Tree Pruning in Summer – Should I?

Are you wondering if you should prune your trees in summer? The answer is yes in some situations, but with considerations. This guide will help you understand the best practices for tree pruning in summer, ensuring your trees stay healthy and beautiful during the hottest months.

Key Takeaways

• Summer tree pruning focuses on maintaining tree health and shape by removing dead or diseased branches while avoiding heavy pruning to prevent stress.
• The optimal time for summer pruning is early in the season, as it allows trees to heal before peak heat and reduces the risk of heat stress.
• Certain trees, like oaks and elms, should not be pruned in the summer to avoid the spread of diseases, making it crucial to understand specific tree needs.

Understanding Summer Tree Pruning

Summer tree pruning is a practice that involves trimming trees during the summer months to maintain their health and shape. Unlike winter pruning, which focuses on major structural work, summer pruning is more about maintaining the tree’s current shape and removing any unwanted growths that have appeared since the spring. This practice should be conducted after the spring growth has settled and before the leaves begin to drop in the fall.

The primary goal of summer pruning is to keep trees healthy and vigorous. Removing dead or diseased branches prevents disease spread and improves air circulation within the tree. Furthermore, summer pruning can enhance the appearance of your trees, making them more aesthetically pleasing and even improving views. However, it’s crucial to avoid heavy pruning during the summer; focus instead on light shaping and trimming to avoid stressing the tree.

Tree pruning is different than trimming, and different trees have varied responses to when you prune or cut them. It’s important to consider each type’s specific needs and limitations. For instance, some trees may benefit from little pruning during the summer, while others might require more attention. Understanding these nuances can help you make informed decisions and ensure your garden’s long-term health and beauty.

When to Prune Trees in Summer

Timing is everything when it comes to summer tree pruning. The best time to prune trees in summer is early in the season before the peak temperatures set in. Pruning trees early in the season ensures that the trees have ample time to heal and recover before the most intense heat arrives, reducing the risk of water damage and stress.

Recognizing the signs that indicate your trees need pruning is equally important. The rapid growth of leaves and overgrown branches are clear indicators that it’s time to pick up the pruning shears. However, pruning during periods of extreme heat should be avoided to prevent additional stress on the trees.

Specific indicators like damaged branches, disease, or overgrowth signal the need for pruning. These signs help you determine the right time to prune and maintain the health and structure of your mature trees.

Signs It’s Time to Prune

Indicators showing it’s time for summer tree pruning include damaged branches and pest infestations. Damaged branches, whether from storms or pests, are clear signs that pruning is necessary. Removing these damaged branches helps prevent disease from spreading and ensures the tree remains healthy. Dead or dying branches are another obvious signal that pruning is needed.

Safety is another crucial aspect to consider. Low-hanging branches that pose a risk to human safety should be pruned immediately. Overgrown trees not only look unkempt but also might suffer from poor air circulation and light penetration, indicating a need for pruning to maintain their structure and health.

Avoiding Heat Stress

It’s best to prune trees in early summer before the most intense heat hits to avoid heat stress. This timing allows trees to recover and grow healthily through the warmer months. Pruning during this period helps maintain healthy growth and ensures that the trees can cope with high temperatures later in the summer.

Pruning during peak heat can be detrimental, causing undue stress and potentially damaging the tree. Planning your pruning activities early in the summer gives your trees the best chance to thrive and remain healthy through the season. This strategy is particularly important for young and developing trees, which are more susceptible to heat stress and damage.

Benefits of Summer Tree Pruning

Summer tree pruning offers numerous benefits that contribute to the overall health and appearance of your trees. One significant advantage is enhanced air circulation, which reduces the risk of disease, especially in fruit trees. Improved light penetration is another key benefit, as it is crucial for the development of fruiting wood and overall tree health.

Certain types of fruit trees, such as cherry and apricot, benefit particularly from summer pruning as it helps mitigate disease risks. Summer pruning also effectively eliminates dead, damaged, and diseased branches, which can otherwise hinder the tree’s growth and vitality. These benefits make summer pruning an essential practice for those looking to maintain healthy and productive trees.

Summer pruning can also contribute to pest control by targeting and removing branches affected by pests. This practice not only improves the tree’s health but also helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases to other parts of the tree.

Encouraging Growth

Summer pruning plays a vital role in encouraging growth and can lead to better flowering in the next growing season. Healthy trees respond well to summer pruning by sealing off wounds and continuing to produce leaves, ensuring their vitality and longevity. Light trimming is particularly beneficial as it helps maintain the tree’s shape and structure while enhancing air circulation and sunlight exposure.

Light trimming during the summer months helps evergreen trees maintain their shape without causing excessive disruption. Preserving the tree’s overall structure through light trimming promotes healthier growth and ensures that the tree remains robust and aesthetically pleasing.

Pest Control

Summer pruning is an effective method for controlling pests and diseases by targeting and removing infested branches. Removing branches affected by pests reduces the risk of the infestation spreading to healthy parts of the tree. This proactive approach helps maintain the overall health of your trees and prevents potential damage from pests and diseases.

However, it’s important to note that pruning itself can create open wounds, which may increase vulnerability to pests and diseases if not done correctly. For specific trees, like oak, pruning in summer can lead to the spread of fungal infections, highlighting the need for careful consideration and appropriate timing.

Proper techniques and timing are crucial to ensure that pruning benefits the tree rather than causing harm.

Types of Trees Suitable for Summer Pruning

Nearly all types of trees can benefit from summer tree pruning, provided it is done correctly. This practice enhances growth, improves overall health, and helps maintain the desired shape and structure of the trees. However, the specific pruning techniques and the extent of pruning required can vary based on the type of tree being trimmed.

Fruit trees, evergreen trees, and sappy hardwoods are particularly well-suited for summer pruning. Each of these tree types has unique needs and benefits from summer pruning, making it essential to understand their specific requirements and pruning methods, especially when considering a fruit tree.

Fruit Trees

Summer tree pruning offers numerous benefits for fruit trees, including improved shaping, recovery from damage, and an increase in fruit buds. By pruning fruit trees in summer, you enhance sunlight exposure, which is crucial for fruit ripening and overall quality. This practice ensures that your fruit trees remain healthy and productive throughout the growing season.

For fruit trees, a lighter pruning touch is recommended during the summer, as opposed to more severe pruning done during the dormant season. This approach helps maintain the tree’s health without causing excessive stress or damage.

Evergreen Trees

Light trimming of evergreen trees during summer helps maintain their shape and health. This practice improves air circulation and promotes healthier foliage, ensuring that the trees remain vibrant and robust throughout the summer months. Using pruning shears for clean cuts is essential to avoid damaging the branches and ensuring that the trees heal properly.

Homeowners should focus on light trimming rather than heavy cutting during the summer months to avoid stressing the trees. This approach helps maintain the aesthetics and health of evergreen trees without causing undue harm.

Sappy Hardwoods

Sappy hardwoods, such as a walnut tree, can be pruned during the summer to avoid problems associated with sap oozing. Pruning these trees in summer helps to minimize sap loss, which can attract pests and diseases. This practice is essential to maintain the health and vitality of sappy hardwoods, ensuring they remain strong and healthy.

Pruning sappy hardwoods in summer avoids excessive sap oozing and reduces the risk of attracting pests and diseases. This approach helps maintain the overall health and appearance of these trees, making them an excellent choice for summer pruning.

Trees to Avoid Pruning in Summer

While many trees benefit from summer pruning, certain types should be avoided to prevent potential harm. For example, pruning oak trees in summer significantly raises the risk of spreading oak wilt disease due to increased insect activity. It is crucial to understand which trees should never be pruned in summer to maintain their health and prevent disease.

Some trees, like elm trees, are also at risk if pruned in the summer, as this can facilitate the spread of diseases such as Dutch elm disease. Knowing which trees to avoid pruning in summer helps ensure the long-term health and safety of your garden.

Oak Trees

Summer pruning of oak trees is highly discouraged due to the risk of spreading diseases such as oak wilt. This disease is exacerbated by wounds made during the summer months, making it crucial to avoid pruning oak trees during this period.

Refraining from summer pruning helps protect oak trees from this devastating disease and ensures their long-term health.

Elm Trees

Similarly, elm trees should not be pruned in summer to minimize the risk of Dutch elm disease transmission. This disease is particularly prevalent in certain regions and can be spread through pruning wounds created during the summer months.

Avoiding summer pruning is crucial to protect elm trees from Dutch elm disease.

Techniques for Effective Summer Tree Pruning

Effective summer tree pruning requires careful consideration of the specific needs of each tree. Different trees require different techniques to ensure optimal health and safety. By following the right techniques, you can promote recovery and tree health after a storm or other damage.

Hiring a professional arborist ensures that trees are pruned safely and effectively, minimizing the risk of damage during the process. Professional arborists have the expertise to handle intricate pruning tasks and provide the best care for your trees.

Light Trimming vs. Heavy Pruning

Light trimming during summer focuses on maintaining the tree’s shape and health, involving minor cuts to remove dead branches and improve air circulation. This approach helps keep trees aesthetically pleasing and healthy without causing significant stress. Summer tree trimming is an effective method for achieving these goals and trimming trees.

On the other hand, heavy pruning involves more substantial cuts to control the tree’s size or remove extensively damaged branches, which is better reserved for winter. Property owners should cut conservatively during the summer and consult certified arborists for intricate pruning tasks. This ensures that the trees are pruned correctly and safely, promoting their long-term health and beauty.

Making Clean Pruning Cuts

Learn how to prune trees and making clean pruning cuts is essential for minimizing damage and promoting faster tree healing. Ensuring cuts are smooth and precise helps reduce the risk of disease and pest infestation, facilitating quicker recovery. The final cut of a pruning process should be made at the branch collar to ensure proper healing and avoid unnecessary damage to the tree.

Making clean cuts helps maintain the overall health and structure of the tree, ensuring it remains strong and vibrant through the summer months. This practice is particularly important for young tree development and developing trees, which are more susceptible to damage and disease.

Dealing with Utility Lines

Pruning trees near utility lines requires special consideration to ensure safety and compliance with local regulations. It is advisable to prune your tree after the utility company has finished trimming to avoid conflicts and ensure safety. Summer is an ideal time for pruning near utility lines because trees are fully leafed out, improving the visibility of the tree’s crown.

Coordinating with the utility company and following best practices allows property owners to safely prune trees near utility lines, minimizing the risk of accidents and ensuring tree health.

Professional Arborist Services

Hiring a professional arborist is essential for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of summer tree pruning. Pruning near utility lines, for instance, requires careful planning to avoid electrical hazards and adhere to safety guidelines. Professional arborists have the expertise to handle these tasks safely and efficiently, ensuring that trees are pruned correctly and hazards are minimized.

Certified arborists deeply understand tree dynamics and biology, ensuring trees are pruned at the right times to promote health and aesthetic appeal. Their expertise in applying proper techniques and timing enhances overall tree health and appearance, making their services invaluable for maintaining a beautiful and healthy garden.

Regular inspections by tree professionals contribute to the long-term safety and health of trees on a property. Consistent inspections help identify potential issues early, allowing for timely interventions that enhance tree health and safety. Scheduling regular inspections ensures trees remain healthy and vibrant throughout the year.

Certified Arborists

Certified arborists possess extensive knowledge of tree dynamics and biology, making them well-equipped to handle all aspects of tree pruning. Consulting with certified arborists ensures that trees are pruned at the optimal times to promote their health and aesthetic appeal. Their expertise in proper techniques and timing is crucial for enhancing the overall health and appearance of trees.

Hiring certified arborists ensures trees receive the best care possible. These professionals apply specialized knowledge and skills to ensure trees are pruned safely and effectively, contributing to a beautiful and healthy landscape.

Regular Inspections

Regular inspections by tree professionals are vital for maintaining the health and safety of trees. Scheduled inspections help identify potential issues early, allowing for timely interventions that prevent major problems. These inspections contribute to the overall health and longevity of trees, ensuring they remain strong and vibrant throughout the seasons.

Property owners can proactively manage their trees’ health by investing in regular inspections and addressing any issues before they become significant problems. This approach helps maintain a beautiful and healthy garden, enhancing the overall aesthetic and value of the property.

Summer Pruning Summary

In conclusion, summer tree pruning is a valuable practice that contributes to the health and aesthetics of your garden. By understanding the best timing, recognizing the signs that indicate pruning is needed, and employing proper techniques, you can ensure your trees thrive through the warmer months. Summer pruning offers numerous benefits, including improved air circulation, enhanced light penetration, and effective pest control.

It is crucial to know which trees are suitable for summer pruning and which should be avoided to prevent potential harm. Consulting with certified arborists and scheduling regular inspections are essential steps in maintaining the long-term health and beauty of your trees. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a vibrant and healthy garden all summer long.

Summer Pruning Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to prune trees in summer?

The best time to prune trees in summer is early in the season, prior to peak temperatures, to ensure adequate healing and recovery for the trees.

What are the signs that indicate a tree needs pruning in summer?

A tree needs pruning in summer if you observe damaged branches, signs of disease, excessive overgrowth, or safety hazards like low-hanging branches. Addressing these issues promptly will promote a healthier tree.

Why should oak trees not be pruned in summer?

Pruning oak trees in summer is inadvisable as it heightens the risk of oak wilt disease transmission due to increased insect activity. Therefore, it is best to prune these trees during the late winter or early spring.

How does summer pruning benefit fruit trees?

Summer pruning significantly improves sunlight exposure, leading to better fruit ripening and overall enhanced fruit quality. This practice ultimately results in more productive and healthier fruit trees.

Why is it important to hire a certified arborist for tree pruning?

Hiring a certified arborist for tree pruning is crucial because they possess the specialized knowledge and skills needed to promote tree health and aesthetics while reducing potential hazards. Their expertise ensures that trees are pruned correctly, which can prevent long-term damage.

Fast Tree Removal Services Dunwoody

Dunwoody, GA 30338
(404) 220-9963

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Tree Pruning vs Trimming

When it comes to tree care, understanding the difference between pruning and trimming is essential. Both have unique purposes and benefits for your trees. Pruning focuses on removing unhealthy or damaged branches to promote growth and tree health. Trimming, on the other hand, is about maintaining the tree’s appearance and shape. This guide will help you decide when to prune and when to trim for the best results in your landscape.

Key Takeaways

• Tree pruning promotes health and structural integrity by removing damaged or unhealthy branches while trimming focuses on aesthetics and shape.
• Improper pruning and excessive trimming can lead to significant risks, including structural weaknesses, disease susceptibility, and overall tree deterioration.
• Professional tree services are recommended for handling complex tasks and ensuring proper techniques are employed, contributing to the long-term health and safety of trees.

Understanding Tree Pruning

Tree pruning selectively removes branches to promote growth, eliminate damaged limbs, and enhance airflow. This method tackles diseases, infections, and structural issues, keeping trees robust and safe. The main goal is to maintain trees’ long-term health and structural integrity.

Pruning enhances tree well-being by addressing health issues and encouraging vigorous growth. Removing overgrown and unhealthy branches helps trees thrive, reducing their vulnerability to disease and breakage. It’s vital for maintaining mature, fruit, and flowering trees, contributing to a safe and attractive landscape.

Benefits of Tree Pruning

Pruning enhances tree appearance, health, and strength. It facilitates better light penetration and air movement, fostering a healthier growth environment—especially beneficial for flowering and fruit trees, maximizing their blooming and fruit production.

Pruning and trimming together boost tree health, structural integrity, and aesthetics. Pruning strengthens trees, enhancing their resilience to storm damage and other environmental stresses.

Removing dead, damaged, and diseased branches during pruning prevents hazards and supports overall tree health. This maintenance keeps trees strong and vibrant, contributing to their long-term beauty and functionality in your landscape.

Risks of Improper Pruning

Although tree pruning is beneficial, improper techniques can have severe consequences. Incorrect pruning can cause structural weaknesses, making trees more prone to breakage during storms or high winds. This risk is especially high in mature trees with large branches, as improper cuts can compromise stability.

Excessive canopy reduction, a common pruning mistake, can expose tree bark to sun damage and cause further health issues. Proper techniques and tools are essential to ensure only necessary branches are removed and help the tree recover from pruning without harming it.

Understanding Tree Trimming

Tree trimming refers to maintaining the shape and aesthetics of trees and shrubs by removing excess branches. Unlike pruning, which focuses on health, trimming is primarily about appearance, helping to keep trees neat and orderly and enhancing landscape design.

Trimming involves minor adjustments to ensure balanced growth and a pleasing appearance. Commonly used for small hedges and shrubs, it also maintains the shape and structure of larger trees. Regular trimming keeps trees looking their best and supports proper growth patterns.

Benefits of Tree Trimming

Tree trimming enhances visual appeal, giving trees a tidy, well-maintained look. Removing dead or damaged foliage promotes thicker, faster growth of remaining foliage, leading to a fuller, healthier tree. This improves both the tree’s appearance and overall health.

Crown reduction, a common trimming technique, enhances safety by reducing the risk of falling branches that could damage structures or pose hazards. This method keeps trees safe and attractive, making them an integral part of a well-maintained landscape.

Risks of Excessive Trimming

Excessive trimming can negatively impact trees, leading to unsightly appearances and increased disease susceptibility. Removing too many overgrown branches and tree branches weakens the tree and stunts its development, making it more vulnerable to environmental stresses.

Injuries from excessive trimming pose significant health risks, jeopardizing a tree’s longevity and structural integrity. Proper trimming practices are crucial to avoid these risks and ensure only necessary branches are removed.

Key Differences Between Pruning and Trimming

Although often used interchangeably, pruning and trimming serve distinct purposes and involve different techniques. Pruning focuses on tree health by addressing diseased or damaged branches. In contrast, trimming maintains the tree’s shape and aesthetics by removing excess branches.

Effective trimming maintains the tree’s balance and form while ensuring healthy growth. This distinction highlights the unique goals of pruning and trimming and their complementary roles in tree care.

Purpose and Goals

Pruning aims to remove unhealthy or damaged branches, support tree well-being, and prevent disease from spreading. This practice of pruning trees maintains structural integrity and promotes vigorous growth, ensuring trees remain strong and resilient.

Conversely, trimming maintains the tree’s shape and visual appeal by removing excess branches. Techniques like crown raising remove lower branches to improve views or create space, enhancing appearance without compromising health.

Timing and Frequency

Pruning is best during the dormant season when trees are not actively growing, minimizing stress and supporting healing. Trimming, however, can be done at various times throughout the year, depending on growth and desired results.

Trimming can be done multiple times a year to maintain shape and aesthetics, while pruning is performed less frequently. Using both practices at appropriate times significantly enhances tree health and appearance.

Tools and Techniques

Different tools serve specific purposes for pruning and trimming. Lopping shears and hand shears are common for pruning, with lopping shears preferred for thicker branches. Pruning saws are essential for larger branches, ensuring clean cuts without damage.

Garden shears shape hedges and shrubs for trimming, while hand shears handle detailed work. Garden shears’ long handles reach higher and clip thicker branches, ideal for maintaining tree form and health.

Effective Pruning Methods

Effective pruning methods such as canopy thinning, raising, and cleaning enhance tree health, appearance, and structural integrity. Each technique serves a unique purpose and requires specific tools and methods for the best results.

Canopy Thinning

Canopy thinning selectively removes thick branches to increase sunlight and air circulation within the tree, minimizing issues caused by wind, ice, and snow and ensuring the tree remains healthy and strong.

Canopy Raising

Canopy raising creates better views and increases space by strategically removing lower branches, enhancing visibility, and creating space without disrupting tree health.

Canopy Cleaning

Canopy cleaning removes broken, diseased, or damaged branches, maintaining canopy health. This routine maintenance strengthens the tree, prevents future damage, and promotes better air circulation and overall health.

Effective Trimming Techniques

Tree trimming uses various methods to maintain shape and health. Effective trimming is essential for overall balance and appearance. Proper techniques and tools are crucial for achieving desired results without harming the tree.

Crown Reduction

Crown reduction minimizes canopy size while enhancing structural integrity. This technique reduces branch density in mature trees, promoting better air circulation and sunlight penetration.

Shaping and Contouring

Shaping and contouring enhance the tree’s aesthetic appeal, encouraging balanced growth and a well-defined silhouette, contributing to a beautiful landscape.

Maintenance Trimming

Routine maintenance trimming manages new growth and prevents branches from becoming overgrown and hazardous, ensuring trees remain healthy and safe and supporting long-term vitality. Additionally, tree trimming services play a crucial role in this maintenance.

Regular maintenance trimming manages new growth and prevents branches from becoming unruly. Well-maintained trees enhance appearance and thrive in their environment.

How Pruning and Trimming Work Together

Pruning and trimming complement each other to maintain healthy and attractive trees and shrubs. They can be performed simultaneously, but managing timing is crucial to avoid stressing the tree. Proper tools and expertise are essential for effective pruning and trimming.

Using both practices can significantly enhance tree health and aesthetic appeal. Hiring experienced landscapers or tree services is recommended if tree care seems daunting.

Seasonal Coordination

Proper timing for pruning and trimming is essential for tree health and maintenance. These activities require specific tools and should be conducted in the appropriate season for best results. Prune first and then trim for optimal tree care.

Pruning is typically done during the dormant season, while trimming can occur during the active growth period. This coordination helps manage the tree’s health and appearance effectively.

Combined Benefits

Combining pruning and trimming significantly enhances tree health and longevity. Regular pruning promotes healthy growth and structural integrity while trimming supports aesthetics and prevents damage.

Together, these practices create tree healthy trees that thrive in their environment.

Professional Tree Services

Engaging professional tree services minimizes risks associated with improper handling and ensures safety for workers and property. Certified arborists have the knowledge and tools for effective tree care, keeping your trees healthy and beautiful.

Professional help is essential for large branches, mature trees, or tasks requiring specialized tools and techniques. Hiring experts prevents harm to trees and surrounding areas while ensuring optimal care.

When to Hire a Professional

Hire professionals when handling large branches or trees, posing safety concerns. Professionals are trained to manage risks involved in tree work, ensuring safety for individuals and property.

Professional tree services and tree pruning services are necessary for tasks requiring specialized tools and techniques to avoid harming trees or surrounding areas. Engaging experts ensures your trees receive the best possible care.

Finding Certified Arborists

Hiring certified arborists ensures safe, effective, and knowledgeable tree pruning and trimming. Certified arborists meet professional standards and are equipped to handle complex tree care needs.

When seeking an arborist, verify their certification, insurance, and references to ensure quality service. Certified arborists provide the best care for your trees, ensuring they remain healthy and beautiful.

Pruning vs Trimming Summary

To sum up, maintaining the health and beauty of your trees requires a clear understanding of both tree pruning and tree trimming. Pruning is essential for promoting tree health by removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches while trimming focuses on maintaining the tree’s shape and aesthetics. Both practices, when performed correctly and at the right times, can significantly enhance your trees’ overall health and appearance.

You can ensure your trees thrive by employing effective pruning methods such as canopy thinning, raising, and cleaning and trimming techniques like crown reduction and shaping. Remember, when in doubt or when dealing with complex tree care tasks, it’s always best to seek the assistance of certified arborists who can provide expert care. With the right approach, you can enjoy the combined benefits of pruning and trimming, leading to healthier, more beautiful trees that enhance your landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference between tree pruning and tree trimming?

The primary difference is that tree pruning is intended for the tree’s health by removing unhealthy branches, whereas tree trimming is primarily for aesthetic purposes, focusing on shape and appearance.

When is the best time to prune and trim trees?

The best time to prune trees is during the dormant season to reduce stress, while trimming can occur during the active growth period or as needed throughout the year.

What are the benefits of pruning trees?

Pruning trees is essential for maintaining their health, as it removes unhealthy branches and supports vigorous growth, ultimately making them more resilient to diseases and environmental stresses. Therefore, regular pruning not only enhances the tree’s appearance but also promotes its overall vitality.

What risks are associated with improper pruning?

Improper pruning poses significant risks, including structural weaknesses that increase the likelihood of tree breakage during storms and potential sun damage to the bark from excessive canopy reduction. Therefore, careful and knowledgeable pruning is essential for tree health and longevity.

Why should I hire certified arborists for tree care?

Hiring certified arborists is essential for safe and effective tree care, as they possess the necessary knowledge, tools, and experience to ensure your trees remain healthy and beautiful. Their expertise helps prevent damage and promotes the long-term vitality of your trees.

Fast Tree Removal Services Dunwoody

Dunwoody, GA 30338
(404) 220-9963

To view the orignal version of this post, visit: https://www.fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/tree-pruning-vs-trimming

How to Prune Tree Branches

Prevent dying, infested, and diseased branches from killing your trees. Knowing the basics of pruning branches will help you preserve the health and structure of your trees.

fasttreeremovalatlanta.com gathered the following information about pruning tree branches, including how, why, and when to prune.

Pruning Tree Branches

Correctly pruning branches allows a tree to compartmentalize (seal and isolate) the wound, reducing the risk of rot, disease, or infestation. The following steps will help you properly prune branches from your tree:

Tree Pruning Step 1

Identify the branches you intend to prune. If you are pruning several branches from a tree or multiple branches from several trees, mark them with a ribbon or fluorescent spray paint before you start.

This is also the time to evaluate the safety of your pruning activities. If a branch is out of your reach, growing over your home, or too large (over six inches in diameter), consider hiring a professional tree service to avoid catastrophic or life-threatening accidents.

Note: When cut, larger branches can fall with thousands of pounds of crushing force. Carefully assess the safety of cutting such branches before pruning them.

Tree Pruning Step 2

Prepare a one-gallon solution of 70% water and 30% isopropyl alcohol or bleach. Use this solution to sanitize all of the equipment, tools, and protective gear you intend to use when pruning your trees.

Sanitize your equipment, tools, and gear before starting work on your first tree. Then, sanitize them again before moving on to the next tree.

Note: If you suspect that one of your trees is diseased, save it for last, and carefully destroy all material removed from it. Do not add any diseased material to a compost or mulch pile.

Tip: Pour your sanitizing solution into a spray bottle and spray your equipment for a more efficient application.

Tree Pruning Step 3

Following the 3-cut method will help you avoid bark damage (bark stripping) when pruning medium and large-sized branches. Here’s how to do it:

Cut #1 – This cut is known as a relief cut or undercut and should be approximately 6 inches away from the trunk on the branch’s underside. This cut should be through 1/4 of the branch and serves as a stopping point if the bark tears or strips as the branch falls.

Cut #2 – This cut should be 6 inches further out from cut #1. This is a top-down cut and severs the branch’s bulk from the tree.

Cut #3 – This final cut occurs flush with the branch collar, removing the branch’s remaining portion. For proper compartmentalization (healing), avoid damaging the root collar.

Tip: After you have pruned a branch, remove or dispose of it before moving on. Leaving such debris on the ground may interfere with your ability to correctly prune the next branch or flee in the event of a branch unexpectedly falling toward you.

Read more about how trees recover from pruning activities at fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/how-trees-recover-wounds-pruning

Why Prune Trees

Pruning activities should be done with purpose. If you are pruning just to prune, you may cause more damage to your trees than solutions. The following are several of the reasons that justify pruning your trees:

Shaping – If performed early on in the life of a tree, less pruning will be necessary as the tree matures to keep its shape.

Crown Thinning – This type of pruning removes limbs and foliage from within the crown, permitting better airflow and more light to reach inner branches. It also reduces pressure on the tree during severe weather events.

Crown Raising – Removes lower branches that may be resting on the ground or in the way.

Storm Damage – After severe weather events, you should prune out any damaged branches. Leaving these damaged limbs may result in disease and/or infestation.

Disease – Branches showing signs of disease like wilting foliage, chlorosis, cankers, dieback, or a combination of symptoms.

Infestation – Branches exhibiting signs of infestation will look similar to those of disease but accompanied by D-shaped or round exit holes (for beetles), carpenter ants entering and exiting holes and/or cavities (this is a sign of significant decay), and visual confirmation of adult boring or detrimental insects.

Depending on the severity of infection or type of insect infestation, you may need to remove your tree as a measure of protection for your other trees and property. Read more about when pruning or removal is necessary at fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/when-tree-pruning-cutting-emergency-removal-atlanta-ga

When to Prune Trees

Most pruning activities should be restricted to the dormant season, being late fall through early spring (before bud break) for most tree species. Everything slows down during a tree’s dormancy, leaving the tree less susceptible to disease and insect infestation. Consider the following:

Fruit Trees should be pruned in early spring (before bud break) while the tree is still dormant and leafless.

Evergreens (all of them), except pines, should be pruned before new growth emerges in the spring or during the semi-dormant period in mid-summer. When pruning, it is imperative to follow branching patterns to maintain the tree’s natural shape.

Pines should be pruned in the spring as new growth emerges. To produce a compact, uniform plant or to maintain a shape, cut one-third to one-half of each growth area as it expands in the spring. Avoid pruning back to woody stems; new growth cannot develop from these areas.

When mature pines are overgrown or become a nuisance, the better option is usually to remove entire branches at a time.

Spring Flowering Trees respond best to pruning immediately after blooming.

Later Flowering Trees should be pruned in late winter or early spring.

Note: If you are in doubt of your tree’s species and/or pruning requirements, hire a certified arborist to help you give your tree the proper care.

Tree Pruning Tools

The correct tools will facilitate better pruning results. Keeping these tools well-maintained and sharp improves their performance and lessens your burden. The following tools will likely be adequate for most of your pruning activities:

Pruning Shears – Probably one of the most essential tools to own. They cut up to 3/4 inches in diameter.

Lopping Shears – Similar to pruning shears, but have long handles providing better leverage when cutting branches up to 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

Hand Saws – are essential for cutting branches over 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Most hand-held pruning saws can easily cut through branches 4 to 6 inches in diameter.

Chain Saw – Should be used on larger branches. Never use a chain saw to reach branches above your shoulders or when on a ladder.

Pruning Tree Branches

In this article, you discovered essential information on how to prune tree branches, why they should be pruned, when to prune, and some of the equipment you may need.

Correct pruning activities can strengthen a tree’s health, encourage vigorous growth, remove diseased or infested branches, and extend its life expectancy by years or decades.

Ignoring the need to prune your trees can result in overgrown, diseased, and dying trees capable of causing catastrophic damages when they fall on your property.

Sources:
extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-trees-and-shrubs
mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-and-plant-advice/horticulture-care/pruning-evergreens
arbordayblog.org/diy/diy-spring-flowering-trees-pruned/
cesonoma.ucanr.edu/files/27164.pdf
aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_h/H156/welcome.html

Fast Tree Removal Services Atlanta

3379 Peachtree Road #555a, Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 220-9965

Fast Tree Removal Services Dunwoody

2111 Peachford Cir, Dunwoody, GA 30338
(404) 220-9963

To view the orignal version of this post, visit: https://www.fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/how-to-prune-tree-branches

Tree Care Tips

Prevent your trees from becoming a hazard to your property and wellbeing. By knowing how to care for your trees, you can add decades to their lifespan while protecting yourself and property.

fasttreeremovalatlanta.com gathered the following tree care tips that promote the health of your tree from the time you plant it through its maturity.

Plant the Right Tree in the Right Place

Tree care begins when you select a species that fits your yard or landscape. Then, planting that tree in the right location will save you from dealing with grave tree health problems down the road. Consider the following:

Species – When selecting a tree species for your yard or landscape, you should answer the following questions:

• Is the species evergreen or deciduous? Deciduous trees lose their foliage in the fall. 
• Is the species understory or overstory? Overstory species can reach 80 to 100 feet or more. 
• Is the species flowering or fruit-bearing? After several years of growth, you may have an annual harvest to feast on.
• Is the species known to have invasive roots? Invasive roots can cause expensive damage to foundations and underground utilities.

Location – Determine multiple potential locations to plant your tree. Just because you think it would look good in one space doesn’t mean it has sufficient room or optimal conditions to reach maturity.

Look Up – Depending on the species of the tree you want to plant, consider its maximum height at maturity and if it will interfere with anything overhead i.e., power lines, road to house connections, etc.

What’s Below – As your tree grows upward, root growth will occur downward and outward. Verify the location of water mains, sewage lines, septic tanks, underground utilities, etc.

Call 8-1-1 to request a property inspection or visit call811.com to see the requirements and/or regulations in your state.

What Surrounds the Location – Your planting site should be 15 to 20 feet from driveways, sidewalks, fences, your home, and other structures to avoid root damage as the tree matures.

Read more about planting trees at fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/tree-planting-location-landscape-species

How To Select a Healthy Tree

Once you’ve chosen the species and future location of your tree, observe the following to select a healthy specimen to plant:

Examine The Tree – It should look healthy with bright bark, and include the following:

• A well-developed leader
• Well-distributed branches
• Branches low on the trunk
• Free from signs of disease and insect infestation
• Free from signs of mechanical injury and breaks

Avoid purchasing trees with signs of drought. Take extra care to examine the foliage, twigs, and limbs. They should be firm but flexible, without signs of drying.

Examine The Roots – Before settling on a specimen, look for the following traits in its roots:

Bare-Root Seedlings and Saplings – When looking at bare-root specimens, the roots should be:

• Free from damage or breaks
• Moist and developed
• Roughly the length of its stems (for deciduous species)

If something looks or feels wrong, chances are, it is wrong. Be very selective when choosing a tree to plant.

Watch this video to see how bare-root trees are properly planted.

Balled and Burlapped Trees – These are trees that have had their root ball preserved and are typically wrapped in burlap. The following should be observed when looking at balled or burlapped trees:

• The root ball should be firm
• It should be moist but not wet
• The root ball should be proportional to the tree’s size
• The root ball should be firm around the trunk (no slack)

Avoid purchasing trees that appear loosely attached to their root ball. Chances are the root system has sustained significant damage or has dried out.

Watch this video to see how balled and burlapped trees are properly planted.

Container-Grown Trees – Container-grown trees can come with severe root growth problems. Inspect tree roots growing in containers as follows:

• If the container contains large, circling roots, these roots will likely continue to circle when planted in the ground. This condition may lead to the girdling and premature death of your tree.
• If roots have been pruned, examine them closely. Pruned roots should have clean cuts, while larger roots should be left intact.
• Like with burlapped root balls, the soil and roots should be firmly joined together.

As with bare-root and burlapped trees, container-grown trees should appear healthy with no signs of disease or insect infestation. Read more about warning signs and tree problems at fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/warning-signs-problems-solutions-atlanta-trees

Watch this video to see how container-grown trees are properly planted.

Watering Your Trees

From the time your trees are planted, through maturity, they will need moist, well-drained soil for healthy growth.

Newly planted trees need regular and consistent watering until their root systems establish. Root systems of trees, whether bare-root, balled and burlapped, or container, are severely restricted and require more frequent waterings. Consider the following watering intervals:

• Daily watering for two weeks after planting
• Every three days from three weeks to twelve weeks
• Weekly deep waterings after twelve weeks

Once planted, root systems grow and establish themselves until they expand much wider than the canopy of the tree. This process takes one and a half to two years, and watering intervals should continue through this time.

The amount of water your tree requires can be calculated by the caliper of its trunk at planting. For trees with diameters up to four inches, measure the trunk six inches above the ground. For those greater than four inches, measure the trunk at twelve inches above the ground.

For every inch in diameter, your tree will require 1 to 1.5 times that number in gallons of water per irrigation. Coincidentally, The time it takes for the tree’s roots to establish themselves is also 1.5 times that number in years. For example:

• 1-inch caliper requires 1.5 years and 1 to 1.5 gallons per irrigation
• 3-inch caliper requires 4.5 years and 4 to 4.5 gallons per irrigation
• 5-inch caliper requires 7.5 years and 5 to 7.5 gallons per irrigation

Note: A deep watering soaks the ground around the tree to a depth of nine to twelve inches. This type of watering encourages roots to grow deep and away from the tree, establishing a sturdy root plate.

Tip: Avoid overhead watering to prevent the unintentional spreading of harmful pathogens to your trees.

Mulching Your Trees

Mulching newly planted trees with three inches of organic mulch optimizes root production by:

• Helping the soil retain moisture
• Acts as an absorbent, preventing water runoff
• Insulates the soil from extreme heat and/or cold temperatures
• Helps prevent soil compaction
• Improves soil as it decomposes
• Decreases competition from turf and weed roots

Tip: Keep mulch from contacting the trunk or root flare of the tree. This helps prevent rot.

Note: Using too much mulch can suffocate roots or cause the soil to retain too much water, leading to root rot.

Watch this video to see mulching best practices.

Fertilizing Your Trees

Fertilizer is often misused, it is not plant food. Trees produce their own food by making sugars through a process called photosynthesis. The minerals and/or nutrients released by fertilizer provide needed ingredients for photosynthesis and growth to occur.

Fertilizer applied in the first years of established, transplanted trees can speed up canopy growth and help young trees fill up space in your landscape. Slow-release fertilizers are recommended for recently planted trees and shrubs.

Nutrients commonly found in fertilizers are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Other nutrients used in fairly large quantities are calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. Organic fertilizers, like compost, cow manure, or fertilizer blends, provide nitrogen and other nutrients slowly. An advantage of organic fertilizers is their delivery of minor nutrients (minerals required in small amounts such as iron or zinc) not usually found in commercial fertilizers. Organic fertilizers also improve soil structure.

Soil pH should be tested annually and adjusted as needed. Generally, the best growing conditions for trees occur in soils with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. However, some species may require more acidic or more basic soils.

Tip: If you annually fertilize your turf with a slow-release fertilizer, you will likely not need to fertilize your trees.

Read more about fertilizing trees at fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/fertilization-basics-healthier-trees

Pruning Your Trees

Typically, people will prune to improve the aesthetics of a tree by removing unwanted growth. However, trees are often pruned only to maintain a desired shape or size to fit a location. This is usually the result of a poor choice of location or because the wrong tree species was selected for that space.

The best time to prune a tree is when it is in its dormancy period, generally at the very begging of winter or just before spring. During this time, the risk of infection is minimal, and potential damage to the tree is significantly reduced. Consider the following when pruning a tree:

• Always prune with purpose
• Before pruning, make sure your tools are sterile
• Before starting, learn how and where to cut
• A wound is forever contained by compartmentalization within the tree, a lot of care should be applied when deciding what to prune
• Tree growth problems are best corrected when they are young. Smaller cuts do lesser damage than larger cuts.

When trees are damaged by a storm or suffer damages from illnesses and infestations, prune to remove affected limbs.

Watch this video to see pruning best practices.

Note: When in doubt about pruning, hire a professional tree service to evaluate your tree and do the pruning for you.

Read more about pruning and caring for young trees at fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/3-tips-young-trees-pruning-tree-care-protection

Caring for Trees

In this article, you discovered tips to help your trees thrive from the time they are planted through their maturity.

By knowing how to provide proper care for your trees, you are giving them the chance to live a long, sturdy life.

When you plant a tree and simply let it be, you create the risk for abnormal growth, diseases, and insect infestations that can weaken and quickly kill your tree.

Sources:
extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/watering-newly-planted-trees-and-shrubs
extension.psu.edu/mulching-landscape-trees
hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/fertilizing-trees-shrubs/
arborday.org/trees/tips/
extension.msstate.edu/publications/soil-ph-and-tree-species-suitability-mississippi

Fast Tree Removal Services Atlanta

3379 Peachtree Road #555a, Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 220-9965

Fast Tree Removal Services Dunwoody

2111 Peachford Cir, Dunwoody, GA 30338
(404) 220-9963

To view the orignal version of this post, visit: https://www.fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/tree-care-tips

Tree Storm Damage

Prevent your storm-damaged tree from dying or falling and causing catastrophic property damages. By knowing how to help and repair your tree after suffering storm damages, you can potentially avoid the need for its removal.

fasttreeremovalatlanta.com gathered the following information on how to assess tree damage, treat a damaged tree, determine when a tree should be removed, and what you can do to prevent tree storm damage.

Assessing Tree Storm Damage

Before determining that your tree is beyond saving, assess the tree by asking the following six questions about the visible state of the tree.

Question #1 – Are the tree’s largest limbs damaged or broken?

Recommendation – If your tree has lost its largest or a majority of its limbs, it will likely not survive. Consider contracting a professional tree service to remove the tree.

Question #2 – Was the leader (the main upward extension of the trunk) lost in the storm?

Recommendation – This is a judgment call on your part. Your tree may survive losing its leader but will likely grow deformed and/or stunted.

Question #3 – Has the tree lost more than 30% of its crown?

Recommendation – When a tree loses more than 30% of its crown, there may not be enough foliage left to provide nourishment to it. Trees in this situation need to be closely monitored and removed if there is no evidence of recovery in the following growing season.

Question #4 – Looking at the damaged crown, can you identify enough healthy branches that can reconstitute both branch structure and crown foliage.

Recommendation – If the answer is yes, allow the tree several growing seasons to “fill out” the crown. If the tree declines and cannot rebound from its damages, you will know that the answer was no.

Question #5 – Is there extensive bark damage?

Recommendation – In cases where there are multiple areas of bark damage on the trunk and/or larger branches, disease and insect infestation are of significant concern. Read more about how you can treat bark damage at fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/handling-tree-bark-damage

Question #6 – Is your tree healthy?

Recommendation – If your tree was already in decline (from disease or infestation) before suffering storm damage, you should immediately request a tree hazard assessment. If the tree was healthy, thriving, and did not suffer extreme damages, it should recover if cared for after the storm.

Note: Before determining the fate of your tree, take into consideration that, after sustaining weather-related damages, healthy trees will typically go through a phase of rapid growth over several growing seasons.

Tip: If at any time you experience difficulty in determining whether or not to keep your tree, request a tree hazard assessment by a professional tree service.

How To Treat Tree Storm Damage

After any severe weather event, your tree(s) should be examined for damages. Once you have clearly identified damaged areas of your tree, consider the following:

• Prune damaged limbs back, at least one foot before the damage towards the trunk
• Prune the limb/branch off the tree if the damages are too close to the trunk

If there is significant structural damage to the trunk, including splits and/or cracks, a professional tree service should be hired to remove the tree. This type of damage is dangerous and holds the potential to quickly turn life-threatening.

Continue to promote the health of a damaged tree through:

• Watering
• Mulching
• Fertilizing
• Seasonal Pruning
• Annual Inspections

Providing your tree with the means to thrive will help it overcome most weather damage on its own.

Emergency Tree Removal After Storm Damage

When severe weather leaves your tree swaying, leaning, caused windsnap (broken off at the trunk), or windthrow (uprooted and blown over), the tree should be removed from your property immediately. To learn more about or contract an emergency tree removal service, visit fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/emergency-tree-removal-atlanta

Note: For trees planted in rows, the emergency removal of any one of those trees may cause adjacent trees to lose their stability. Trees planted near one another will frequently use each other’s root plate for shared stability. Trees growing under these conditions must be professionally evaluated before their removal.

How To Prevent Tree Storm Damage

Controlling the impact of weather is possible in small scale scenarios. Objects and structures like walls, buildings, fences, hills, and shrubs can shield a tree from being severely damaged. It is when nature unleashes severe weather systems that a tree is truly put to the test.

Instead of relying on reactive treatment for damages, you can dramatically increase your tree’s strengths by being proactive and supporting its health before severe weather strikes. Consider the following measures to improve the vitality of your tree:

• Watering
• Mulching
• Fertilizing
• Seasonal Pruning
• Annual Inspections

Note: These are the same measures you would use to promote a tree’s health after suffering significant weather-related damages.

Storm Damaged Tree

In this article, you discovered how to assess tree damages after a severe weather event, treat the damages, keep or remove the tree, and how to prevent weather damage.

By knowing how to identify and treat storm damage to trees, you can significantly extend their lifespan while substantially increasing their resistance.

Ignoring your trees after severe weather events creates the perfect environment for catastrophic property damages and potential fatalities.

Sources:
agrilife.org/treecarekit/after-the-storm/repairing-storm-damaged-trees/
arborday.org/media/stormrecovery/4_treefirstaid.cfm
texashelp.tamu.edu/browse/by-type/naturally-occurring/severe-weather/trees/
extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/fnr/fnr-faq-12-w.pdf

Fast Tree Removal Services Atlanta

3379 Peachtree Road #555a, Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 220-9965

Fast Tree Removal Services Dunwoody

2111 Peachford Cir, Dunwoody, GA 30338
(404) 220-9963

To view the orignal version of this post, visit: https://www.fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/tree-storm-damage

How To Care for Trees

Prevent your trees from becoming severe risks to your property and wellbeing. By knowing how to care for your trees, you can keep them thriving for decades.

fasttreeremovalatlanta.com gathered the following information to assist you in caring for your trees from the time you plant them until their maturity and beyond.

Tree Care – Planting

Placing “the right tree in the right place” is your first act of caring for your tree and will determine much of how the tree grows and whether you will have years of joy and shade or multiple problems and expenses. Consider the following information when selecting the species and location of your tree:

Tree Species – When selecting the species of the tree you’d like to plant, the following will help you choose the right species:

• Will the species tolerate your region’s hardiness zone?
• Is the species known for invasive roots?
• Is the tree an overstory or understory?
• Does the tree need full or partial sun?
• Is the tree tolerant to regional pests and diseases?
• Is the tree deciduous or evergreen?

To determine your USDA Hardiness Zone, visit planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/InteractiveMap.aspx

Tree Location – As a tree grows, it can’t get up and move if its location becomes inconvenient. When selecting a location to plant your tree, use the following to guide your decision:

• Are there power lines running over the location?
• Are there utility lines running under the location?
• Are there sidewalks, driveways, or structures nearby that could be damaged by invasive roots?
• Does the location receive full or partial sun?
• Is the location well-drained, or does water pool?

Read more about selecting a tree species and a location to plant it at fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/tree-planting-location-landscape-species

Tree Care – Watering

Lack of water can cause your tree to wilt, suffer hydraulic failure, and die. To keep your tree in outstanding health, there must be a regular watering schedule that meets the needs of the tree. The following will help you determine how often to water your tree:

• Water your tree three times per week
• One of the three should be a deep watering (this will encourage the roots to grow deep)
• Water the entire root plate (the root plate grows outward and is typically the same size as the tree’s crown)
• During times of drought or intense heat, give your tree two deep waterings per week
• When rainfall is plentiful, reduce the frequency of waterings

The soil around your tree must be well-drained. If water remains pooled after rainfall or waterings, your soil must be adjusted to allow proper draining. Reduce the frequency of waterings until the soil is improved.

Tip: The continuous application of organic mulch can help your soil structure maintain proper drainage properties.

Tree Care – Mulching

When organic mulch is applied correctly around your tree, it can improve soil quality and regulate both soil moisture and temperature. Consider the following when mulching your tree:

• Apply a layer of organic mulch 3 to 6 inches deep over the entire root plate
• Keep mulch pulled back 2 to 3 inches from the tree trunk and root flare (this will help prevent problems with decay, disease, and nesting wildlife)
• Fluff the mulch when it compresses and add more when necessary
• Remove and replace mulch when it becomes riddled with mold

Organic mulch can be from a compost pile, straw, or wood chips.

Tree Care – Fertilizing

At times, the soil around your tree may need to have its chemical composition and pH level adjusted.

For trees that grow in acidic soil, the pH level should be 6.5 or less, for those preferring a base soil, the level should be 7.5 or above. Soil with a pH of 7.0 (6.5 – 7.5) is considered neutral.

Soil pH levels can be adjusted using phosphoric acid or sulfur to make them more acidic. While limestone, organic mulch, or wood ash will reduce the soil’s acidity. Many brands of fertilizer contain one or a combination of the above to adjust soil pH levels.

Frequently, the missing or deficient element in soil is nitrogen, and as such, the vast majority of fertilizers contain it.

Read more about fertilizing trees at fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/fertilization-basics-healthier-trees

Tip: Tree fertilization should be done in fall (after the growing season) or late winter (before the beginning of the next growing season)

Tree Care – Pruning

Small tree branches can be pruned whenever they present problems at any time of the year. Large branches – branches comprising over 5-10% of the tree’s crown volume – should only be pruned in winter when the tree is dormant. Trees should never be pruned in autumn since the air is filled with diseases and decay fungi.

There are many reasons to cut tree limbs; they might be diseased or dead, they could be rubbing against other limbs, or they are competing with other branches and have to be removed.

Raising or thinning the canopy is another reason for limb removal. This is done to open the canopy to more sunlight or provide additional vertical clearance.

Read more about pruning and cutting trees at fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/when-tree-pruning-cutting-emergency-removal-atlanta-ga

Annual Tree Inspections

Your tree(s) should be inspected by a professional tree service annually to detect any problems with abnormal growth, infestations, or disease.

This type of inspection is also known as a tree hazard assessment. It is used by arborists to determine whether or not any actions should be taken to improve the health and safety of the tree.

Tree Removal

There are times when the best course of action is to remove your tree. The following may require your tree to be removed to protect your landscape and surrounding trees:

• Boring insect infestations
• Infectious tree diseases
• Severe storm damage
• Severe root damage or rot
• Leaning tree
• Root damage to surrounding structures

If you suspect that your tree should be removed, contact a professional tree service to evaluate the situation and recommend the best course of action. Sometimes, the best way to care for your trees is to eliminate the ones that could compromise the health and vigor of the others.

Caring for Trees

In this article, you discovered many ways to care for your trees from the time you plant them until their maturity.

By promoting the health of your trees, you enable them to grow strong and resist attacks by disease and insects.

Neglecting the care of your trees will lead to abnormal growth and potential death by disease and infestation.

Sources:
treesaregood.org/treeowner/plantingatree
extension.uga.edu/county-offices/glynn/agriculture-and-natural-resources/commercial-landscaping-112.html
extension.sdstate.edu/tree-watering-tips-drought-conditions
pollinators.msu.edu/sites/_pollinators/assets/File/NWF_Trees-for-Wildlife_Tree-planting-Group.pdf

Fast Tree Removal Services Atlanta

3379 Peachtree Road #555a, Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 220-9965

Fast Tree Removal Services Dunwoody

2111 Peachford Cir, Dunwoody, GA 30338
(404) 220-9963

To view the orignal version of this post, visit: http://www.fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/how-to-care-for-trees

Will Cutting Off Dead Branches Help My Tree?

Are you concerned about the meaning and impact of dead branches on your tree? By knowing how and when to cut dead branches off of your tree, you can help it remain healthy and vibrant.

fasttreeremovalatlanta.com gathered the following tips and information about cutting dead branches off of your tree and the impact it can have on your tree’s health.

Does Cutting Off Dead Branches Help a Tree?

Yes, cutting off or pruning dead branches helps a tree in a multitude of ways. The act of pruning dead branches and growth also adds to the safety of the tree and its surroundings.

When Is The Right Time To Prune Branches

The right time to prune branches depends on which ones you are pruning and for what reason. For dead, dying, or broken branches, observe the following:

• There is no wrong time. Dead or dying branches pose a considerable health risk to the tree and should be removed when detected.
• When a branch dies, there is no sap running through it, thus minimizing the risk of oozing sap after its removal.

Tip: When removing an entire branch, alive or dead, it should be pruned all the way back to the branch collar (the bulging bark where the branch meets the trunk). The cut should be made flat and smooth without causing damage to the branch collar, which will eventually move in over the wound and seal it.

For live branches, the rules change:

• To remove or prune live and healthy branches, it is recommended to do so at the end of the growing season, during a tree’s dormancy cycle, or before budding at the beginning of the next growing season.
• This pruning may be done to shape the tree, thin the crown, encourage new spring growth, and many other reasons.
• Pruning these branches during the growing season can invite a host of insects and disease to the tree, potentially leading to compromised health and the eventual death of the tree.

Tip: Uncover further information about the right time(s) to prune your trees by reading fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/when-tree-pruning-cutting-emergency-removal-atlanta-ga

Tree Safety Concerns

As a branch dies, all of the twigs attached to it and the branch itself will become a hazard to whatever is below it. Dead limbs will:

• Rot from the smaller diameter parts first
• As the larger diameter parts rot, they begin to fall
• Injure other limbs as they fall
• Become a substantial threat to whatever is below, as some may weigh several hundred pounds

When these limbs are located over driveways, garages, sheds, and homes, they are capable of causing catastrophic damages and should be removed promptly.

Tip: Once per month, take the time to examine your tree canopy. Be on the lookout for dying, dead, or rotting branches. Once identified, look below it to see what may be in the path of the limb if/when it falls.

Tree Disease and Insect Infestation Concerns

Over several millennia, trees have developed magnificent defensive systems against insect infestations and disease. However, a dead branch is a defenseless open invitation to insects and diseases.

While the healthy parts of the tree can effectively repel these intruders, all it takes is a single successful attack to compromise the health of the rest of the tree.

Tip: If you detect carpenter ants, beetles, mushrooms, or any strange growth on a dying or dead branch, contact a professional tree service. They can evaluate the situation and recommend a course of action to remedy the situation.

Why Does My Tree Have Dead Branches?

As a tree grows, there are many reasons that a particular branch may die while the rest of the tree flourishes. The following are some of the reasons a tree may have dead branches:

1. The branch may not get enough sunlight. This may trigger the tree to compartmentalize and eventually shed the branch.
2. There may be an insect infestation in that branch which has compromised the flow of water and nutrients (hydraulic failure).
3. Bark damage on the trunk may also cause hydraulic failure and the death of the branch.
4. Rope and wire used to hang swings, bird feeders, clotheslines, etc. may damage the branch bark enough to girdle the branch, causing hydraulic failure.
5. Severe weather events may cause a branch to crack. This damage may not be apparent until the branch begins to die.
6. Many diseases may cause individual branches, entire sections, or the whole tree to die. Many of these diseases enter the tree through the root system, while others can infect damaged bark or poorly pruned branches.

Tip: When a branch, two inches in diameter or greater, dies on an otherwise healthy tree, call a professional tree service. They can fully evaluate the tree and recommend a course of action (if required).

Help Your Tree By Removing Dead Branches

In this article, you discovered why dead branches should be removed from your tree, tips to help you do it right, and the impact pruning or cutting branches can have on your tree’s health.

By taking action when dead branches are identified, you minimize the many risks they pose to the tree and its surroundings.

When you allow dying or dead branches to remain in a tree, you subsequently expose the tree to infestation and disease while creating a hazard for people, objects, and structures below.

Sources:
extension2.missouri.edu/g6866
extension.unl.edu/statewide/platte/Tree Pruning FAQs.pdf
extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/FNR/FNR-506-W.pdf
static.colostate.edu/client-files/csfs/pdfs/616.pdf

Fast Tree Removal Services Atlanta

3379 Peachtree Road #555a, Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 220-9965

Fast Tree Removal Services Dunwoody

2111 Peachford Cir, Dunwoody, GA 30338
(404) 220-9963

To view the orignal version of this post, visit: http://www.fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/will-cutting-off-dead-branches-help-my-tree