Proper tree trimming is essential not only for aesthetics but also for your home’s safety.
When your trees are healthy, the risk of stray branches falling and hurting someone decreases dramatically. When you choose to not use a tree service, though, mistakes can be made. Luckily, we’re here to teach you more.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about tree trimming and the potential mistakes you could be making.
Trimming Random Branches
It’s easy to assume that random branch selection is a good idea when you’re trimming trees, but you’d be incorrect. In fact, if you’re unsure of what to look for when you’re trimming trees, you might find it’s best left to a professional.
They’ll be able to carefully select which branches they choose to remove, how much they should remove, and how they should be removed. They’ll have a solid understanding of your project’s end goal, and they’ll be able to ensure it’s met.
If you don’t have an end goal in mind when you begin trimming, you’re going to have a hard time achieving the results that you want. In fact, you might end up causing more harm to your tree than you ever originally intended to.
Using Dull Tools
When it comes to dull and unsanitized tools, it’s important to keep them away from your trees at all costs. You may not realize it, but these two factors can actually lead to infectious bacteria and fungi spreading through the tree.
This is especially true if a different tree you cut with the same tools was already sick or diseased in some way. Infectious diseases can spread quite easily, and it’s important to prevent them from the beginning.
That means making even cuts with freshly-sharpened tools to help branches heal faster. It also means keeping tools clean between cuts. That doesn’t just apply to your tools, though.
Poor Cleanup
It’s also important to clean up the leftover branches and debris after you’re done trimming.
If you don’t, you risk a lot of unnecessary accidents or even fatalities as a result. You’re also leaving potential infection or disease on your property, meaning its access to your grass, shrubs, or other plants is a lot less limited. As a result, you’ve now placed those plants and the people in your home at risk for things that were easily preventable.
If you choose to hire a professional, they’ll take care of everything for you. You won’t have to worry about potential hazards, and you’ll know everything on your property is even safer than it was before the project even began.
Trimming the Wrong Amount
When you cut too much or too little, there are a few things that can happen.
If you cut too little, then you’re not going to see any difference. On the other side, cutting too much can put your tree under a lot of stress. They’ll be losing their leaves, which is where the majority of their nutrition and sustenance comes from.
An experienced arborist knows exactly where to cut, and is also going to cut the right amount. That means your trees won’t be placed at risk during harsh weather, and they’ll be able to fend off disease or other risks a lot more easily. Your arborist will set a clear end goal at the beginning of the project, and they’ll have that goal in mind throughout the entirety of their work.
You’ll be left with healthier trees, and a lot more peace of mind.
Incorrect Timing
There’s a time and a place for everything, and tree trimming is no exception. Trimming your trees at the wrong time of year is going to cause potential nutrient and growth issues.
In some cases, trimming when the growing season is at its peak may be ideal. On the other end, trimming when the tree is dormant may be necessary. It all depends on the tree’s individual needs, and it’s important to take them into account when you’re getting started.
Improper timing can lead to stunted growth, and an inability to fend off infection or produce the proper amount of nutrients. This is where working with a trained professional can help, as you’ll no longer need to worry about timing.
They’ll be able to tell you the best time to trim your trees, and they’ll be able to help out every step of the way.
Improper Safety Measures
This is perhaps the biggest reason you should have for wanting to work with a professional. As an expert, arborists know the proper steps to take when it comes to keeping themselves safe on the job. They’ve been trained, and they have a wide array of industry knowledge to help back their efforts.
As a DIYer, you might not have as much education. Tree pruning is more difficult and dangerous than it may seem, and it’s important to stay up-to-date with safety measures and regulations.
Without the proper tools, knowledge, and expertise, you might find yourself in a situation that you never would’ve pictured yourself in by the end of the project.
Do You Need Help With Tree Trimming?
While DIY tree trimming is something a lot of homeowners choose to take on, it’s not for everyone. Hiring a professional can mitigate risks, and it can also save you time and money. They’ll ensure the job gets done correctly the first time around, and you won’t have to worry at all along the way.
Luckily, we can help you every step of the way. Contact us today to get started.
