Tree Pruning

Tree pruning is the selective cutting of smaller branches to improve a tree's structure and health. Young tree require regular pruning in order to direct and focus its growth on more desirable branches. Pruning also aid in removing dead, dying, or diseased branches improving the plant's overall appearance and health.

Why Prune a Tree

Pruning is a critical tree care maintenance job every property owner should perform. Pruning helps young trees develop into beautiful plants as they grow bigger. Further, regular cutting of dead and dying branches keeps the tree nicely groomed in your landscape. However the most important function of pruning is to focus the tree's growth in areas that are desirable for both aesthetics as well as safety as it gets bigger. As tree get larger and more mature, the pruning task evolves into a tree trimming task. In trimming a tree, the objective is less about training growth, but reducing the tree's size as well as removing dead limbs. Whereas tree pruning is within most property owners' ability, trimming large trees should be reserved for professionals.

Pruning Deciduous and Evergreen Trees

Deciduous and evergreen trees are very different and demand a different pruning method to promote healthy growth.

Always prune a deciduous tree from the bottom up. And never trim more than 1/3 the tree's height.
As evergreens produce new growth both in the fall and spring, they don't grow much during the summer months. Therefore, always prune evergreen trees with early spring prior to their first growth spurt.
Since deciduous trees grow throughout the late spring and summer months, it is best to prune them in late fall, or ideally in the winter when they are completely dormant. This will minimize the sap bleeding can pruning can cause in the summer.
Be certain though not to prune deciduous trees when the limbs are completely frozen. This may risk breaking and cracking of the wood resulting in ugly tree scars.
Never trim evergreen trees down to the inactive center. This is where no leaves or needles are attached.

Required Pruning Tools

Good pruning requires quality, sharp tools. If a tool is not sharp, it will tree the tree and not make a clean cut. This tearing will impair the tree from healing and may expose it to disease and/or insect infestation. Also, never use rusty tools and the rust may affect the tree. If you are pruning diseased branches, always clean your tools before trimming another tree to prevent spreading the disease. Tree diseases (bacteria and fungus) spread from tree to tree only through direct/indirect contact.

Below are the basic tools you will require to prune trees properly:

Anvil-action and scissor-style pruning shears - these are hand-help trimmers for small branches
Hedge shears - these can either be power or manual shears use to cut shrubs and evergreen branches.
Lopping, scissor-style shears - these are longer handled shears that provide more leverage for cutting thicker limbs
Pruning saw - this is a saw on the end of a long telescoping pole for removing larger limbs at height.

Required Pruning Tools

Most trees do not need a dressing where the cuts have been made, also known as wound dressing. However, some larger cuts of bigger diameter may need to be dressed in order to prevent insect-transmitted diseases. Pruning paint or other tree dressing sold in landscape stores should be used. Oak trees can be especially susceptible to beetles when their wounds are left undressed.

When to Call a Professional Tree Trimming Service in Ocala

The general rule of thumb is to call a tree service company in Ocala when the limbs that need to be cut require you to take your two feet off the ground. Further, trimming large, heavy branches can be dangerous for most property owners as they need to be lowered to the ground safely to avoid personal injury or property damage. Tree care professionals have the experience, knowledge, and equipment to perform these larger pruning jobs efficiently and safely.