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Author: Keith Redo

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Emergency Tree Services Tree Services

Winter Tree Preparation

Preparing trees for winter is a crucial aspect of tree care, especially in regions where harsh winter weather can pose a significant threat to their health and vitality. Proper winter tree care not only helps trees survive the cold months but also promotes their long-term health and growth. Here are some important steps and considerations for prepping trees for winter.

  1. Pruning: Late fall or early winter is an ideal time to prune trees. Removing dead or diseased branches helps prevent them from falling under the weight of snow and ice, potentially causing damage to the tree or nearby structures. Proper pruning also enhances air circulation and light penetration, which is essential for tree health.

  2. Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the tree helps conserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and protect the tree’s roots from freezing. Be sure to use organic mulch like wood chips or shredded leaves and maintain a 2-4 inch layer.

  3. Watering: Adequate hydration is essential before winter sets in. Trees need sufficient moisture to withstand the drying effects of cold winds and low humidity. Water deeply in late fall if the soil is dry and before the ground freezes. Avoid watering when the ground is already frozen.

  4. Protecting Roots: Tree roots are vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Consider adding a layer of insulating material, like straw or burlap, around the base of the tree to protect the roots. This can help maintain a more stable soil temperature.

  5. Anti-Desiccant Spray: Evergreen trees, in particular, can lose moisture through their leaves during the winter. Applying an anti-desiccant spray to their foliage can help reduce water loss and prevent winter burn.

  6. Wrapping: Young trees with thin bark may benefit from trunk wrapping to protect against frost cracks, sunscald, and rodent damage. Use tree wraps or tree guards to create a barrier between the tree’s bark and harsh winter conditions.

  7. Snow Removal: After heavy snowfall, gently remove excess snow from tree branches to prevent them from breaking under the weight. Use a broom or a soft brush to avoid damaging the branches.

  8. Rodent Control: Hungry rodents may gnaw on tree bark during winter when other food sources are scarce. Place hardware cloth or tree guards around the base of the tree to deter them from causing damage.

  9. Avoid Salt Damage: Be cautious when using salt or de-icing products near trees, as salt can harm their roots and foliage. Consider alternative ice-melting materials that are less harmful to trees.

  10. Monitor for Pests and Disease: Winter is an ideal time to inspect trees for signs of pests and disease. Address any issues promptly to prevent them from worsening over the winter months.

  11. Regular Inspection: Throughout the winter, periodically inspect your trees for damage from ice, snow, or storms. Promptly remove any broken or damaged branches to prevent further harm to the tree.

  12. Professional Consultation: If you’re unsure about the specific needs of your trees or if they have any pre-existing issues, consider consulting with a certified arborist. They can provide expert guidance on winter tree care tailored to your trees’ unique requirements.

In conclusion, preparing trees for winter is a proactive measure that promotes tree health and resilience against the challenges of cold weather. By following these steps and paying attention to your trees’ needs, you can help ensure their survival and vitality through the winter season, contributing to the long-term beauty and value of your landscape.

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Planting Trees Tree Pest Management Tree Pruning Tree Services Tree Trimming

Prepping For Hurricanes

Tree Work Done Right

Getting Ready For Fall

Preparing your trees for hurricane season is an important step to minimize damage and ensure the safety of your property and surroundings. Here are some guidelines to help you prepare your trees:

Regular Pruning: Regularly prune your trees to remove dead or weak branches. This reduces the risk of these branches breaking off during strong winds. Proper pruning also helps improve the overall health and structure of the trees.

Trim Overhanging Branches: Trim branches that are close to your house, power lines, or other structures. These branches can become projectiles during a hurricane and cause significant damage.

Remove Weak or Diseased Trees: If you have trees that are already weakened or diseased, consider removing them before hurricane season. These trees are more likely to topple during high winds, posing a danger to your property and safety.

Stake Young Trees: If you have young or newly planted trees, consider staking them securely to help them withstand the strong winds. Use soft materials to prevent damaging the tree bark.

Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your trees. Mulch helps retain moisture, improves soil structure, and prevents soil erosion during heavy rains.

Watering: Keep your trees properly hydrated leading up to hurricane season. Well-hydrated trees are more likely to withstand the stress of high winds.

Inspect and Reinforce: Inspect the health and stability of your trees. Look for signs of disease, rot, or structural issues. If you identify any problems, consult with an arborist or tree care professional. They can recommend necessary actions to strengthen or mitigate risks.

Avoid Heavy Pruning Before Storms: While pruning is important, avoid heavy pruning right before hurricane season. Pruning stimulates new growth, and the new growth may be more vulnerable to wind damage.

Secure Loose Items: Remove or secure any loose items near trees, such as garden furniture, tools, and decorative items. These objects can become projectiles and damage your trees or nearby structures.

Consult an Expert: If you’re unsure about the health or safety of your trees, consider consulting a certified arborist. They can provide expert advice on which trees might need attention and how to properly prepare them for hurricane season.

Have a Post-Storm Plan: Have a plan in place for dealing with fallen branches or trees after the storm. This could involve having the contact information of local tree removal services or knowing how to safely clear smaller debris yourself.

Remember that safety should always be your top priority. If a hurricane is approaching, follow evacuation orders and ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones first. Trees can be replaced, but lives cannot.

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Planting Trees Tree Pest Management Tree Pruning Tree Services Tree Trimming

Is Tree Trimming Eco-Friendly

Tree Work Done Right

Am I Hurting The Environment?

Tree work can be considered eco-friendly if it is done with proper care and consideration for the environment. Here are a few factors to consider:

  1. Tree Preservation: If tree work involves the removal or trimming of trees, it is important to prioritize the preservation of healthy trees whenever possible. Removing trees should be a last resort and only done if they pose a risk to people or property. Trimming should be done in a way that promotes the tree’s health and maintains its natural form.

  2. Sustainable Practices: Eco-friendly tree work involves employing sustainable practices. This can include using hand tools instead of heavy machinery whenever feasible to minimize damage to the surrounding ecosystem. Additionally, using environmentally friendly practices for waste disposal, such as recycling or composting tree debris, can contribute to eco-friendliness.

  3. Native Species and Biodiversity: When planting new trees or landscaping, it is beneficial to choose native species that are well-adapted to the local environment. Native trees typically require less maintenance, support local wildlife, and help preserve biodiversity.

  4. Expertise and Certification: Hiring professional arborists who have the knowledge and expertise in tree care is important. Certified arborists are trained to assess trees, provide proper care, and make informed decisions regarding tree work. They can ensure that the work is done in an eco-friendly manner.

  5. Environmental Impact: Tree work should consider minimizing the impact on the surrounding environment. This includes protecting the soil from erosion, avoiding damage to nearby plants and wildlife habitats, and using organic alternatives to chemical pesticides or fertilizers, if necessary.

Overall, tree work can be eco-friendly when it is approached with a focus on sustainability, conservation, and the well-being of the ecosystem. It is important to hire professionals who prioritize environmental considerations and follow best practices for tree care.

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Planting Trees Tree Pest Management Tree Pruning Tree Services Tree Trimming

What Is A Tree Surgeon?

Tree removals

What Do You Do Exactly?

We are tree surgeons (for the most part) and that is a professional who specializes in the care and maintenance of trees. Our primary role is to ensure the health, safety and aesthetic appeal of trees. Here are some of the tasks typically performed by a tree surgeon:

Pruning: Tree surgeons prune trees to remove dead, damaged or diseased branches. We also shape the tree to enhance its appearance and promote healthy growth.

Tree Removal: When a tree poses a safety risk or is no longer viable, a tree surgeon may be called upon to safely remove it. We use specialized equipment and techniques to fell the tree and ensure that it doesn’t cause any damage to surrounding structures.

Tree Planting: Tree surgeons assist in tree planting initiatives by selecting suitable tree species for specific environments and ensuring proper planting techniques are followed.

Tree Maintenance: We provide ongoing care to trees, which may involve fertilizing, watering and protecting them from pests and diseases. We may also provide advice on tree care practices to property owners.

Tree Health Assessment: Tree surgeons assess the health of trees, looking for signs of disease, pests or structural issues. We can diagnose problems and recommend appropriate treatment or management strategies.

Tree Preservation: In urban areas or construction sites, tree surgeons play a vital role in preserving valuable trees. We develop strategies to protect trees during construction activities, such as installing root barriers and implementing pruning practices to minimize damage.

Emergency Tree Services: In the event of storms, high winds or other emergencies, tree surgeons are often called upon to assess and mitigate tree damage. We may remove fallen or hazardous limbs, stabilize damaged trees or perform emergency tree removal.

Tree surgeons require specialized knowledge and training in tree biology, pruning techniques, climbing and the safe operation of equipment such as chainsaws and wood chippers. We often work outdoors, at varying heights and may collaborate with landscape architects, property owners or local authorities to ensure the well-being of trees in their care.

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Planting Trees Tree Pest Management Tree Pruning Tree Services Tree Trimming

Tree Service Trends

fallen trees

Trends In Tree Services

What we see from our up-top point of view: here are some trends in the tree service industry. 

Sustainable Practices: With growing environmental awareness, tree service companies are increasingly adopting sustainable practices. This includes promoting tree preservation, advocating for replanting, using eco-friendly equipment and methods, and implementing proper waste management.

Advanced Technology: Tree service companies are incorporating advanced technology to improve efficiency and accuracy. This includes using GPS and GIS technology for precise tree identification and mapping, drones for aerial inspections, and specialized equipment for tree removal and pruning.

Safety Emphasis: Safety has always been a priority in the tree service industry, and it continues to be a prominent trend. Companies are investing in employee training and safety equipment to minimize risks and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Integrated Pest Management: As pests and diseases can adversely affect tree health, many tree service companies are implementing integrated pest management strategies. This approach focuses on preventing and controlling pests through a combination of techniques, including biological controls, cultural practices, and minimal pesticide use.

Urban Forestry and Tree Care: With increasing urbanization, there is a growing focus on urban forestry and tree care. Tree service companies are working closely with municipalities and property owners to maintain and manage trees in urban areas, including tree planting, pruning, and disease control.

Customer Education and Engagement: Tree service companies are recognizing the importance of customer education and engagement. They are providing resources and information to help customers understand the value of trees, proper tree care practices, and the benefits of professional tree services.

Collaboration and Partnerships: Collaborations between tree service companies and other industry stakeholders are on the rise. This includes partnerships with landscape architects, arborists, environmental organizations, and government agencies to collectively address tree care and preservation challenges.

Remote and Digital Services: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote and digital services in various industries, including tree services. Virtual consultations, online scheduling, and digital payment options are becoming more common, providing convenience and reducing physical contact.

Sustainable Wood Utilization: Rather than disposing of trees as waste, many tree service companies are exploring sustainable wood utilization options. This includes repurposing wood for furniture, construction, and biomass energy, thereby minimizing waste and promoting circular economy principles.

Professional Certification and Accreditation: Professional certifications and accreditation programs are gaining importance in the tree service industry. Companies and arborists are seeking certification from organizations like the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to best practices.

This is what we are seeing and managing? What do you see?

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Planting Trees Tree Pest Management Tree Pruning Tree Services Tree Trimming

LI Tree Pruning Ideas

Tree Pruning Tips

Pruning To Reduce Risks

Pruning is the most common tree maintenance procedure. Although forest trees grow quite 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. Improper pruning can create lasting damage or even shorten the tree’s life.

Pruning To Remove Dead Branches, To Improve Form, And To Reduce Risk.

Because each cut has the potential to change the growth of the tree, no branch should be removed without a reason. Common reasons for pruning are to remove dead branches, to improve form, and to reduce risk. Trees may also be pruned to increase light and air penetration to the inside of the tree’s crown or to the landscape below. In most cases, mature trees are pruned as corrective or preventive measures, as routine thinning does not necessarily improve the health of a tree.

Maximize Growth & Wound Closure By Pruning Before Spring Growth

Most routine pruning to remove weak, diseased, or dead 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.
A few tree diseases, such as oak wilt, can be spread when pruning wounds provide access to pathogens (disease-causing agents). Susceptible trees should not be pruned during active transmission periods.

Pro Pruning Techniques

Specific types of pruning may be necessary to maintain a mature tree in a healthy, safe, and attractive condition.
Cleaning is the removal of dead, dying, diseased, weakly attached, and low-vigor branches from the crown of a tree.
Thinning is selective branch removal to improve structure and to increase light penetration and air movement through the crown. Proper thinning opens the foliage of a tree, reduces weight on heavy limbs, and helps retain the tree’s natural shape.
Raising removes the lower branches from a tree to provide clearance for buildings, vehicles, pedestrians, and vistas.
Reduction reduces the size of a tree, often for utility line clearance. Reducing a tree’s height or spread is best accomplished by pruning back the leaders and branch terminals to secondary branches that are large enough to assume the terminal roles (at least one-third the diameter of the cut stem). Compared to topping, reduction helps maintain the form and structural integrity of the tree.

Pruning Young Trees

Proper pruning is essential in developing a tree with a strong structure and desirable form. Trees that receive the appropriate pruning measures while they are young will require less corrective pruning as they mature.

A good structure of primary branches should be established while the tree is young. These limbs, called scaffold branches, are a mature tree’s framework. Properly trained young trees will develop a strong structure that requires less corrective pruning as they mature. For most young trees, maintain a single dominant leader growing upward. Do not prune back the tip of this leader or allow secondary branches to outgrow the main leader.

Don’t Top Trees!

Topping is perhaps the most harmful tree pruning practice known. Yet, despite more than 25 years of literature and seminars explaining its harmful effects, topping remains a common practice.
Topping is the indiscriminate cutting of tree branches to stubs or to lateral branches that are not large enough to assume the terminal role. Other names for topping include “heading,” “tipping,” “hat-racking,” and “rounding over.”

Alternatives To Topping

Sometimes a tree must be reduced in height or spread, such as for providing utility line clearance. There are recommended techniques for doing so. Small branches should be removed back to their point of origin. If a larger limb must be shortened, it should be pruned back to a lateral branch that is large enough (at least one-third the diameter of the limb being removed) to assume the terminal role. This method of branch reduction helps to preserve the natural form of the tree.

However, if large cuts are involved, the tree may not be able to close over and compartmentalize the wounds. Sometimes the best solution is to remove the tree and replace it with a species that is more appropriate for the site. Contact us to schedule a consultation on your tree care needs, and for more info on this topic.

  • Check for increased pest activity — spring is the time when pests emerge, so it is important to look out for any significant changes to your trees and shrubs.
  • Do a spring cleaning. Make sure wood chips aren’t piled on the trunks of your trees or shrubs and weed near your plants
  • Consider the tiny creatures. Wait until the average temperature is over 50° before you deadhead flowers or remove last year’s plant debris. Many beneficial insects overwinter on dead plants.
  • Look for dead or dying branches. These are easier to spot once plants start to leaf out — prune as needed.
  • Start a compost pile. If you don’t already have one, it’s easy to build a simple frame using pallets or scrap wood. Start the pile with the spring cleaning material!
  • Feed the soil! Add organic matter like compost or leaves to your soil instead of chemical inputs. Avoid traditional fertilizers.
  • Refresh and replenish wood chips.
  • Attract pollinators like birds, butterflies, and bees to your yard.
  • Install birdhouses and birdbaths. Plant native wildflowers. Make a DIY bee hotel out of scraps of wood and bamboo.
  • Begin to treat emerging insects — not all insects need to be treated, but many have a small window of time to get under control. Don’t wait to treat.
  • Call us to schedule a spring inspection of your large tree.
Categories
Planting Trees Tree Pest Management Tree Pruning Tree Services Tree Trimming

Spring Tree Maintenance Tips

frosty buds

Spring Yard Maintenance

Spring is officially here! At Long Island Lumberjack, spring is our most anticipated season. There are so many things happening in the world of trees including tree pruning, regrowth, pest management, mulching and soil improvement. Want to know more about what to look for in your yard? Check out our handy spring checklist to get you and your yard back on track after a long cold winter… Unsure of how to take care of your trees and shrubs once they start to bud? Here is a short checklist for spring. It is an excellent time to:

  • Check for increased pest activity — spring is the time when pests emerge, so it is important to look out for any significant changes to your trees and shrubs.
  • Do a spring cleaning. Make sure wood chips aren’t piled on the trunks of your trees or shrubs and weed near your plants
  • Consider the tiny creatures. Wait until the average temperature is over 50° before you deadhead flowers or remove last year’s plant debris. Many beneficial insects overwinter on dead plants.
  • Look for dead or dying branches. These are easier to spot once plants start to leaf out — prune as needed.
  • Start a compost pile. If you don’t already have one, it’s easy to build a simple frame using pallets or scrap wood. Start the pile with the spring cleaning material!
  • Feed the soil! Add organic matter like compost or leaves to your soil instead of chemical inputs. Avoid traditional fertilizers.
  • Refresh and replenish wood chips.
  • Attract pollinators like birds, butterflies, and bees to your yard.
  • Install birdhouses and birdbaths. Plant native wildflowers. Make a DIY bee hotel out of scraps of wood and bamboo.
  • Begin to treat emerging insects — not all insects need to be treated, but many have a small window of time to
  • get under control. Don’t wait to treat.
  • Call us to schedule a spring inspection of your large trees.
Categories
Tree Pruning Tree Services Tree Trimming

Cost Saving Tree Tips

Tree removals

Cost Saving Tree Maintenance Tips

Effective Ways To Cut Down Tree Care Costs

Do you have trees on your land? If so, then you know they need maintenance and care to maintain their health and vitality. However, tree care can be expensive – even prohibitive! Taking care of trees may be expensive, but fortunately, there are ways to save without jeopardizing the trees’ health or compromising their security. So here is some helpful advice and that can allow you to save costs while still receiving the whole range of tree care services you need. 

Hire An Experienced Tree Pro

If you think of tree maintenance, you probably picture an oak tree in your backyard. But you probably should have realized that tree maintenance entails more than simply removing diseased branches and adding compost to the soil. Preventative tree care is crucial for a flourishing yard, yet it is often overlooked. Preventative tree maintenance helps mitigate future difficulties, including insect infestations, storm damage and more.

Hiring a professional tree expert to assist you in caring for your trees properly is a great long-term investment that will pay dividends in the form of reduced tree care expenditures. Professionals have the knowledge, experience, and tools to handle any emerging tree care issue. They can also guide what treatments are essential to maintain tree health. You may save money by hiring an arborist because they can help you find discounts available via various programs and partnerships. They can also help you create a preventive care plan to address problems before they become catastrophic.

Use Organic Products

Trees are essential to every landscape, whether a suburban backyard or a rural farm. Despite their obvious benefits to the surrounding area (beauty, shade, and differentiation), they pose a health risk if not properly maintained. Maintaining the health of even a single tree in your yard can help improve its appearance and value. Tree maintenance may quickly become relatively inexpensive with the correct information and supplies. Thankfully, several methods are available to reduce tree care costs.

Caring for trees involves more than simply keeping them hydrated and fertilized. A lot can be done to safeguard the plants you’ve worked so hard to put into your yard. Cleaning up the area beneath the tree’s leaves and around its trunk is one of the first tasks you should tackle each spring. Insects won’t be able to lay their eggs near the tree’s roots as easily over the summer. Carefully water your trees at the base of the plant rather than the leaves and branches where pests might hide. Other options for pest management include non-toxic insecticides.

Avoid Using Pesticides During Tree Care

To save money on tree care, you should stop using pesticides. It can sound contradictory, but using pesticides will increase your expenses. Pesticides may have unintended consequences, such as the development of insect resistance and the spread of disease. When inhaled or ingested, they may cause health problems for people and animals alike. Consider using neem oil or horticultural oils, which may be found at your neighborhood hardware shop or garden center, as an alternative. Horticultural oils suffocate insects and prevent them from feeding on plants, while neem oil has been demonstrated to repel pests and fungi. Using these methods instead of insecticides can help your trees grow for many years.

Choose A Good Location For Trees

Some trees are as fragile as paper. An alteration to a tree’s normal surroundings, however little, might either delay or prevent the tree from reaching its full potential. Trees need a cool environment, rich soil, and regular watering to thrive and look their best. Don’t plant a tree just wherever; consider how much natural shade it will provide under normal weather conditions. Please don’t put your tree in a spot where it will receive too much sun or none.

Consider the soil in your yard carefully before you plant a tree there. Put down pavers or use a combination of sand and peat moss as a foundation if the soil doesn’t drain properly or has a significant level of clay. You should also prepare a watering system before you plant your tree since this will be crucial to its early success.

Categories
Tree Crowning Tree Pruning Tree Services

If Trees & Shrubs Need Water​

Tree Pruning Times

Your Trees & Shrubs Need Water

Signs Your Trees And Shrubs Need Water

The Soil Is Dry At The Tree’s Base

The simplest, most effective way to tell if your trees and shrubs are getting enough water is to test the soil. For established trees, test the root zone. For a new tree, test a soil sample at its base. Using a screwdriver, push it 6 inches into the soil. If it’s hard to do, your trees need water. Dig 6 to 8 inches deep and grab a handful of the soil. The soil should be cool and moist. If it’s soaking wet or muddy, you’re over-watering. Roll it into the ball if the soil is drenched or sandy. If it crumbles, your tree needs more water. Poke the soil ball. If it doesn’t budge, you have clay soil. 

Wilted, Drooping, Discolored, Dry, Curling Leaves

Inspect the leaves for signs of dehydration, such as:

  • Wilting
  • Drooping
  • Turning yellow
  • Showing fall colors prematurely
  • Turning brown on the edges
  • Curling

If your trees show any of all of these signs, they likely need watering. If the soil test indicates that your trees are receiving adequate moisture, have a local arborist or tree care company inspect your tree for pests and disease.

Shrinking Fruit, Leaves, Roots Or Stems

Green leaves, fruits, stems, and roots may shrink if your tree needs watering.

Radial Cracks In The Trunk Of The Tree

Shrinking due to dehydration can cause radial cracks in the tree trunk.

Yellowing And Early Dropping Of Leaves

Leaves of ash, linden, hickory and black locust trees will yellow and drop when they do not get enough water.

Bent Or Drooping Needles

Coniferous trees like pine, spruce, and fir show signs of dehydration in the needles. Bent or drooping needles is the first sign. Eventually, the needles fade, turn brown or remain green but permanently bent. If you identify any of these issues in your trees and shrubs, they need watering. 

How To Water Your Trees And Shrubs

The best way to water your trees is by setting your hose (without a nozzle) to a drizzle, placing it at the base or between the roots in the above-ground root zone, and leaving it there 2 to 3 hours. Move it to a new location and leave it there for 2 to 3 hours. Repeat this 2 more times. The City of Seattle recommends giving your tree about 5 gallons of water per inch of tree trunk diameter. Young trees require more frequent watering than mature trees and cannot withstand drought or heavy rain as well as established trees can. For help caring for your young trees, talk to a tree care service near you.

How To Fix An Over-Watered Tree Or Shrub

Excess watering can cause root rot, harmful fungi development and long-term stress for your tree.

  1. Stop watering. Don’t water your tree for a week or longer. Before you get out your garden hose, do the screwdriver test. If the soil is still moist, leave it for another week or two.
  2. Fix the soil. If you have clay soil, mix compost into the soil to help it drain better.
  3. Inspect for drainage issues. After it rains, check for water pooling around your tree and identify where it’s coming from. Is the water flowing downhill and collecting at the base of your tree? Does your drain spout empty too close to your tree?

If any of those issues are causing water to pool around your tree’s base, do what you can to remedy the problem. If you cannot fix the issue, you may need to move your tree or shrub to a better location.

A tree care specialist near you can help you determine whether the pooling issue can be fixed and offer recommendations for the best way to help your tree. If removing and transplanting your trees or shrubs is the best option, they can provide that tree service for you.

Mulching To Prevent Over-Watering And Dehydration

Mulch is your tree’s best friend. Applying a 2 to 3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of your tree can absorb excess moisture to prevent root rot and protect the soil from drying out during drought.

Another Way To Tell If Your Trees Are Getting Enough Water

Another way to tell if your trees are getting enough water is to install a rain gauge on your property where it won’t be sheltered. Mature trees need 1 inch of water every week. If you’re not getting enough natural precipitation, you need to supplement by watering your trees.

Categories
Tree Crowning Tree Pruning Tree Services

When Trimming Your Trees​

Removing Your Trees

When Trimming Your Trees

A single tree is provides enough oxygen for four people. So planting them in a highly urbanized city is beneficial for its residents. Trees are the perfect solution to increase privacy and provide a visually appealing garden layout. However, just like other plants, trees need care and maintenance. Specifically, trimming them is essential for healthy growth and to avoid accidents from falling branches. So, if you’re a tree owner, here are some things to remember when trimming your trees:

Tree owners often neglect the state of their tree. Unknowingly, diseases and pest infestations already penetrate the tree trunk. If ignored, they can be a hazard and cause property damages and accidents. Trimming trees is one solution to keep them healthy. To spot tree diseases look for:

  • Vertical cracks and seams on the trunk
  • Discoloration and deformation of leaves
  • Seeping fluid from the trunk or branches
  • Peeling/broken bark
  • Reduced foliage
  • Presence of termites
  • Changes on the soil around the tree
  • Remove dead tree parts
  • Avoid improper trim cuts
  • Trim trees at the right time

It is best to call for emergency arborists for a full tree checkup and they might provide solutions right away.

You cannot trim a tree with just scissors. Tree trimming requires cutting off branches, twigs and leaves. Thus, you need the right tools and equipment, such as shears, pruners and loppers, to finish the task. Moreover, it is vital to have a ladder for climbing and safety gears for protection.

Also, note that low quality and dirty tools can bring diseases on trees. They can be bearers of infectious fungi and bacteria. Meanwhile, improper cutting from unpolished and low-quality tools results in rough marks and wounds that attract tree diseases.

Local councils don’t permit irresponsible cutting of trees or their parts. So, depending on the kind of work, you need to get necessary permits. Different cities have different regulations. 

Trimming trees is not only limited to their foliage. It also involves cutting unwanted and dead branches and twigs. Fungi and bacteria are attracted to them. Moreover, they can potentially fall in your property and cause harm to you, your family, or passersby.

To remove dead limbs and twigs safely, cut them not more than 6mm from the bud to prevent dieback. However, large branches need more than one cut. For the first cut, make a partial cut on the bottom part, a few millimeters away from the branch origin. Then, make a second cut on top, few millimeters away from the first cut. After that, the branch will freely fall.

Trimming too close to the trunk or branch produces a flush cut. It destroys the trees natural defense mechanisms that lead to wound compartmentalization and callus formation.

On the other hand, trimming too far from a branch can leave a dead part on the tree. It invites disease organisms and becomes a passageway to enter the trunk, affecting the tree as a whole. Eventually, it could lead to decay or death of the tree.

The trimming volume for trees depends on their age. Young trees can lose 25% of their overall foliage. Meanwhile, mature trees can only withstand 15% of their foliage removed. As young trees have more energy and strength for recovery, that is not the case for old ones.

Trimming more than 15% of a mature tree’s foliage will lessen food and nutrient production within its system. Moreover, if mature trees get sick, losing their foliage may eventually lead to their death.

For more efficient growth, trimming trees at the right time is crucial. In particular, evergreen trees that don’t drop their leaves during autumn need shaving during their dormant season.

The perfect time for tree trimming is late winter/early spring:

In case trimming produces wounds, some recommend applying a dressing to them. They claim that it prevents decay, speeds up healing and enhances the appearance of the cut. But in reality, they hinder healing and invite rot organisms and pest infestations. So from now on, it is best to avoid putting dressing on tree wounds.

After trimming, remember to clean tree debris and green waste right away. These can become tripping hazards and cause accidents. Furthermore, leaving them for several days in the backyard can invite pests and rodents. These are threats to human health and the community’s sanitation system.

Let’s be honest. Most home owners don’t know the right procedures for tree trimming. Most of the time, they create more harm than good. Thus, getting in touch with expert arborists is crucial to maintain and keep your backyard trees healthy. From trivial methods of foliage trimming to extensive tasks such as chopping large and heavy branches, they have the right tools and equipment.