The Tree Trimming Cuts You Should Avoid
Trimming mistakes are easy to avoid when you understand the proper techniques and, more importantly, why you’re pruning a tree or shrub. Arborists and tree service experts are trained to understand tree and shrub growth patterns and physical structure. They first assess the overall form of the plant, then remove or modify only the branches that pose a threat to plant health, are a hazard to people or property, or detract from the overall form and character. Because each pruning cut causes a wound on the plant, one key to successful pruning is to cut as little as possible to achieve the desired result. As a result, the plant is naturally shaped and vigorous. The following are some tree-trimming cuts that you should keep in mind.
No Heading Cuts
Heading cuts, especially on large branches, are both structurally and aesthetically damaging. A heading cut removes the end of a branch at an arbitrary point or a branch junction, leaving only an undersized side branch growing in the opposite direction. When you prune at an arbitrary branch point, you stimulate the growth of many small branches around the wound that are not strongly attached and do not follow natural branch growth. Leaving only a small branch at the end of a large branch heading cut is both aesthetically unappealing and dangerous because the small branch risks growing up and out of an unstable branch stub.
No Flush Cuts
The flush cut is one of the most common pruning mistakes. This occurs when you cut a branch off flush with the bark of the tree trunk or the larger branch to which it’s attached. While it may appear clean and streamlined, a flush cut removes the branch collar, an area of tissue required to form a seal over the pruning cut. Because the plant cannot close over the wound, a flush cut allows pests and pathogens to enter the plant and damage or kill it.
For more tree-trimming services and solutions, be sure to hire FS Tree Services in Fredericksburg, TX. We provide the best tree service in town. Call us at (830) 201-0126 right away!
