Tree trimming is best left to the pros. It’s dangerous work, climbing trees, wielding chainsaws and lowering heavy branches to the ground; and it is sometimes dangerous for the tree too. Trees that aren’t pruned properly can sustain a lifetime of problems.
Instead of putting yourself in harm’s way and putting the tree itself at risk, call an arborist who is trained and experienced to do the job for you.
This will result in stronger trees and a safer environment surrounding your landscaping for many reasons:
- Healthy trees are sturdier and not as likely to cause damage during storms
- Cared for trees won’t attract or spread parasites and diseases
- Pruned trees grow more flowers or fruit
- Trimmed trees provide shade while still allowing air to flow through their canopies and your landscaping
WI Tree Trimming highly recommends trimming trees that are near your home or any that are a focus of your landscape.
Is Tree Trimming Necessary?
It is not necessary. But it is important. Trees are very hardy and survive on their own across the world, in a variety of different climates and locations, without being pruned.
However, there are many benefits of tree trimming, so it’s recommended for trees that you value. This includes sentimental trees, fruit trees and blossoming trees or trees that offer an important service for your home, such as shade or home to wildlife.
Tree Trimming Gone Wrong
Tree pruning is a complex task. You are going to need the right tools and a lot of information to ensure the project is done right. The vast majority of homeowners don’t have either of these!
But that’s OK, because there are plenty of professionals available who know how to properly trim trees for an affordable cost to you including all of the certified arborists in Wisconsin we partner with!
Here are the 5 mistakes people make when attempting DIY tree trimming that can lead to several tree problems. These are things that a trained arborist from WI Tree Trimming will know, and that’s exactly why their services are worth the price!
Trimming Too Much
When done properly, tree pruning is a never-ending process. Beginning when your trees are just 2 or 3 years old, they should be maintained by an arborist if you care about them and intend to keep them healthy.
A big mistake that homeowners make when pruning trees by themselves is trimming too much of the tree all at once. This occurs because they have let the tree’s growth get out of control and try to correct it all immediately. Ideally, you should not cut off more than 5-20% of the tree’s crown at a once. It is much easier to do this during a time of year that the leaves are off, but a certified arborist is able to safely trim trees any time of year.
Removing Bark from the Tree
When you cut a tree branch and gravity starts pulling it down, it can tear off bark from the trunk right along with it. This exposes the tree’s inner layers, putting the tree in danger of contracting diseases and making it easier for pests and rodents to scurry their way in.
To stop this from occurring, a trained arborist makes special cuts underneath large branches before making their final removal cut. Knowing exactly how to place these initial cuts removes pressure from the branch collar and limits the stress at the exact point of the main cut so the branch doesn’t rip.
Pruning in the Wrong Place
A certified tree specialist knows exactly where to cut each limb to protect against damage. This cut should occur just beyond the branch collar, the exact place where the branch connects to the trunk.
Trimming too close to the branch collar exposes the tree to decay, mildew and pests. Cutting too far from it leaves an unsightly stump when the tree has recovered. Most DIY tree trimming leads to an improper cut, leaving either aesthetic or structural problems.
Pruning Large Branches
Branches larger than 4 inches in diameter shouldn’t be trimmed unless it is absolutely necessary. Cutting off a branch of this size can lead to imbalance in the tree and expose it to insects and decay as the tree recovers from losing such a big branch.
Conservative trimming every year ensures that the company only has to cut off branches that are 2-3 inches in diameter, which produces a more attractive shape for the tree and less chance of damaging the tree or exposing it to decay and pests.
Topping the Tree
Tree topping is no longer a type of pruning, and for good reason! During this process, arborists would cut the top off of the tree to achieve the desired height. It was not attractive nor was it beneficial for the tree, so the majority of tree care companies do not practice tree topping currently.
During DIY tree pruning, you might think this is a good way to reduce the height of your tree with only one cut, but once you have cut the top of a tree off, there’s virtually no chance it will ever regain a natural shape.
The Solution? Call WI Tree Trimming
Here’s the truth. Your tree may never recover from bad trimming.
Attempting this project yourself might seem like a way to save money, but you might end up with way more cost trying to revive damaged trees, so it’s really safer (and more economical in the long run) to hire a certified arborist in Wisconsin from WI Tree Trimming.
Limbs aren’t going to grow back. The tree will grow more, but it will not grow back in the same places, which can result in strange shapes that could require years to fix. The tree could end up looking bad for the rest of its life, all because of a single trimming error.
Improper trimming could also cause death of the tree. Cutting off too many limbs (and, therefore, leaves) can affect the tree’s photosynthesis process, which means it won’t get enough water or enough sunlight and carbon dioxide to continue growing.
Cutting too many branches might also send the tree into a state of shock. Shock isn’t always permanent, but it takes a great deal of patience and care. Even with the right care, a tree experiencing shock may still die.
Avoid all of these tree trimming mistakes and call WI Tree Trimming to speak with a tree care specialist in Wisconsin able to customize a plan to ensure your tree continues to blossom and look beautiful for years to come!
