Unlike a large tree, a small tree isn't likely to grow out of control and take over your property. However, a small tree needs trimming just like any other to grow and be healthy. When pruning it, you'll need to be more careful so you don't hurt it.
Give Your Tree More Time
If your tree is young or newly planted, give it time to establish itself before pruning it. A new tree needs all the leaves it can get to grow. Only remove branches that are dead or broken so that new branches can grow. But if your tree has been around for a while and is small, you can start pruning it.
Know What to Prune
Focus on pruning suckers, dead branches, branches touching other branches, limbs too close to the ground, and limbs competing with the central leader. The leader refers to the dominant tree branch typically found at the top of the trunk. If you remove the wrong branches, you'll stunt the growth of your tree or may even kill it.
Shape the Tree Over Time
Over several years, your goal will be to shape the tree to maximize the foliage and increase the number of flowers. However, you'll only want to prune a small percentage of the tree while allowing the rest of the tree to grow. You can cut away some old stems while leaving new branches intact.
Know Where to Cut
When you need to remove an entire branch, cut very close to the branch collar. However, avoid cutting the collar itself because you could injure the tree by creating a larger wound that will take longer for the tree to heal.
Know When to Ask for Help
Young trees sometimes struggle to survive. Pruning is tricky during the early stages but is occasionally necessary. If you need help figuring out where to begin, consult a tree trimming service. They will help you avoid the hassle of cutting your tree, and you won't have to worry about making a mistake that will hurt it.
For example, you might find it challenging to cleanly cut through a branch without causing damage to the tree. A young tree is less stable and more likely to fall. However, a tree trimming service can remove the branch with the proper techniques.
An experienced arborist can also inspect your tree for other issues, such as signs of disease or a pest infestation. They will give you advice on how to keep your tree healthy.
