Caring for trees keeps them healthy and beautiful for decades. Pruning is essential to tree care, but doing it correctly requires more than just grabbing some clippers and hacking away at overgrown limbs. This renders the tree vulnerable to disease, storm damage, or even death.
The best way to avoid tree pruning mistakes is to entrust the work to tree services in Auburn Hills, MI, with the knowledge and equipment to do the job right. They can also tell you how to best care for your trees, so you aren’t left wondering, “What did I just do?”
Don’t Make These Tree Pruning Mistakes
There are plenty of ways that pruning can go wrong.
1. Topping Trees
Topping trees involves cutting off the uppermost branches to control the tree’s height. While this may seem like a wise choice, it’s actually terrible for the tree. Not only does it leave the tree looking uneven and unsightly, but topping results in weak branches and an unstable trunk. Considering that Auburn Hills gets its fair share of winter storms, a topped tree is far more likely to fall under the weight of snow or ice.
2. Using Dull Tools
Using dull tools for pruning can crush and tear branches, creating jagged wounds that are more difficult for trees to heal. To keep the tree healthy, always sharpen pruners and saws before getting started. Sharper tools also make the job safer and easier.
3. Making Improper Cuts
Correct tree pruning isn’t just where you cut; it’s also how you cut. One of the most common tree pruning mistakes is leaving stubby ends or cutting too close to the trunk. Both damage the tree’s ability to heal.
The proper place to cut is just above the “branch collar,” the slightly swollen area where the branch meets the trunk. Clean, angled cuts are best for long-term health.
4. Over-Pruning
Over-pruning removes too much canopy at once, which stresses the tree and reduces its ability to photosynthesize. Ideally, you shouldn’t remove more than 25% of a tree’s foliage in a single season.
5. Pruning During the Wrong Season
Pruning during the wrong season can leave your trees susceptible to pests and diseases. In Auburn Hills, the best time to cut back tree branches is the late winter or very early spring, before the sap starts flowing but after the coldest weather has passed. Avoid pruning in the summer or fall, unless you’re dealing with dead or damaged limbs.
6. Neglecting Tree Structure
Every tree has a natural shape, and ignoring it during pruning can lead to awkward growth and weak limbs. Step back and take a good look before making your first cut to identify the central leader, crossing branches, and other structural issues. Address them first, then work on shaping.
Avoid Errors by Turning to the Professionals
It’s easy to make tree pruning mistakes, so if you’re in doubt, call Otto Tree Service in Auburn Hills, MI, for help. Our skilled arborists are happy to lend a hand with tree trimming and pruning to keep your yard looking its best. Call (248) 617-8644 to schedule an appointment.
