Tree pruning is one of the most common agricultural practices in the country. TreeCanada.ca reports that 60% of daily operations in urban forestry involve pruning. Pruning can be beneficial for plants in a wide variety of different ways. But how often should you think about pruning your tree or plant life?

Let’s find out.

Reasons for tree pruning:

  • Preventing branches from falling on objects or people
  • Allowing branches to bear more weight
  • Improving the health and quality of life of the tree
  • Correcting storm damage
  • Allowing clearance for hydro lines and other utilities

As you can see, there are many different reasons why someone might want to consult tree pruning services. Since there are several reasons why you might want to prune your trees, it stands to reason there will likewise be many different answers when it comes to how often a tree should be pruned.

As a general rule of thumb, the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada offers this advice:
“If you have no good reason to prune, don’t.”

Obviously, less is more when it comes to proper tree pruning. As we saw above, however, there are no cut-and-dried rules when it comes to cutting back tree limbs. Let’s delve into a few common reasons homeowners seek out tree pruning services. It’ll help give you an idea of a tree pruning schedule for your arbour.

Why Pruning Is Important

As you can see from some of the common reasons for tree pruning mentioned at the beginning of this article, there are many different situations that might result in a tree being pruned. Every single one of those instances involves a longer, healthier, happier life for that tree. Pruning your tree’s branches allows it to reach its fullest potential.

Tree pruning diminishes the risk of disease for the entire tree

  • Removing dead or dying branches – is probably the most common reason people seek out tree pruning services. Limbs that are interfering with one another, as well as branch stumps, are both prime candidates for pruning, as well. This diminishes the risk of disease for the entire tree as well as offering more light and moisture for the foliage. It also helps to keep sucker plants and water spouts at bay, which can compromise the structural integrity of a tree. This gives a tree the highest possible chance of success.

Dead limbs and weak branches are a safety hazard for your friends and family

  • Safety concerns – are the second most common reason people seek out tree pruning services. Dead limbs and weak branches are a safety hazard for your friends and family, not to mention a damage risk to your property. You may want to look out for potential safety risks, as well, such as tree branches coming too close to power lines or telephone poles.

When You Should Prune Your Trees

As we’ve seen, you should keep an eye out for extenuating circumstances that could call for immediate action. As far as a regular tree pruning schedule, however, mature trees are generally pruned every 3 to 5 years. Younger trees need to be trimmed more often, so 2 to 3 years is preferable.

You’ll also want to consider what type of tree you’re going to be pruning. Fruit trees generally need to be pruned to produce a harvest each year. In comparison, fir trees and evergreens can often go years upon years without needing to be touched.

The dormant season is the best time for tree pruning

Now that you know how often your trees should be pruned, you’ll also want to think about what time of year that pruning should take place. As a general rule of thumb, the dormant season is the best time for tree pruning. The middle of the winter is the perfect time to look into tree pruning services.

Proper Pruning Tips

We’ll conclude with some tips on how you can do your own pruning, in case you’re thinking of trying it yourself. Tree pruning is an art form all its own, however, so a full guide to pruning trees could fill several volumes.

Pruning smaller branches that can be cut with hand tools encourages new growth

Keep in mind, if you are pruning branches that are small enough to cut with hand tools, it will encourage new growth. With this in mind, cut a branch ¼” above a bud that faces away from the tree. This is the direction the new limb will grow. Remember to keep your cuts at a 45-degree angle, which will help prevent water damage and disease.

Cutting thick tree branches requires three cuts

Pruning thick branches is a bit more involved. Firstly, cutting thicker tree branches often requires three cuts, two to sever the limb and a third to create a flat surface on the stump. Then you may need to apply a protective coating (known as a callous) after the branch is cut to prevent infection. This is one of the main reasons why thicker branches require proper tree pruning services.

To start, measure approximately 18 inches from the base of the branch you’re looking to remove and make an incision on the underside. This is going to be your first cut. Next, wrap around to the top side of the same branch. Measure an inch out from where you made your first incision, away from the trunk. This will be your second cut.

Saw through until you connect these first two cuts, at which point the branch should break and fall.

Finally, once the branch has been removed, find the branch collar, where you’ll see a slight swelling and slightly rougher bark. Your final cut is going to be to the outside of this collar. Make a 45-degree angle cut away from the base of the tree but without leaving a stub. This will prevent water damage and encourage the callous to form as quickly as possible.

There you have it! Now you should have a more thorough understanding of tree pruning and what it involves. Now you’ll know when the time is right to contact a tree pruning service to keep your trees as healthy and healthy as possible.

Looking For Tree Pruning Services in Ontario?

At Great Northern Greenery, we take great pride in sharing our love and knowledge of trees with homeowners, looking to preserve their trees for as long as possible.

Whether you’re looking for tree pruning services or tree disease control, we offer everything you could need or want to help your trees live for as long as possible in their most pristine state.

Contact us today with any questions or to schedule a consultation.