If you have trees on your property, you know how important it is to care for them properly. One important aspect of tree care is pruning, which involves removing certain parts of the tree to improve its health and appearance. However, pruning can be a daunting task for homeowners who are unfamiliar with the process. That’s where a local arborist from Arbor Solutions can help.
As a tree care company serving the Surrey and the Greater Vancouver area, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you properly prune your trees. In this blog post, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on how to prune trees and the benefits of working with a local arborist.
Why Prune Trees?
There are several reasons why you may want to prune your trees:
To remove dead or diseased branches: Dead or diseased branches can weaken the overall structure of the tree and make it more vulnerable to storms and other environmental factors. Removing these branches can improve the tree’s health and stability.
To improve the tree’s appearance: Pruning can also help improve the tree’s overall appearance by removing any branches that are rubbing against each other, crossing, or growing in an undesirable direction.
To promote new growth: Pruning can stimulate new growth by removing old, overgrown branches. This can help the tree maintain its natural shape and improve its overall health.
To increase safety: If you have low-hanging branches that could potentially cause damage or injury, pruning them can help increase the safety of your property.
When to Prune Trees
The best time to prune trees depends on the species. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
For deciduous trees (trees that lose their leaves in the fall), it’s generally best to prune in the late winter or early spring, while the tree is dormant. This allows you to see the tree’s structure more clearly and make precise cuts.
For coniferous trees (trees that have needles instead of leaves), it’s generally best to prune in the late spring or early summer, after the new growth has emerged.
Avoid pruning trees when they are stressed, such as during a drought or immediately after a storm.
How to Prune Trees
If you’re comfortable with basic DIY tasks and have the necessary tools, you can prune small trees on your own. However, for larger trees or trees with complicated structures, it’s best to hire a professional arborist. Here are the steps for pruning trees on your own:
Assess the tree’s overall health and structure. Look for any dead, diseased, or damaged branches that need to be removed.
Use pruning shears or loppers to remove small branches (less than 1 inch in diameter). For larger branches, use a pruning saw.
Make sure to cut branches at the point where they originate from the trunk or a larger branch. This is known as the “branch collar.” Avoid cutting too close to the trunk, as this can damage the tree’s bark and cause it to become susceptible to disease.
If you’re removing a large branch, make a three-cut process: Make a notch on the underside of the branch about 10 inches from the trunk, then make a second cut about 6 inches further out on the branch. Finally, cut the branch off at the branch collar. This helps to prevent the branch from tearing away any bark when it falls.
Dispose of all the branches you remove, as they can harbor diseases or pests that could potentially harm your tree or other plants on your property.
After you’ve finished pruning, clean your tools with a disinfectant solution to prevent the spread of disease.
Monitor the tree’s health and appearance over the coming weeks and months to ensure that it is responding well to the pruning.
Benefits of Working with a Local Arborist
While it’s possible to prune small trees on your own, there are several benefits to working with a local arborist like Arbor Solutions:
Expertise: Local arborists have the knowledge and training to properly care for trees. They can identify and diagnose any issues with your tree and provide the appropriate treatment.
Safety: Pruning trees can be a dangerous task, especially for larger trees. Local arborists have the necessary safety equipment and training to prune trees safely and efficiently.
Time-saving: Pruning trees can be time-consuming, especially if you have multiple trees on your property. Local arborists can take care of the task for you, freeing up your time for other activities.
Long-term benefits: Properly pruned trees can have a longer lifespan and be more resistant to diseases and pests. Working with a local arborist can help ensure that your trees are properly cared for in the long term.
Call Arbor Solutions Today for a Free Estimate
If you’re in need of tree pruning services, don’t hesitate to call Arbor Solutions today at 604 774 5855. Our team of local arborists has the knowledge and expertise to properly care for your trees. We offer free estimates and can work with you to develop a customized tree care plan. Don’t wait – call us today to schedule your appointment.