The United States alone has over 228 billion trees! With this number, it’s easy to understand how various tree species can end up in the same yard. While this makes for a beautiful garden, it does make it difficult to know when to trim your trees.
The frequency of tree trimming depends on different factors like the tree species, its age, health, growth rate, and the desired outcome. There is no “one size fits all” answer when it comes to tree trimming.
Trimming your trees when needed ensures your trees stay healthy and improves their overall shape and look. Removing old or dead branches will allow sunlight into the tree and reduce height or weight, which can become hazardous.
So keep reading to find out more about tree trimming and how it benefits your trees.
When to Trim Trees
Most trees benefit from trimming in mid to late winter. Trimming during dormancy encourages new growth as soon as the weather warms up. The lack of leaves allows easy access to branches and limbs that require trimming.
Here are some guidelines on how often trees should be trimmed:
Mature Trees
Mature trees generally require less frequent trimming. Regularly check your trees for dead, diseased, or damaged branches that need to be removed. Trimming every 3 to 5 years is sufficient for maintenance purposes.
Over-trimming trees will cause harm such as:
- Stripping them from too many leaves and nutrients that they need to survive
- Overexposure to the sun from having too little foliage
- Branches that are too weak to tolerate strong winds or fight off diseases or insect invasion
Young Trees
Young trees can be trimmed every 2 to 3 years to ensure proper structure and encourage tree health and growth.
Trees under the age of 5 years are considered young. The first years of a tree’s life are very important for its future health and as such, trimming must be done with care.
Start off by only trimming branches that are showing signs of disease or have died. Shaping a tree or allowing for good airflow by removing several branches can be done when the tree is older and stronger.
Flowering Trees
If you have flowering trees, you need to know their blooming patterns before you start any tree trimming. Some species produce blooms on old wood, while others only bloom on new growth. Removing branches that are about to bloom will affect future flower production, as the tree will need time to recuperate.
Fruit Trees
Trim fruit trees (except for sweet cherries) when they are still dormant. In the early spring, the buds are easier to see and the cuts will heal more quickly.
Yearly trimming encourages fruit forming and will lead to bigger and healthier fruit production.
Evergreen Trees
Evergreen trees require less trimming compared to deciduous trees because they keep their foliage year-round. Trimming improves their shape and will maintain their aesthetic appeal.
Tree Trimming Tips
What to look for as a starting point when trees need trimming:
- Dead branches
- Branches that look like they might be dying or diseased
- Sprouts at the base of the tree trunk
- Branches that grow across the center of the tree trunk
- Limbs that rub together
- Branches in a V-shape
- Branches or roots that interfere with power lines, sidewalks, and buildings or cause obstruction and reduce visibility
How to Trim Trees
There are three major cuts when it comes to tree trimming.
The First Cut
Start at about 18 inches up on the underside of the branch. This is a good place to make the first cut. Cut only halfway through the branch.
The Second Cut
Move to the top of the branch. Start a little further out from your first cut underneath the branch. Carefully cut down until the branch breaks free.
The Third Cut
Find the branch collar on your trunk. This is a swollen area at the base of the branch where it joins the trunk.
Make the final cut just outside of the collar but do not leave a stub. A 45-degree angled cut away from the base prevents water damage and encourages the forming of tissue called a callus over the wound. This helps with the healing of newly trimmed branches.
What Tools Do You Need for Trimming Trees?
You need a variety of tools to trim your trees effectively.
A trimming saw has tempered metal blades that remain sharp. They cut on the pull-and-push stroke, which makes for quick and clean cutting. Lopping shears, on the other hand, have long handles and solid blades that let you cut accurately at a greater height and in tight spaces.
A rope saw uses a chain-type cutting blade and can be used to cut through thicker branches. A chainsaw quickly cuts through thick branches but shouldn’t be used on small limbs because of its shredding effect. Consider using the services of a professional for cuts that need a chainsaw for safety reasons.
A pole pruner has an extendable handle for reaching limbs that are beyond your reach. Choose a pole pruner that comes with interchangeable cutting tools like a pruning saw and a bypass pruner for versatility when trimming large branches.
Smaller hand tools like shears or secateurs are used to cut thinner branches and foliage.
To keep you safe from any falling debris or branches, you should wear safety goggles and a hard hat. Even smaller cuts can result in shooting splinters and debris that can cause injuries.
Trees respond well to good care. Consider making use of an arborist who specializes in the care and maintenance of trees.
Tree trimming can be risky if you do not know how to use the tools correctly. Hiring tree trimming services will allow you to sit back, relax, and enjoy your garden while you know your trees receive professional care and maintenance.
Tree Trimming Made Easy
It’s important to stay on top of your tree trimming schedule if you want to ensure your trees are happy and flourishing. Each type of tree is different, so it’s a good idea to categorize them by species and age before you start trimming anything.
Trimming is meant to improve the shape of your tree and encourage new growth, so make sure you’re trimming at the right time.
If you’re looking for a tree trimming service near you, contact us today. Arbor-Tech Tree Service provides high-quality tree service in the Dallas area.
