Trimming your tree canopy not only makes the yard look its best but also keeps your home protected from falling dead branches.
If you’re wondering how to trim your tree canopy the right way, we’ll walk you through the 3 C’s of pruning, tips and techniques you can follow and times of the year when it’s best to trim. Additionally, we’ll cover when it’s best to call in a tree care professional to ensure that your trees stay healthy.
Why Is Proper Trimming Important?
Trimming serves three main purposes: aesthetics, safety and tree health. Removing dead or diseased branches helps prevent pests and stops the disease from spreading. You’ll also prevent dead branches from falling unexpectedly, which could injure someone or cause property damage.
A trimmed canopy also allows more sunlight to reach the grass below, which can help your lawn get fuller and greener. If you decide to sell your house, strong-looking trees will add to your home’s appeal.
Many people ask about tree pruning versus trimming. Pruning targets specific branches. Trimming is primarily about shaping the canopy and maintaining its neat appearance. Both are important, but pruning focuses on the tree’s long-term well-being while trimming addresses an immediate need.
Tips to Consider When Trimming
Think of trimming as a mini makeover for your tree canopy. Here are some factors to consider:
- Timing is important
- Focus on dead or diseased branches
- Keep cuts below 20 percent
Let’s dive into each of these a bit more.
Timing Is Important
Picking the right time to trim your tree canopy makes all the difference. Trees have an active growing season, during which they continually produce new leaves. If you trim them during the hot or humid months, you can risk stressing the tree. Plus, the cuts you make can expose the tree to pests and disease.
Time your trimming during the dormant season, which typically occurs during late winter or early spring. At this time, the tree has fewer leaves, so you can clearly see its structure. You can then decide on which branches to remove. Dormancy also slows sap flow, so the tree’s wounds heal faster.
If you’re learning how to prune citrus trees, trim right after you harvest and before new buds appear. That way, your orange or lemon tree will heal in time for its next crop.
Focus on Dead or Diseased Branches
Cut down the worst branches first. Dead branches don’t have any green tissue. They tend to hang loosely and might fall at any time, even with a light shake. Meanwhile, a diseased tree section shows discoloration and decay on the bark. Fungi might also be growing.
Cutting these parts down will prevent the disease from spreading. The tree can then redirect its energy to recover, which can help lead to new growth and strong branches. Once all the dead or diseased wood has been removed, you can proceed with trimming for aesthetic purposes.
Keep Cuts Below 20 Percent
The tree might get too stressed if you cut down too many branches at once. Its recovery will take more time, putting your tree at risk of disease.
Limit your cuts to only one-fifth of the tree so it can regrow gradually. Spread out pruning jobs over two to three seasons, and always check the tree first before you start another job. It’s best to leave this to a tree care professional, who will know the proper way to prune your tree.
What Are the 3 C’s of Pruning?
The 3 C’s (crowded, crossing and competing branches) give you a simple way to determine which branches to cut down. When you focus on these troublemakers first, you can help your tree stay strong and well-shaped without second-guessing your cuts.
Crowded Branches
Sometimes, too many shoots grow in the same spot. This can cause overcrowding once they mature into branches and limbs. Crowding isn’t beneficial to the tree because it blocks sunlight from other parts of the tree. It can also cause moisture buildup, and too much moisture can put your tree at risk of disease and decay.
To reduce crowding, you should remove the weakest and smallest shoots at their base. For example, if you see four or five shoots starting to grow within a few inches of each other, prune the two weakest. When you do this, you’ll notice the tree dries itself faster after rain, and the remaining branches grow thicker and stronger.
Crossing Branches
Crossing branches can curl up against each other, rubbing against each other’s bark and wearing it away. This chafing leaves the bark weak and open. Insects and diseases can take advantage of the weakened bark and penetrate the tree’s core.
Fixing crossing branches is simple. Find where the two branches meet, and select the one with the smaller diameter. It’s usually the “lesser” branch and has a weaker attachment. Cut that branch back to its collar, freeing up space for the stronger limb.
If one branch or limb twists under another and rubs when the wind blows, remove the lower limb. The upper branch can then stand alone and grow stronger.
Competing Branches
Two or more main stems might try to be the tree’s “leader.” When competing branches occur, this compromises the tree’s integrity as these branches create a weak V-shaped joint. Because these joints are weaker, they’re more likely to break in high winds.
To counter this, choose the straightest and strongest line of the trunk. Then, prune and remove the weaker stems from its base. If you have two trunks shooting up, keep the one with no sharp angles, then prune the smaller one. The remaining trunk then gets all the tree’s energy, strengthening it more.
Let a Tree Care Specialist Handle the 3 C’s
While identifying which branches to prune seems straightforward, the task itself may not be within your skill set. If that’s the case, it’s best to get professional help. A tree care specialist possesses the necessary tools and training to perform the task properly.
What Month Is Best to Trim Trees?
While the ideal time to tidy your tree canopy is between late winter and early spring, each tree species has its own timing. The best month to trim trees depends on each type of tree and the local climate. A maple in a cold region has different timelines than an oak in a mild area. It’s more important to match your pruning to your tree’s needs and the local weather conditions.
Dormant Season Benefits
The best time to prune trees is during the dormant season, which typically occurs between late winter and early spring. When trees are dormant, their sap flow slows down, and the cuts stay clean. As there are no leaves in the way, tree wounds dry faster. Also, pruning before new buds grow gives the tree time to heal for spring growth. By trimming during the dormant stage, your tree bounces back stronger when the weather warms up.
Exceptions to the Rule
Of course, there are some exceptions. Some trees heal fast. Certain oaks or maples may handle a slightly later pruning date. If you live in a place with mild winters, you may be able to trim earlier because you’re not worrying about a late-season frost. On the other hand, trees in places with harsh winters will have to wait until the coldest days are past.
Risks of Pruning at the Wrong Time
Trimming your trees at the wrong time can come with risks. First, fresh tree cuts when the weather is wet are a sure invitation for insects and fungi. When you cut just as soon as new leaves appear, your tree will be forced to use its stored energy right away, so the regrowth is weaker.
If you’re not sure about the proper timing of pruning for your canopy, consult a tree care professional.
Need Help to Keep Your Trees Thriving?
Proper tree canopy trimming is vital for the health and safety of the trees on your property. Reach out to a tree care specialist to ensure your trees are healthy year-round.
ABC Can Keep Your Trees Healthy
There can be a lot involved with taking care of trees. For healthy, happy trees, contact ABC Home & Commercial Services. Our certified arborists will ensure that your trees grow strong and beautiful. Our tree services include trimming, fertilization and tree air excavation. In addition, ABC’s lawn care professionals can help keep your yard tidy and healthy, so your whole landscape thrives.
