No matter the size or species of your tree, it will probably require pruning some time in its life. Pruning and trimming help remove dead branches, improve the plant’s structure, and control its size. But when it comes to big tree trimming, you must use a few specialized techniques to prevent injury.
Mature trees don’t bounce back as fast as young ones, and improper trimming could spell disaster. Below, Hernandez Complete Tree Service LLC, a top provider of tree services in Indian Head, MD, shares professional large tree pruning tips that certified arborists leverage.
Knowing When To Trim Mature Trees
Trimming large trees safely starts with knowing the right time to do so. You should only prune trees when they are dormant; in Indian Head, this occurs between when the leaves fall in autumn and when they begin to regrow in the spring. Pruning during dormancy reduces stress and makes the tree less vulnerable to disease and insect activity.
You should also only schedule pruning if the tree needs it for structural or health reasons rather than simply to improve curb appeal. A few signs to look for include:
- Broken branches
- Unbalanced growth
- Deadwood
- Storm damage
- Diseased or dead branches
If you’re unsure, schedule a consultation with a professional. They can tell you whether mature tree pruning is a good idea or whether it would put your tree at risk of further issues.
Using the Right Type of Cut
Professional arborists use several meticulous cuts for big tree trimming. You should never attempt pruning yourself; instead, enlist an experienced professional who has special training in these techniques:
- Drop-crotch cuts: Thins branches that are more than 15 inches in diameter
- Thinning cuts: Shortens or completely removes select branches
For tree height reduction, professionals make 45-degree cuts that slope away from the center of the trunk. This prevents weak angles from developing, which could lead to health deterioration over time.
Arborists also take care to avoid cutting into the shoulder or branch collar. This connection point is actually part of the trunk, and damaging it could create wounds that allow bacteria to enter.
Certified arborists can perform many pruning techniques, raising the tree’s canopy for safety purposes, re-aligning its structural balance, thinning the canopy for better oxygen and sunlight access, and more. They know the right types of cuts to perform, where, and when to boost the tree’s health.
Knowing How Much of the Live Crown To Trim
As you can imagine, tall tree trimming is precarious work. Certified arborists undergo intensive training to learn how to safely remove limbs and branches without causing more damage. One technique they must follow is removing the right amount of the tree’s canopy.
Generally, arborists should only prune up to 25% of the live canopy each year. Taking any more off could ultimately kill the tree. Doing so forces the plant to pour resources into closing wounds and regrowing that it would normally use for regular health and maintenance.
Consult a Professional Arborist in Indian Head
Big tree trimming is a challenging task that requires heavy-duty equipment and specific training. You can (and should) pass this responsibility over to professional arborists.
At Hernandez Complete Tree Service LLC, we have many years of experience scaling back the most unruly trees. Read our tree trimming guide to learn more about how we perform this job to the highest industry standards.
Contact Hernandez Complete Tree Service LLC today at (240) 299-4639 to schedule a free estimate for your big tree trimming service.
