There is an art to pruning. Part of the art is knowing which types of branches should be removed when you are trimming a tree.
1. Hanging Branches
Hanging branches are those that joint the trunk at an angle greater than 90 degrees. They hang down under their own weight, instead of arching upward, which means they are more likely to break off and take some of the trunk with them. Hanging branches can also cause the trunk to split if the branch is heavy enough.
2. Water Sprouts
A water sprout begins as a small branch growing straight up, perpendicular to the lateral branch it is attached to. These types of branches put on new growth quickly, becoming quite large in very little time. Water sprouts negatively impact the structure of the tree and divert water and nutrients from the other branches. They need to be cut out as soon as they are recognized.
3. Dead Wood
Any dead or damaged wood, including broken branches, should be trimmed immediately. If infestation or disease is the culprit, trimming out the branch may prevent the problem from spreading to the rest of the tree. Dead and dying wood is also more prone to breakage, which can harm the healthy parts of the tree when it occurs.
4. Suckers
Suckers are weak, whippy branches that grow around the base of a tree or lower on its trunk. They can put on new growth quickly and divert nutrients from where they are most needed. Suckers should be cut off flush to the trunk or, in the case of those growing around the base of the tree, just beneath the soil surface.
5. Crossed Branches
Sometimes the lateral branches in the crown of the tree cross over each other and rub together. This friction wounds the branch bark, increasing the chances of damage, pests, or disease infection. Trim out one of the crossed branches to solve the problem. Which you remove depends, but generally, you want to choose the healthiest with the best form to remain.
6. Branch Stubs
Poor pruning practices in the past or recent damage can leave the stubby ends of branches protruding from the trunk. A tree can't heal over branch stubs well, so the best practice is to cut them off even with the branch collar at the trunk.
Contact a tree trimming service if you need more assistance when it comes to the maintenance of your landscape trees.
Share28 June 2021
After we moved into our house, we knew that something had to be done about our trees. The branches looked off-kilter, and we could tell that someone had pruned them incorrectly at one time or another. Unfortunately, we weren't really sure how to repair the damage. A family friend talked with us about hiring a professional tree trimmer, and so we called them the next day. The difference that they made was astounding. They removed dead branches, trimmed up the shape, and let more sunlight through. My blog is all about improving the look of your trees by hiring a professional.