Trimming a tree takes much more than simply grabbing a pair of scissors and hacking at the first tree you see. There are many trimming techniques to keep your foliage in order, and if you are intent on doing it yourself, you can learn some basics. On the other hand, if you are in the Fraser Valley, you can hire a professional and know that the work is being done right.
Trees are generally trimmed for three reasons: safety, health, or aesthetics.
Tree Trimming For Safety
When trimming a tree for safety, it means that there are dead or broken branches that need to be removed to prevent them from falling. Dead branches pose a serious safety hazard, and hiring professionals to remove them remains the safest option. If the branches of a tree obstruct your vision, it is also a good idea to trim them away. Tree limbs and branches can also grow too close to utility lines. It is very important to contact the utility company to handle such issues and not try to do it yourself.
Tree Trimming for Health
Trees can occasionally become infected, and the only way to save them is by strategically removing the branches and limbs that have been affected. It can be beneficial to thin the tree’s crown, improving airflow. Branches that cross and rub together should also be trimmed or removed, so they don’t weaken, break, or fall. If you’re wondering if one of your trees is sick, there are several things to look before proceeding.
Tree Trimming for Aesthetics
Finally, by trimming a tree regularly, you help to maintain its shape and appearance. It’s important not to trim excessively, as this might also damage the tree.
Once you’ve decided on the ‘why’, we can now move on to the ‘how’.
Dormant Season
Although you can technically trim a tree at any time, it is best to trim it during its dormant season. Fall and winter are generally the time when most trees are dormant. Dormant tree maintenance avoids disrupting your tree’s growth and puts them in a position to flourish when the ground thaws and the sun is shining again.
Size of Branch
Check the size of the branch that you would like to remove. You can remove it if it is less than five centimeters in diameter. But if it is between five and 10 centimeters, you should consider getting professional help instead. And if the branch is anything more than 10 centimeters, you should get professional help.
V-Shape Branches
Only trim branches that have narrow angles that depict a V-shape. These are weak and can be removed. A branch that has a stronger U-shape should be left alone.
Young Branches
Trimming is best when branches are young and easier to manage. Branches should not be trimmed too close or too long – you don’t want to leave a large stub, but you also don’t want a gap cut out of the tree.
Thinning the Crown
If you need to thin the crown of a tree, try to keep your lateral branches as evenly spaced as possible. Remember to remove branches that cross other branches or run against them. It is important to never remove more than a quarter of the living crown at once. If necessary, it should be spread out over several years. A better option is to hire professionals to ensure it is done correctly.
Raising The Crown
To raise the tree’s crown to create clearance for cars or other reasons, you can trim the bottom branches. Don’t remove more than one-third of the live branches on the tree’s height. If you remove too many branches on the bottom half of the tree, you put the tree at risk of not being able to develop a strong stem.
Branch Collar
Before making any cuts, you should always look for the branch collar. Then, look for the branch ridge on the surface and is always parallel to the branch angle at the stem.
Cut angles
Ensure that you always cut outside the branch bark ridge and angle your cut down and away from the stem, not damaging the branch collar.
Three-Cut Technique for Tree Trimming
You can use the same technique to trim both dead and living branches. If the stem is too long to cut, you should contact professionals first. If you are still set on doing it yourself, you should use the three-cut technique. Make a notch on the side of the stem that faces away from the branch that’s being retained; make the second cut inside the crotch of the branch and above the branch ridge; the third cut will remove the stub by cutting through the stem parallel to the branch bark ridge.
These tips and tricks on trimming a tree should help you manage basic trimming in your garden. However, hiring professionals to get the job done safely and efficiently is still recommended. If you live in Abbotsford or the Fraser Valley, give us a call for a free consultation!