These Tips Help Homeowners Keep Their Trees Healthy and Beautiful
Summer is when trees are abundant with foliage and growth, but that doesn’t mean homeowners can adopt a “set it and forget it” mindset. The summer months are an important time for basic tree services that will keep them looking their best, including pruning and trimming.
Proper pruning enhances tree health, improves appearance, and minimizes the risk of pest invasions. In this blog, we will cover what tree pruning is, the best tips for summer pruning and trimming, and discuss which scenarios warrant hiring a professional tree care service.
What Is Tree Pruning?
Tree pruning involves selectively removing branches from a tree using specialized cutting tools. This promotes healthy growth by eliminating dead or diseased branches and twigs. Pruning is also used for shaping the tree to improve its aesthetics. Although pruning can be done at different times of the year, summer pruning focuses on maintaining the tree’s health and appearance during its active growth phase.
What Are the Benefits Of Tree Pruning?
Pruning is one of the most important tree services that Eisenhower Tree Care performs. Kansas City-area homeowners who stick to a timely pruning schedule see numerous benefits, including:
- Improved tree health: Removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches prevents the spread of decay and disease, encouraging the tree’s overall health.
- Enhanced growth: Pruning stimulates new growth by allowing sunlight and air to more freely circulate throughout the canopy, fostering a healthier and more robust tree.
- Risk reduction: Trimming weak or overhanging branches reduces the risk of falling limbs, which can cause property damage or injury to pedestrians.
- Improved aesthetics: Pruning helps maintain the tree’s shape, ensuring it grows in a desired direction and maintains a pleasing appearance.
- Increased fruit production: For fruit trees, proper pruning allows more light to reach the fruit-bearing branches, which can positively influence the quantity and quality of fruit yield.
Summer Tree Pruning and Trimming Tips
Homeowners will notice the job of tree pruning and trimming is easier and offers better results by applying the following tips. However, if you do not own the right equipment or are not skilled in performing these tasks, we advise you to contact Eisenhower Tree Care for professional help.
Prune With Intent
What you cut is just as important as what you don’t cut. Focus on removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches. This helps prevent the spread of disease and reduces the risk of falling branches. Look for signs of decay, discoloration, cracks, and insect activity.
Trim For Aesthetic and Structural Integrity
Shape your trees by selectively trimming branches to improve their appearance and structure. Remove branches that cross or rub against each other, as they can cause wounds that lead to disease.
Avoid Heavy Pruning
Because of the heat, humidity, and reduced moisture levels in the soil, summer is already a stressful time for trees. Too much pruning can make the situation even worse. Instead, opt for light trimming and pruning to maintain the tree’s shape and health.
Use the Right Tools
Ensure you have the right tools for the job. Sharp pruning shears, loppers, and saws make clean cuts that heal faster. When evaluating pruning tools, be sure to account for the height of your trees so that you can reach all areas of the canopy.
Use Proper Cutting Technique
Improper cuts can lead to rot and decay, so it’s important to learn the proper cutting technique. Branch pruning should always be done using the following series of cuts:
- 1st cut: Cut the underside of the branch about one-third of the way through.
- 2nd cut: Make a second cut on top of the branch, slightly outward from where the first cut was made. When done correctly, you should be able to remove the branch.
- 3rd cut: With only the branch’s stub remaining, make a final cut that removes it while being mindful not to cut into the branch collar.
When to Hire a Professional Tree Service
While many tree pruning tasks can be handled by homeowners, certain situations warrant the expertise of a professional tree care service:
- Large or tall trees: Pruning large or tall trees can be dangerous without the proper equipment and experience. Professionals have the tools and knowledge to safely trim and prune large trees.
- Location: If the tree in need of pruning is close to houses, sheds, fences, roads, or utility lines, leave the work to a professional at Eisenhower Tree Care.
- Complex pruning needs: Trees with complex structures or those requiring significant shaping benefit from the expertise of a professional. They can make precise cuts that promote healthy growth and maintain the tree’s structural integrity.
- Diseased or damaged trees: If your tree is severely diseased or damaged, a professional arborist can diagnose the problem and safely remove hazardous branches.
- Improved tree health: For optimal tree health, consider scheduling regular maintenance with a professional tree service. They can provide expert care tailored to your trees’ specific needs, ensuring they thrive year-round.
Contact Eisenhower to Schedule Summer Tree Care Service
Summer pruning and trimming are essential for maintaining the health, safety, and beauty of your trees. By following our tips and knowing when to call for professional help, you will ensure your trees remain strong and vibrant throughout the season. Proper tree care enhances your landscape and contributes to a safer and more enjoyable outdoor environment.
Contact Eisenhower Tree Care today to schedule summer tree care service. One of the main advantages of working with our arborists is that they can perform a comprehensive evaluation to give you a better idea of their current health profile and needs. After that, they can perform trimming, pruning, and numerous other tree care services that promote their health, growth, and resilience to diseases and pests.
Call (816) 720-7802 or email us using our contact form. For storm-damaged trees or trees that are structurally unsound, please visit our emergency tree service page for more information.
