Pruning is considered as one of the most interesting practices when it comes to yard maintenance and it is a very important aspect that you need to understand for efficient and effective plant growth and development.
This practice helps to boost the health of the plant and you need to understand the technique involved in cutting tree branches so that your tree can survive and perform well after you are done with it.
Most people find it very difficult to understand this concept of pruning the branches of their tree, but you do not have to worry as we will take you through the simple method through which you can easily and conveniently get rid of the branches that are diseases, serves as an obstruction, or need shaping.
Pruning is an easy task that anyone can handle as long as you learn the right techniques and pay attention to every detailed instructions and hint that are given to you.
Branches are one of the most significant parts of trees and they make up the major part of the tree’s structure.
When you want to prune branches, just like a whole tree, you need to pay attention to your environmental condition and determine when you have to prune as well as the reason why you have decided to prune your tree.
For example, if you are dealing with fruit or flowering tree, pruning should be carried out when the plant is done blooming or any other time of the year while most evergreen trees do not require pruning unless you want to remove dead branches from them, so you need to know your tree.
Making well-detailed research about your type of tree will be of great help to you to know if there is any special kind of technique to use when pruning the branches.
In this article, we will take you through how you can prune tree branches as well as the various things that you need to know about pruning tree branches.
How do you know when pruning Tree branches are needed?
Having a good idea of when you need to prune is of great importance for a successful and rewarding practice.
Pruning is a regular maintenance practice that we need to learn to allow the tree to grow well and stay healthy. Pruning of tree branches can be done if:
- There are branches on the tree that are diseased and need to be gotten rid of.
- There is damage to the tree branches caused by storm or thunder effect.
- The branch is serving as a disturbance or obstruction either to pathways or it is reaching dangerous heights in the environment.
- You desire to encourage flower and fruit production.
- You want to trigger the tree to grow larger or to improve air movement within the tree structure. You can also prune when you want to make the tree look nicer and appreciable.
When can I prune my Tree branches?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to pruning tree branches. Determining the perfect time to prune your tree depends on some factors and they include the type of tree that you want to prune, the climatic condition of the place where the plant is grown, and the reason why you want to prune.
Generally, the perfect time to prune your tree is when the tree is dormant. This means that pruning is to be done on branches during winter and this practice helps to reduce the risk of disease and pest infestations in the open cut wound. You can also prune before spring as this will encourage the vigorous and healthy growth of tree branches.
If your weather condition is quite harsh, you should wait until the coldest period pass before you prune so as to reduce the stress on the tree.
This is because in most cases, these trees thrive to survive at this time and it might be disastrous for them if any harm comes to them at that point in time.
So, the best time to prune your tree in places with very cold weather is during the late winter o early spring. Always note this period and always prune at this period so as to give your plant the best chance of survival.
What is the Proper Tree pruning technique?
There are proper ways through which tree branches need to be pruned so that they can stay healthy and satisfying. When you prune your tree very well, the wound formed will callus very well.
The term “callus” refers to a circular ring formed around the surface of the wounded region when dried.
The callus must form properly so that the plant will not be susceptible to any form of disease or damage in the long run. Below are some of the proper techniques for pruning branches:
Branch collar identification:
The very first step to take after deciding on the branch you want to prune is to identify the branch collar. The branch collar is usually made up of the thickest bark and this is the place from which the branches develop.
You must pay attention to this part of the plant as some of them appear more visible than others. When you want to prune the branch, make sure that the cut is made just outside the branch collar so that the tree can heal properly. Make sure that the branch collar is not harmed so that a good callus can be formed.
Make a cut at a downward angle:
When you are trimming or pruning your tree, you should make sure that it is made at a downward angle so that water will not settle on the surface of the wound. Settled water on the surface of the wound can lead to the rotting of the tree.
Do not prune branches that are facing upward:
Most people make this mistake and it is not healthy for the plant. When you prune, make sure that you do not touch branches that are growing upward because cutting them will lead to easy settling of water on the surface of the wound and this can cause eventual rot of the tree.
Don’t prune a branch too long:
After pruning the branches, make sure that the stub left from the cut is not too long so that the wounded part can form a good callus. This is of great essence and importance to the health and structure of the tree.
How to Prune Tree Branches
Now, since we have been taken through the various techniques that are used in the pruning of tree branches, we are now going to go through the sequential way through which pruning of tree branches is to be carried out. Below are some of the steps through which pruning of tree branches are to be carried out:
Prune suckers growing at the base of the trunk:
Suckers are weedy-looking branches that grow out from the base of the trunk. These suckers only grow without any desire to become true branches so you should trim them off so that the water and nutrients going to them can be used by productive and efficient branches.
Removal of dead or dying branches:
If you notice a dead branch or one that is wounded past rejuvenation, you should get rid of them as quick as possible so as to prevent the transfer of diseases to the other parts of the tree.
If possible, this type of branch should be removed at first as it will make it easy for you to see what you are working with and it will make it easier for you to know the next part to be pruned.
Unwanted or Hazardous branches should be pruned:
There are some branches that seem hazardous and causes inconveniences in the environment where they are found.
If the branches of the tree are hanging low, touching your house, or reaching the electricity pole should be trimmed.
You should note that if you cannot do this yourself, you should call the attention of gardeners or expertise so that the issue does not escalate.
Damaged and weak branches should be removed:
You must remove tree branches that are damaged or broken as this can cause invitation of pests and diseases.
You must remove the branches even if they are still alive so as to avoid the cause of disease or infestation of the tree part.
This should be done as soon as such a thing is noticed so that the tree will not be prone to any form of infection.
Remove branches that cross:
If you see the branches that are crossing and are growing in a bad manner, you must try to prevent their further growth.
Also, if you see that the branches grow inward you must try as much as possible to prevent the growth of this plant.
Conclusion
Proper pruning of your tree branches is considered important and you must note the technique mentioned to have a successful and neat pruning outcome.
This practice is going to give your plant a more appreciable look afterward. Pay attention to the health of your tree and make sure that it is well handled.
On behalf of the author, thank you so much for taking the time to read this article !
