Tree Pruning is the selective removal of branches and limbs to promote plant health, safety and aesthetics. Proper pruning techniques help the body of the tree heal quickly and prevent future problems such as insect infestation or structural damage.
Generally, the majority of pruning should be done during winter. This will allow the tree an entire growing season to close pruning wounds. It is also recommended that pruning be avoided during the active spring growth flush in April and May and during the fall coloration period. Both of these times will increase the chance of serious decay in pruning wounds.
In general, pruning should be done to a tree’s natural shape. This helps maintain the form of the species and may eliminate problems such as crossing branches, rubbing branches, low limbs that interfere with buildings or cars and narrow V-shaped crotches. Pruning can also eliminate inward-growing limbs that rub against other limbs, as well as branches and limbs that will obstruct traffic or block views.
When pruning a tree it is important that only branch wood is removed. If a stub is left it invites decay, creates a larger wound, and removes the important branch collar tissue which encourages rapid healing of wounds. When removing a limb it is also important to cut just outside of the branch bark collar (often looks like a turtle neck attaching the branch to the trunk) or to another bud or lateral branch that will take over and grow.
Proper pruning also includes the removal of dead limbs, broken or hanging limbs and limbs that have become structurally damaged. It is also important to remove hazard branches that are a danger to people and property, such as limbs that hang over streets or houses or limbs that are too close to power lines. We recommend that you consult a qualified Arborist or Tree Health Care Professional before attempting to prune your own trees.
The first and most important principle of good Tree Pruning is to use proper technique. This includes making a smooth, clean cut with sharp equipment and not leaving stubs or using paint or wound dressing to cover the cuts. It is also recommended that you never “top” a tree as this practice causes serious hazards and drastically shortens the life of the tree.
A final note on Tree Pruning: Avoid excessive pruning of young trees to prevent drooping or leaning in the future. This can be caused by improper planting, too much fertilizer or other factors. Also, it is not a good idea to remove more than one third of the leaf surface area in a single year in deciduous trees. This will cause the remaining leaves to work harder to transport carbohydrates from the branches to the rest of the tree, possibly leading to weak limbs. Weak limbs are more susceptible to breakage and can damage other parts of the tree.
North Bay Tree Company
41 Lakeshore Dr.
North Bay, Ontario P1A 2A1