Pruning: Why, When, What and More
by Doug Vossen - September 2006
Doug Vossen is a certified arborist for Ryan Lawn & Tree. He can be reached at (913) 381-1505.When most people think about improving the appearance of their landscape, planting shrubs and flowers comes to mind. A well-manicured green lawn is the foreground. Trees frame your home and provide background. Today, I want to talk about pruning these trees.
Why is it important to prune trees?
Trees in our yards are not in their natural environment, and sometimes need pruning to fit into ours.
Homeowners often prune residential trees to keep them from growing into electrical wires. We also prune to keep trees away from growing over roofs, decks, and fences. Additionally, many homeowners are familiar with the need to remove the low limbs of trees so people can walk beneath them without ducking.
The potential for damage to homes, cars, etc., is another reason residential trees need pruned. Hazard limbs susceptible to storm damage (dead limbs, limbs with an attachment point of 45 degrees or less and co-dominant leads to name a few) can be eliminated by pruning. Removing these limbs will help prevent damage to your property.
When is a good time to prune?
You can prune trees year round. Generally, the best time to prune is in late winter/early spring, just before new growth begins. Trees lose less stored energy by pruning this time of year and cuts can heal quicker. Nevertheless, pruning is more favorable to some trees at other times of the year. For example, prune fruit and flower bearing trees and shrubs after blooming is complete. Summer pruning is commonly recommended for controlling growth on trees and small ornamentals that have reached their desired size. Remember that pruning will affect blooming, so be sure you are pruning your trees and shrubs at the right time to avoid missing a blooming cycle.
What kinds of limbs and branches should be pruned?
When pruning any tree or ornamental, there are a few questions to ask. Why do you think this plant needs pruning? What results are you expecting?
Pruning, for the most part, is a human need done for aesthetic value. Many trees will shed leaves and small branches in order to stay alive and keep proper balance of shoot and root growth. So, why do we prune?
Dead branches and broken limbs are probably the most important to remove from a tree, as well as limbs weakly attached to their point of attachment. These limbs are weak and can be dangerous. They also make the tree look less appealing.
When thinning a tree, it is best to focus on branches that are rubbing or crossing each other. This causes clumps in trees and can prohibit sunlight to the canopy. Cutting away these limbs will make a tree more balanced and remove extra weight.
These are some simple guidelines to pruning trees at our homes. This can help maintain proper growth and prolong tree life.
When to consult a professional?
Many times homeowners will see that a tree needs pruned, but will not know how to prune the tree to achieve a desired result. An arborist can observe the plant site, evaluate homeowner expectations and help determine pruning needs. Arborists can help determine what, when, how, and why plants may or may not need to be pruned.