Tree Maintenance.
Tree Pruning....

Pruning is the most common tree maintenance procedure.
Although forest trees grow well with only nature’s pruning,
landscape trees require a higher level of care to maintain
their structural integrity and aesthetics. Pruning must
be done with an understanding of tree biology because
improper pruning can create lasting damage or shorten the
tree’s life.
Reasons for Pruning;
Because each cut has the potential to change the growth
of the tree, no branch should be removed without a reason.
Common reasons include:
• Removing dead branches, improving form, and to
reduce risk.
• To increase light and air penetration to the inside
of the tree’s crown or to the landscape below.
• Generally, mature trees are pruned as corrective
or preventive measures.
Routine thinning does not necessarily improve the
health of a tree. Trees produce a dense crown of leaves
to manufacture the sugar used as energy for growth and
development. Removal of foliage through pruning can
reduce growth and stored energy reserves.
Heavy pruning can be a significant health
stress for the tree.
When to Prune
Most light, routine pruning to remove weak, dead, or
diseased limbs can be accomplished at any time during the
year with little effect on the tree.
As a rule, growth and wound closure are maximized if
pruning takes place before the spring growth flush. Some
trees, such as maples and birches, tend to “bleed” if pruned
early in the spring. It may be unsightly, but it is of little
consequence to the tree.
Heavy pruning of live tissue just after the spring growth
flush should be avoided, especially on weak trees. At that
time, trees have just expended a great deal of energy to
produce foliage and early shoot growth. Removal of a large
percentage of foliage at that time can stress the tree.
A few tree diseases, such as oak wilt, can be spread through
pruning wounds and provide access to pathogens (diseasecausing agents). Susceptible trees should not be pruned
during active transmission periods.
How Much Should Be Pruned?
The amount of live tissue that should be removed depends
on the tree’s size, species, age, and pruning objectives.
Younger trees tolerate the removal of a higher percentage
of living tissue better than mature trees. Generally,
no more than 25% of the crown should be removed at
once, and less for mature trees.
Removal of a single, large-diameter limb can create a
wound that may not be able to close. Care should be
taken to meet pruning objectives.
Making Proper Pruning Cuts
A correct pruning cut removes the branch just
outside of the collar. Do not make cuts flush to the
trunk. Trunk tissues above and below a flush cut
branch often die, creating dead spots.
If a collar has grown out on a dead limb, make the
cut just beyond the collar. Do not cut the collar.
There are many outside considerations
that make it necessary to prune
trees such as: safety, clearance, and
compatibility with other components of
a landscape.
Proper pruning, with an
understanding of tree biology, can
maintain good tree health and
structure while enhancing the
aesthetic and economic values of
our landscapes.
(treesaregood.com)



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