As a homeowner, you should ensure that you prune your tree regularly. This maintenance practice helps improve your tree's appearance and prevent the spread of diseases. While some may believe that this is a simple task they can perform without a professional, pruning your trees without expert help can compromise their growth and health. However, if you choose to do it by yourself, ensure that you avoid the errors mentioned in the guide below:

Failing To Make The Right Cuts

When pruning your tree, ensure that you always make the correct cuts. First, don't cut the branch near the tree trunk to avoid damaging the bark. It's also crucial that your cuts are above the nodes, i.e., where buds and leaves emerge. Doing this helps guide the new stem to grow in a specific direction. Moreover, avoid using dull tools while making the cuts, as they can cause damage to the branches, making them susceptible to diseases and pests.

Failing To Have A Pruning Goal

When pruning their trees for the first time, many people do it without planning. Some might take on this task hurriedly because their trees are long overdue for the exercise. Others may go in without a plan because they haven't had trees in their care before. Nonetheless, if you don't have a pruning goal, you could make mistakes that may impact your tree's health. Understanding the different reasons for tree pruning is crucial in determining how you go about the task. For example, you may want to prune them to achieve a certain shape or remove dead branches.

Pruning Many Branches From Your Tree Top

As you prune your tree, avoid excessive removal of branches on the upper section of your tree. This is a fairly common mistake, especially if the area where the tree is planted is rather small. If you're topping your plant to help encourage more blooms, your tree will likely look deformed. This practice also causes your branches' structure to weaken, making them susceptible to damage from strong winds.

Failing To Schedule Your Pruning Properly

Before you prune your tree, ensure that the timing is opportune. Note that your tree species and the area's climatic conditions play a significant role in determining when it's best to prune your trees. Generally, a good time for this maintenance practice is during the cold season because the trees are dormant, meaning you won't expect new growth. Still, if you aren't sure whether winter is the right time for your tree species, seek advice from a professional arborist.

When planning to prune your trees, ensure that you work with a certified expert. This will help you avoid the mistakes highlighted in the above guide.

Contact a tree pruning service to learn more. 

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