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Winter is a Great Time to Have Your Trees Pruned

Pruning is the act of removing plant parts. Various pruning practices help fruit and flower growers to increase yields and make it possible for timber managers to produce higher quality lumber products.

If done properly, pruning also provides a host of benefits for trees that grow in villages and towns. In areas where people and trees coexist, the number one benefit of pruning is increased safety. A tree that has been appropriately pruned is structurally stronger and is, therefore, far less likely to damage property. We also prune trees to reduce visual obstructions, control their size and shape, and to improve their aesthetic appeal. Ultimately, proper pruning will help your tree live a longer healthier life.

In spite of all the benefits that pruning can provide, if it is not done correctly, pruning can lead to decline or even death of a tree. Please remember the following tips to ensure that pruning will benefit your trees:

1. Even proper pruning cuts injure healthy wood. Therefore, improper pruning cuts may cause excessive injury, leading to extensive decay. Make sure the arborist you hire is aware of proper pruning standards.

2. Make sure your arborist knows what you want. Without specific instructions, ten arborists will prune the same tree ten different ways. Tell the arborist if you want the crown raised or pruned away from your house. The more specific you are, the more satisfied you will be.

3. Start pruning trees when they are still young. Early pruning or “training”, is the best thing you can do to promote good structure. Since pruning cuts damage living tissue, it is much better for the tree if problematic limbs are removed early on when they are small. A properly trained tree will not need drastic crown shaping when it is older, which means a lot less decay.

4. When having mature trees pruned, less is usually better. Remove dead, dying, and diseased branches. But limit shaping and crown reduction cuts. Older trees do not heal as quickly as their younger counter parts.

5. Do Not Top Trees! “Topping” is cutting a branch back to a stub or bud. It leads to excessive decay and sprouting. Topping will not only make your tree a hazard, it will make it an eye sore as well. BEWARE: In some cases, excessive pruning and topping of trees is considered to be tree destruction by Village Code standards. Fines and tree replacement requirements could result.

6. Timing is Important! Avoid pruning trees during peak growing periods. Mid to late summer is usually safe, however, some trees, like oaks and elms, should only be pruned during the dormant season. Generally speaking, winter is a great time to prune trees.

If you have any questions about pruning or any other tree related issues, please contact the Village Forester at 847-883-8600.