do so safely. It doesn’t take much to lose
your balance or for a stray branch to fall and cause you to lose your footing.
Trimming tree branches is a serious job, and not taking it seriously can result
in serious injury.
According to the National Agricultural Safety Database, electrocution,
falling from trees, and being struck by trees or limbs are the most common
types of serious tree trimming accidents. So before you start trimming your
tree branches, ask yourself if this is something you’re prepared for or if
you’re better off calling a professional tree service company.
Trimming your tree can be dangerous for you, but
it can also be dangerous for your tree. When it comes to trimming tree
branches, every cut matters. You need to make sure you’re cutting correctly and
avoiding highly sensitive areas. Leaving large wounds open on a tree also
leaves it open to disease and fungus. It might seem like you can fix a problem
with just a few chops and everything will be fine, but depending on where you
cut, you could be causing a bigger problem than the initial one.
To stay on the safer side, calling a professional
to complete this job for you could be the best option. With over 30 years in
the tree service industry, Mr. Tree prides itself on having the knowledge and
capability to perform the branch trimming services you’re looking for.
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