Pruning Trees

Pruning simply means trimming by cutting away dead or overgrown branches or stems, especially to increase fruitfulness and growth. By pruning, it will not only help trees grow strong and look neat and attractive, it also helps maintain safety by avoiding the dead branches and limbs from falling. Pruning can be done by yourself, but be sure not to damage the tree; yet in any case if the tree is infected and large part has to be pruned might as well call an expert to do it.

There are many reasons why to prune a tree. Some of these include promoting the health of the plant, improving its appearance, reducing the height of the tree and preventing safety hazards. Pruning when the plant is still young is one of the preventive maintenance, not only it will beautify your plant it also encourage strong development of the structure. You prune the tree when dead, broken or diseased branches are visible. It is best to prune during dormant season. During late winter, early spring growth starts and there will be only a short length of time before the tree open its buds. In any case if you want to slow the growth and development of the plant, prune during summer.

So before you start pruning, make a quick assessment on what you want to do with the tree. It’s better to check and identify the major branches of the tree. Make sure to use proper equipment in pruning. Remove first the dead, broken and crossing branches and then open the plant to allow air to circulate and for the light to reach all parts. Prune the branches that block the walkway. You can give shape to your plant by removing the branches that stick out. Never remove over ¼ of the tree’s branches. Remember that each cut opens the tree to infection. The main side branches of three should be at least 1/3 smaller than the diameter of the trunk. In shortening a small branch, make the cut lateral to another branch. Keep your tools sharp. Cut should be clean and should be at a slight angle about ¼ inches beyond a bud.

​You can choose the direction of the branch to maintain your desired shape. Always make sure to prune the right way to avoid damaging the tree.