The purpose of pruning trees is to shape them to the desired appearance of the tree owner. Pruning can be a very personal decision, as everyone has a different idea of what they want their tree to look like. To achieve the desired outcome, it is important to understand the tree owner’s vision for the tree’s end result.
Using specific pruning terms helps explain and understand the desired outcome of the pruning process. Communication between the tree owner and the pruner is essential for the successful pruning of the tree.
Without further ado, here are four types of pruning and where they are best used:
1. Deadwood Pruning
Removing dead, diseased, and dying branches from a tree is an important pruning practice that is often overlooked. This is commonly known as crown cleaning. Even if a dead branch is still attached to the tree, it is only a matter of time before it falls off and potentially causes damage or injury.
The goal of crown cleaning is to reduce the risk of harm to people or property by removing deadwood and improving the tree’s appearance. It is important to be mindful of the size of the dead branches that are being removed, as not all of them should be removed. This type of pruning results in a safer tree that looks much more aesthetically pleasing.
2. Raising
Crown Raising is the strategic pruning of a tree to provide clearance for pedestrians, traffic, and other elements of the surrounding landscape. This involves selectively removing or trimming lower limbs and branches.
It is important to do this judiciously, as over-pruning can harm the trunk’s integrity while delaying the removal of large limbs until they become too large can also be damaging. This process results in a tree that can mature in harmony with its environment.
3. Thinning
Crown Thinning is a process where branches on young trees are removed to open the canopy and allow more air and light to penetrate. It is important to focus on removing weaker branches, as mature trees are not as tolerant to this process. The result is a tree with an open canopy, allowing more sunlight to reach plants below.
4. Reduction
Reduction is a way to manage the size of a young tree, but for a mature tree, there may be better solutions than this. It involves the selective cutting of terminal branches to reduce the mass of a particular limb or the overall size of the tree’s canopy.
The goal is to control the size and shape of the tree without compromising its health. When performing reduction, it is essential to have a good understanding of tree growth patterns. The end result is a tree that is proportionally smaller and still retains its natural canopy shape.
Conclusion
Tree pruning is an important part of keeping trees healthy and safe. Each type of pruning has a specific purpose and is best suited for different tree species. When selecting the best pruning method, it is important to consider the type of tree, size, and purpose.
A qualified arborist should be consulted when selecting the best type of pruning for a particular tree. With their experience and expertise, an arborist can guide the best pruning practices for a particular tree and help ensure it remains healthy and safe for years to come.
ATL Tree Work has been servicing the needs of Atlanta homeowners and businesses since 2003. We pride ourselves on consistently giving our commercial and residential customers exceptional results at affordable prices, without compromising quality of service. If you need tree pruning services in Johns Creek, we’ve got you covered! Get in touch with us today and let us know how we can help!
