Tree pruning promotes healthy growth. However, many homeowners who like to take care of their landscaping themselves incorrectly prune, making trees more susceptible to disease and structural damage. Keep your trees in good condition by avoiding these common mistakes.

3 Pruning Mistakes to Avoid When Caring for Your Trees

1. Taking Too Much off the Top

When your tree is getting too tall, your first thought might be to cut the top off. However, this will likely do more damage than good. When a branch is cut off, the tree responds by growing more limbs to take its place. The new growth will fight for space at the crown of the tree, resulting in a weaker, top-heavy structure.

2. Cutting the Collar

The collar refers to where a branch connects to the trunk. When you prune a branch, the collar enhances healing to seal up the opening. If you cut the collar, it can’t mend the wound, leaving the tree vulnerable to parasites, disease, and decay.

3. Excessive Pruning

Proper tree pruning removes damaged and diseased limbs, encourages new growth to take their place, and maintains the plant’s structural integrity. However, it’s easy to overdo it. Excessive tree pruning will lead to more growth, but the resulting suckers will be thinner and less durable. They’ll also take away vital nutrients from the rest of the tree. Generally, only 5–10% of the tree should be pruned.

Reach out to the licensed arborists at Carlos Tree Service for reliable tree pruning. Since 1993, the bonded and insured company has provided Anchorage, AK, home and business owners with environmentally friendly tree services, including trimming, stump grinding, and removal. To learn more about how they can keep your trees looking sharp, visit their website. Reach out to them at (907) 522-6049 to request a free quote.