The professional arborists at TrimCo Tree Experts of Alabama’s Wiregrass area know the importance of regular tree pruning and trimming. Not only will this service improve and maintain the integrity of your foliage, but it will also eliminate the risk of falling branches. However, if performed improperly, these actions can be damaging or even detrimental to your plant life. Here are some common tree pruning mistakes and what can be done to avoid them.

5 Common Tree Pruning & Trimming Mistakes 

1. Tree Topping

Some people believe tree topping, the act of removing a large section from the top of a tree, will help it grow. However, if you have professionals remove these branches, it will drastically reduce the number of leaves your trees use to photosynthesize and develop. This also leaves the upper area of the trunk vulnerable to the sun’s heat, which can cause wood splitting or cracking.

Talk to your tree trimming expert about canopy reduction instead. This practice involves the removal of a small section of limbs at the attachment point. This allows for some degree of reduction while still stimulating growth.

2. Over-Pruning

When it comes to tree pruning, less is more. Tree specialists say only 5–10% of the foliage should ever be removed in a single session. If too much is trimmed, the tree will not be able to process the nutrients it needs to grow. Without overdoing it, professional pruning maintains the beauty of your trees and reduces your future workload.

3. Improper Cutting

Flush cutting—when branches are cut below the branch collar—and stub cutting—when branches are pruned too far from the stem—are two improper tree cutting techniques that can damage trees and leave them vulnerable to insects and disease. You should always choose tree trimmers who angle their cuts down and away from the stem to keep the branch collar intact. This will increase the likelihood of regrowth.

4. Bark Tearing

Improper tree trimming techniques can rip large portions of bark from the trunk. Since the bark supports the limbs, torn bark increases the likelihood of large branches falling, which can be extremely dangerous. Tree pruning experts can avoid this by cutting carefully and never lopping the branches.

5. Poor Timing

If you try to have tree trimming or pruning performed too early in the spring, the process can remove buds prematurely; if your pruning team tries too late in the fall, new growth can be damaged by frost. That’s why professionals often perform tree trimming and pruning once the trees have finished blossoming to preserve the health and beauty of your foliage.

Looking for professional tree services? TrimCo Tree Experts provides safe and efficient tree care to the Dale, Houston, Henry and Barber counties.They offer a variety of treatment services from storm damage cleanup to lot cleaning service and, of course, expert tree pruning and trimming. Give them a call at (334)-791-2087 or visit their website for more information.