When homeowners look at a tree with damaged limbs, they might consider climbing a ladder and going at it with a pair of pruners. However, doing this work yourself can lead to any of the pruning mistakes outlined below. Professionals offering tree services in Fairfax, VA, ensure pruning is performed safely and correctly.
Cutting the Wrong Branches
When pruning, professionals focus on removing dead or damaged branches. This process differs from trimming, which is a technique used to shape and make cosmetic changes. Pruning attempts to maintain vitality and health.
Homeowners who try to prune it themselves might make mistakes by removing the wrong branches. Cutting healthy limbs instead of damaged ones could negatively affect the tree’s long-term health.
Using Dull, Dirty, or Poor-Quality Tools
Some pruning mistakes that novices commonly make include using ineffective or unsafe cutting tools. Those with residue from other plants could expose the tree to diseases. Using dull tools or tools that tear rather than make clean cuts can also be quite damaging to the tree.
You can trust that professionals always use sharp, clean tools. They have the exact equipment needed to manage whatever problem they encounter while ensuring that no cross-contamination occurs.
Pruning During Growth Seasons
Pruning at the proper time of the year benefits the health of the tree. However, determining when to prune can be tricky for homeowners to do on their own, leading to major errors.
Each species has a specific time of year when pruning has been proven to be most effective. Licensed professionals will create a pruning schedule that is tailored to your property.
Removing Too Much of the Canopy at Once
Avoiding damage from tree topping is important to protect the plant during pruning sessions. Professionals would never cut more than 25% of a canopy at a time, as anything beyond that could lead to shock, threatening the plant’s health.
The effects of over-pruning include leaf loss, stunted limb growth, and increased susceptibility to disease or insect infestation. Correcting lion’s tailing growth after over-pruning may require professional intervention.
Making Cuts in the Wrong Places
If you prune branches too close to the main limb or trunk, you could end up doing more harm than good. Proper branch collar pruning is challenging for novice homeowners, but professionals understand exactly where to make these cuts.
Exposing Yourself to Injury
Homeowners who must climb a ladder or use an awkward pole saw to try to prune branches could injure themselves. Being struck by falling branches, slipping off a ladder, or cutting yourself are common tree pruning mistakes that can be solved by hiring professionals. They have the right equipment and experience to work safely.
Being Unable To Reach the Canopy
Some of the damaged wood may be dozens of feet off the ground in the canopy. Homeowners might not have the right equipment to reach these areas, so they may skip pruning in the canopy. Professionals will use cranes and climbing equipment to reach the entire height of the canopy for pruning.
Trust Hernandez Complete Tree Service for Safe Pruning and Other Maintenance
Don’t risk making DIY tree pruning mistakes that could cause permanent damage. Instead, rely on the experts at Hernandez Complete Tree Service for results that you can trust. Our experts focus on delivering pruning techniques that protect your property, and we clean up afterward.
Understanding tree pruning techniques that are safe to use can be a challenge for novices, but our experts have proven experience you can trust. For a free estimate for any of our work, contact us today at (240) 299-4639.
