The trees in your landscape depend on proper trimming not just to stay healthy, but also to look their best. A poor trim can leave a tree unsightly, and sometimes the damage can take years to repair. The following are three main trimming mistakes that can ruin the appearance of your trees, as well as how to avoid them.
#1: Cutting in the wrong spot
When it comes to cutting off or shortening a branch, there are specific guidelines as to how to cut. Otherwise, you will end up with unattractive branch stubs or bare blunt branches protruding from the foliage. When removing an entire branch, cut it back to the main branch or trunk that it is connected to. Cut flush with the branch collar, which is the raised ring of bark at the base of the branch. When removing just part of a branch, such as one that has been damaged, cut it off just before a set of of leaves or an adjoining branch or twig. This will help camouflage the cut branch end.
#2: Topping to control size
A major mistake that is sometimes used in an attempt to control the size of an ornamental tree is to top it. Unfortunately, this just gives the tree canopy an unnatural look that can take years to grow out – if the tree survives the major loss of foliage. A better tactic is to choose landscape trees based on their expected mature size so that there is no need to control their growth. If pruning must be used to help manage canopy size, then plan to trim yearly and remove no more than a quarter of the branch's length. Cut back all branches, not just the top ones, to maintain a natural, rounded canopy shape.
#3: Ignoring scrubby growth
Scrubby growth generally occurs around the base of the tree or along the trunk below the main branches. This is the twigs and whip-like suckers that emerge and make a trunk look messy and unkempt. Not only are these unattractive, but they also siphon away water and nutrients from the main branches and canopy of your tree, which can weaken it over time. Cut these off, either flush with the ground or trunk depending on where they emerge from, as soon as you notice them growing. Your tree will be healthier and prettier for it.
For more help, contact a tree trimming service in your area, such as Show Me Tree Service.
