By: Shelby McCullough| Published: September 16, 2019
You have a beautiful yard, or your business has some great landscaping but you’re noticing that it needs to be trimmed and kept up-to-date. Here are some tree trimming tips in Longwood to help you shape your trees so they look great.
Why Tree Trimming
Tree trimming is a way of removing branches to revitalize a tree and make it look healthier and better. Removing dead or damaged branches can help prevent additional decay from insects and disease.
Generally, trees are trimmed for three reasons:
- Health
- Safety
- Aesthetics
Health
You can save an infected tree by pruning away damaged branches. Thinning the crown of a tree can improve airflow, and help other plants get sunlight.
Safety
There are a number of reasons why you’d trim your tree and prune it for safety. Broken branches can fall at any time, which is a safety risk. If the branches of a tree obstruct your drive, they should be pruned.
Aesthetics
You want your trees or yard to look nice. You want your Longwood home to have curb appeal. Who doesn’t? That’s why you’d use tree trimming techniques to make your hard look better.
Tree Trimming Tools
In order to properly trim your trees, you will need the proper tools. Here are some great tools to use:
- Pruning shears: Pruning shears are scissors designed for cutting foliage. This tool is strong enough to trim large branches and shrubs.
- A pole pruner: A pole pruner is designed to cut high areas.
- Goggles: Keeps the leaves from your eyes; don’t forget these.
Tree Trimming Tips
General Tips
- Trim when tree is dormant: It’s best to trim your trees during the dormant season. The dormant season is usually winter and fall for trees. For elms and oaks, this is the best time to prune and avoid the potential spread of disease. Pine is an exception; you can trim almost any season.
- Consider the branch size: If it is less than 5 centimeters in breadth, removal is fine. If it is between 5 and 10 centimeters, don’t remove. 10 centimeters, only if it’s damaged should it be removed.
- Trim branches when they are young: Young branches are much easier to manage.
- Don’t trim too close or too long: Don’t leave a large stub.
- Before trimming: Look for the branch collar (which is found at the stem of the base of a branch). Do not injure this.
- When trimming: Always angle your cut down and away from the stem.
- When trimming: Always use the same technique to prune all branches, dead or living.
Trimming the Crown
The crown is another way to say the top of the tree. There are a number of do’s and don’ts when trimming a crown. Here are a few tree trimming tips.
- Keep lateral branches evenly spaced: This is particularly with your trees.
- Trim branches that intersect with other branches.
- Never remove more than a quarter of a crown.
- Don’t remove too many branches near the bottom half; the tree may not be able to develop a strong stem.
Remember these tree trimming tips in Longwood before you trim and prune your tree.
When to Call a Tree Trimming Expert
In the end, it’s best to leave the tree trimming to the tree trimming experts. Here is when you know it’s time to call tree trimming experts:
- Branches are too close to your home
- The tree is close to power lines
- Your tree has not been trimmed in the last 3 years
McCullough Tree Service has 3 certified arborists on staff who can help you with your yard. As a professional tree company in Longwood, FL, we can help you reclaim your yard again.
Our skilled technicians understand the pruning process and can remove limbs that only clutter your tree and not support it.
We will determine the process based on:
- Location
- Tree type
- The health of the tree
- And your individual needs
We offer our tree trimming service for residential and commercial properties of all kinds. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, you can find all that you’re looking for with our tree trimming services.
Contact us today to help you reshape your trees with our trimming service.
