When warm weather finally arrives after a long winter, we begin “spring cleaning” our homes and our gardens. Trees on our property also need our attention, especially if they’ve suffered damage from freezing temperatures or storms. Pruning is necessary to make your tree:
- Look good
- Be structurally balanced
- Keep the surrounding area safe for residents and passersby
Removing some of a tree’s branches can improve its health and longevity. However, handling pruning by yourself can be extremely dangerous. You may harm the tree, and — worse — hurt yourself or others in the area. Light pruning for a low-hanging tree branch, or shaping up your shrubs can usually be handled by a novice. However, major pruning is best left to the professionals. They understand and have the experience to utilize the right pruning techniques, safety procedures, and necessary tools.
Tree experts will use some of the following approaches when pruning a tree’s crown (or top):
- Thinning
Crown thinning refers to the cutting away of branches near the upper portion of a tree. Any weakened branches should be removed, allowing more light to penetrate the tree and encouraging air flow. The reduced load on tree limbs and the trunk will help preserve its form.
- Cleaning
Crown cleaning involves removing branches and twigs that are dead or dying, including those infested or eaten by insects, rotting from disease, and any that are weak and detaching from the trunk.
- Raising
Crown raising addresses the removal of branches (usually smaller ones) on the lower part of the crown. This prevents trees from obstructing cars and passersby, blocking nearby buildings, and preventing accidents and injury to people and pets in the area.
- Reduction
Through crown reduction, the tree’s width is reduced by removing larger branches at the top. The tree will retain its general shape. Reduction is only performed when absolutely necessary, like when the growth is expanding onto buildings and electrical wires.
If you plan to prune, make sure you know what you’re doing and have the right ladders, tools, and safety gear. If you’re inexperienced, leave the job to tree experts in your area.
Great Northern Regreenery can handle the job of tree pruning in the GTA. Keep you, your family, and your tree safe. Get in touch with us at (905) 775-7444.