As any tree-lover knows, there are many benefits to pruning trees. Not only does it help to keep them healthy and free of disease, but it also encourages new growth and can even reduce the costs associated with ongoing tree maintenance.
To the layperson pruning a branch may seem like a simple act. However, there is a real art behind pruning trees from both a tree health and tree aesthetics point of view.
Of course, tree pruning is not a one-size-fits-all affair. The type of tree, as well as its age and location, all need to be taken into account when deciding how and when to prune.
Let’s have a look at some of the advantages of pruning trees.
Main Advantages of Pruning Trees
Depending on the location, species and age of your tree it can be advantageous to have a regular pruning regime to promote good air flow and to reduce potential structural failures.
Tree pruning can be a great way to improve the health and appearance of your trees, as well as;
- Increase sunlight penetration to ripen the shoots and fruit.
- Keep them healthy and free of disease
- Develop the structure of the tree so it can support the weight of the fruit
- Improve a tree’s overall health, structure, and appearance
Lastly, pruning can also be great alternative to tree removals. The goal is to retain as much of the natural environment as possible, and pruning can help prevent unnecessary tree removals within our beautiful communities.
Can I prune trees myself?
Of course you can do it yourself, no-one is stopping you, but you’ve got to weigh up the risks of DIY tree pruning. Danger to your property, injury risk to yourself, and long term damage to your trees through improper pruning.
Tree pruning is not without its challenges. Pruning can be difficult to do correctly, and it is important to avoid damaging the tree, or injuring yourself for that matter.
In most cases, tree pruning is best left to tree care specialists who have the experience and know-how, and who can ensure that your trees are properly cared for.
Having your trees pruned by an Arborist
When you have your tree pruned by a certified arborist you benefit on multiple levels, most importantly;
- Tree health is maintained
- On-going maintenance costs are reduced
- The tree’s natural shape and aesthetics are preserved
- And, we’ve got the right safety gear – which is always a bonus:)
At Advantage Tree Care, we pride ourselves in the highest quality craftsmanship when it comes to pruning trees and tree care.
Pruning in urban environments
In urban areas, a lot of the drivers for pruning trees are due to them being “in the way” of human or building needs and frequently it is more about solving these needs than addressing the needs of the tree.
As arborists we are continually having to get creative with how to achieve what the client wants, whilst maintaining the tree’s health and aesthetics.
The different types of pruning methods
Tree Pruning involves a range of techniques. The most popular of these tree pruning methods are crown thinning, reduction, raising, and crown cleaning. The crown of the tree is essential for producing leaves for photosynthesis. Without a healthy and strong crown, the rest of the tree will become weaker over time.
Some examples of the tree pruning methods we use include
- Structural pruning
- Tree reductions
- Tree thinning
- Building clearance
- Dead wood removal
- Hazard prevention pruning
- Restorative pruning (when the tree has previously be poorly pruned)
- Fruit tree pruning – apple trees and other fruit tree pruning
- Sensitive species pruning e.g. Garry Oak
If you want more, here is a great video on the ABC’s of Tree Pruning
Pruning Garry Oak
ATC has extensive experience and we enjoy working with Garry Oaks. They are a valuable tree in our Ecosystem so much so that Oak Bay was named after the Garry Oak. Learn more about pruning Garry Oak
Fruit Tree Pruning
Fruit tree pruning is an art of its own within the tree pruning world. There are multiple methods for pruning fruit trees depending on the overall purpose of the tree, the species and the desired form (shape) it has been trained to.
With fruit trees you can also prune the fruit to enhance fruit size and quality.if you don’t have the confidence to take care of your own fruit trees best to reach out to a tree care company for assistance.
Summary
Tree pruning is often seen as tree care’s dark and mysterious art. Many people are afraid to prune their trees, thinking they will do more harm than good.
Having your tree pruned regularly is actually a very important part of tree care. Pruning can help to stimulate new growth, remove diseased or damaged branches, and promote fruit production in fruit trees. In addition, pruning can help to increase air circulation and sunlight penetration, both of which are essential for tree health.
If you think your trees are in need of a little TLC with some regular pruning, don’t be afraid to give your local tree pruners ATC a call, we’d be happy to explain in more detail how our service works.
