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Pruning is one of the best ways to take proper care of your trees. As opposed to cutting random branches, pruning involves eliminating the branches that are a potential threat to the overall structure and quality of the tree.
The process of pruning can look deceivingly easy and simple. However, when you are in the thick of it, things can become tricky.
Here are some of the best pruning tips to help you make your trees as healthy as possible.
Do not compromise with your safety
If you are just pruning some small flower trees, you can probably get away with not wearing safety gears.
However, as soon as your tree qualifies to be more than just a plant, you should get your gloves, helmets, shoes, and safety goggles.
Remove the three Ds first
What are the three Ds? The three Ds in pruning refers to the three most undesired parts of the tree: dead, diseased, and dying branches.
These branches are the primary reason why your tree isn’t growing right or is producing poor fruits. Luckily, these branches are always easy to spot and remove.
However, always make sure you study the location of those branches prior to cutting them down. You wouldn’t want to cut the wrong thing.
Identify the “weak” branches
Some branches even though they are not infected or dead, can become naturally weak. Too much weight on the specific branch is one of the most common reasons.
Clustering branches, for example, are those compact and thick branches at the top of the tree. If these are not pruned at the appropriate time, they can prevent fruit-bearing.
Similarly, acute branches are those that are connected to the main trunk at sharp angles. They are always at a risk of snapping with the tiniest amount of pressure added.
Never leave a stub
A stub is the V-Shaped physical appearance that results from pruning wrong. Most people unconsciously make this mistake.
A stub leaves an open wound and invites external threats that can infest and ruin the integrity of the branch and overall tree structure. You should, instead, cut the branch as close to the main trunk as possible.
Avoid pruning trees too early
Usually, it is better to start pruning trees when they are young so they can grow correctly and obtain a sturdy structure from the beginning. However, you should wait at least a year after planting the tree before pruning.
Give your tree enough time to fully develop before you go cutting down its branches. You can, however, make exceptions for dead and diseased branches.
Always clean your tools before & after making the cut
Most people do not bother cleaning or disinfecting their pruning shears before using them. Shears can develop rust and bacteria which when exposed to your tree’s open wound can infect it.
Also, if you do not clean your pruning shear after cutting a diseased branch, it can spread the infection to the rest of the tree. Something no one wants.
When using the right techniques, the process of pruning can be extremely simple and uncomplicated. However, for major pruning projects that involve using a chain saw at significant heights, it is best to hire a professional like Sydney tree company. Happy cutting guys!
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
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