Tree trimming is the process of removing damaged, rubbing, or dead branches from trees and shrubs. It can also be used to shape trees and promote healthy growth or to maintain a specific appearance.
Each pruning cut impacts a tree or shrub for its entire life, so it is important that any cuts are made correctly and at the right time. Read on for some ideas.
Aesthetics
Aesthetic pruning is used to promote healthy growth and enhance the beauty of the landscape. It involves removing unnecessary branches and trimming the shape of the canopy. It’s usually done during the winter while trees are dormant to minimize stress and help heal cuts more quickly.
Trees and shrubs that are not regularly trimmed can become unwieldy, leading to scraggly or misshapen appearances. Overgrowth can also prevent other parts of the plant from getting the nutrients, water, and sunlight they need to thrive.
When it comes to aesthetic pruning, you should work with a certified arborist who understands how each species of tree grows, its character, and its essence. They can help you to achieve a beautiful, natural look while reducing the risk of structural failure or damage, as well as the chance of disease and insect infestations. They can also use a variety of equipment, including hand shears, lopping shears, and pole pruners.
Safety
Tree trimming is dangerous work, especially when performed at height. The most common hazards are falls and electrocutions. Both can be prevented by following proper safety procedures and using well-maintained equipment. Ladders, climbing ropes, and trimmers should all be inspected prior to use. Avoid using a ladder in the bed of a pickup truck to gain extra height, as this can cause the vehicle to turn over, throwing the worker off.
Do not climb or access a tree in wet, windy, or icy weather. It is also important to inspect the tree before beginning to make sure there are no potential hazards like broken limbs or electrical lines.
It is crucial to follow minimum working distances from overhead power lines when using conductive tools. A utility line that has fallen onto the ground can still carry enough energy to cause serious injury or death. An employee was killed when he misjudged the distance between him and a downed power line while pruning trees.
Health
Tree trimming is essential for keeping trees and shrubs healthy. It removes dead or diseased branches, thins out stems, and encourages branching. It also keeps trees in proper shape and can improve the overall appearance of the landscape. In addition, it protects people and property from falling debris and reduces the risk of damage caused by storms.
Despite the many benefits of tree trimming, the procedure can be dangerous. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that from 1980 to 1988, 181 workers died from injuries related to tree trimming or cutting. This is especially true during the cleanup efforts following natural disasters.
A professional arborist can ensure that your trees are trimmed safely. In addition, they can identify any problems and recommend the correct solutions. They can also help you determine the right frequency of trimming and pruning for your property. They can also assist with other aspects of landscaping and yard maintenance, such as hedges.
Structural
Structural pruning increases a tree’s strength, promotes good structure, and improves its ability to resist damage from wind and storms. It involves reducing the number of dominant leaders on young to mid-aged trees by removing co-dominant stems or shortening them with subordination cuts to slow their growth. It also involves redistributing the weight of a crown’s branches by selectively shortening or removing branch terminals that are too heavy for their length or causing the union to decay.
This type of pruning often reduces a tree’s height or spreads to clear buildings, sidewalks, streets, or vistas. It also helps prevent accidents by removing branches that could fall and damage property or hurt people. This is typically done using size management cuts such as topping, reduction, or thinning. It requires the knowledge of a trained arborist to make properly located and spaced cuts to maintain a strong, stable tree. It also requires the skill to recognize when to prune for structural integrity rather than aesthetics. Find out more!
