06 Feb

Useful Tree Cutting Advice

Published by Unique Home Improvements - Categories: #landscape design, #home improvements, #Landscaping

For Life and Limb: Useful Tree Cutting Advice

The experts may make everyday tree-cutting look easy, but there's more to this art than meets the eye. Good, accurate pruning standards define precisely what, how much, and how often to cut for the best results, season after season.

Often mistakenly used interchangeably, the terms 'trimming' and 'pruning' do both apply to cutting trees. However, trimming typically takes care of only the tree itself, while pruning effects the both health and longevity of the tree, and the safety of other structures and people around it.

Common tree maintenance includes four basic services associated with trimming and pruning, respectively. These terms can be a little confusing, so here's a simple breakdown to help:

1. Trimming, or 'fine pruning,' simply alters the way a tree looks.

2. Standard pruning includes heavier cutting to improve the tree's integral structure.

3. 'Care' or 'menace' pruning describes when branches are removed due to safety concerns. This generally includes cutting low-hanging branches or other parts of a tree causing an obstruction or risk to people or property.

4. 'Crown reduction' eliminates the branches on the tops or sides of a tree. This is to prevent trees from overgrowing utility lines or damaging a nearby roof, as well as permitting air and sunlight to reach the tree's inner branches.

Many trees are more delicate than they look! Proper, professional trimming and pruning ensures their health and safe growth. Pruning on your own, using climbing spurs, can damage tree bark and trunks, making trees more susceptible to pests or disease. If you do decide to prune on your own, make sure that any branches around the edges of your cuts are still firmly attached. When cutting larger branches, always remove these in smaller segments to prevent tearing or splitting, and use ropes to lower heavy limbs instead of tossing or letting them fall to the ground.

Depending on the type of tree, pruning and trimming can be done in any season. Be sure you or your tree pruning expert are well-versed in your particular trees. Decorative springtime trees are cut right after they flower, while summer bloomers must also be pruned in early spring. Fruit-bearing trees should be pruned in late winter, both for shape and to provide ample sunlight on the tree's crucial center.

The right tools, equipment, and skills can prevent major tree-pruning accidents. If you are doing the work yourself, always fasten yourself to the tree by two or more secure points. Always work with a partner to raise your cutting tools up to you. Lastly, protect yourself from injury with the right clothing and footwear, as well as gloves, safety glasses, and a hard hat.

Tree maintenance is important to the health, longevity, and safety, as well as the overall appearance of your trees. Especially unhealthy or damaged trees should potentially be removed to prevent the possibility of damage to your home during winter storms or very high winds. Sick trees can often recover with the proper attention; however, it is best to consult with the landscaping experts to determine if and how a tree can be saved. A landscaping expert is always a good place to start, whether you need helpful tips, a full-scale removal, or anything in between. Maintaining a beautiful yard is one of the most cost-effective and important home improvements you can do.