Avoiding a Bad Haircut This Spring
Pruning is much more than the simple act of sawing off limbs and should be a regular part of all tree and shrub maintenance programs. Pruning at the right time and in the right way is critical, since it is possible to kill a healthy tree through neglect or over-pruning. Essentially, pruning should enhance the tree’s natural shape. Many shrubs and bushes should be pruned or trimmed in the spring to create an orderly, attractive landscape, as well as contributing to good health and preventing massive overgrowth.
When hiring an arborist, it is important to make sure you know how much reduction will happen. Competent arborists will leave your tree looking like a tree, as professionals make cuts that are discreet and made at proper branch unions. And, best of all for busy people; a good arborist will clean up and take away all brush.
Summer pruning is particularly useful in directing the growth by slowing the branches you don’t want; or to slow (dwarf) the development of a tree or branch. Pruning should be done soon after seasonal growth is complete. The reason for the slowing effect is to reduce the total leaf surface, thereby reducing the amount of food manufactured and sent to the roots. Another reason to prune in the summer is for corrective purposes. Defective limbs can be seen more easily, as well as limbs that hang down too far under the weight of the leaves.
If your purpose for pruning is to enhance flowering:
- For trees that bloom in spring, prune when their flowers fade.
- Trees and shrubs that flower in mid- to late summer should be pruned in winter or early spring.
Seriously though – this is one of those things you shouldn’t do yourself. Too many things can go wrong. You could kill that tree that your kids loved to climb when they were younger or, even worse, that beautiful red maple you have at the front of your house will suddenly have a mullet.
Courtesy: Homeservice Club of Canada