Each part of a tree has its own specific function that is crucial to the survival of the entire plant. Bark protects the tree from external elements, while roots anchor it and absorb water and minerals from the soil, and the leaves manufacture food from sunlight.
The branches of the tree, on the other hand, are like the entire plant’s plumbing system. A twig or a stem gives way for growth. This is especially evident because these are places where leaves grow.
The plumbing system brings the water absorbed by the roots to the extremities of a tree. That’s why if you cut carelessly, you might disrupt a tree’s processes and kill it.
Here are a few ways to cut a branch without killing the tree.
Know Your Tree
A lot of times, trees wither because you don’t know much about them. You need to get to know the tree before you start cutting tree limbs. If possible, get to know the species of the tree that you have on your property because each species is slightly different.
As such, whether it’s an actual branch, twig, or stem that you are about to cut, you need to be mindful. Trees can become injured when you cut them. The goal is to cut it the right way to minimize the damage and hope that it will heal properly.
Like when humans are wounded, trees can also get infected, and that can lead to their demise. But also, if trees are cut the right way, once it heals, it will become healthier.
Prune the Right Way
If you cut a tree branch the right way, then there’s very little risk that you’ll kill it. For those unsure of the best practices, our professional tree trimming services can help you maintain the health and structure of your trees.
Now that you are a bit familiar with its anatomy then we can proceed with actually cutting it.
If you’re unsure what pruning entails, pruning is the term used to refer to the removal of certain parts of a tree. As we said, the goal here is to cut the right way and try to minimize the damage done to the tree.
Branch Collars
A simple way to measure if you’ve cut a tree branch properly is by looking at the “branch collar,” or the part that connects the branch to the tree.
If you’re unsure where the branch collar is, it’s best to use the research you gathered on the tree earlier to assist with this. Not all trees have clear branch collars. You should prune slightly past the branch collar, but not too far over.
Lower Branches
Cutting lower branches off trees should be done with caution. Lower branches are one of the primary ways trees maintain stability. If you cut off too many lower branches, the tree may fall during storms when the wind is too strong.
Know What to Prune
Now, it’s time for us to explain which branches you are supposed to prune.
The obvious branches to cut are the ones that are already dead. Leaving them hanging on your tree will not only infect the healthy parts and eventually kill the entire plant but also pose certain dangers to people or property. Dead branches may also fall onto people or property, which is an outcome you should avoid at all costs.
You’ll also want to prune trees that are clearly diseased. If the leaves or bark look strange compared to the rest of the tree (such as being discolored) that is a clear sign of disease. You may also find fungi growing on the branch. It’s important to cut off diseased branches before they infect the whole tree, as it will likely mitigate further damage.
Know When to Prune
So, now that we’re familiar with a tree’s anatomy, how, and what to cut off, then it’s time to learn when the best time to cut tree limbs is.
The general practice is to cut branches of a tree in the early spring, which makes sense because this is still prior to any growth processes that are on the way. But it really depends on the species of the tree as well.
Along with this, always use the right tools to cut a tree branch. Buying pruning saws and shears is a good start.
Calling a Professional Is Best
Naturally, knowing when and how to prune a tree will require knowledge of trees and the proper equipment to use them. Because of this, calling a professional Tree Pruning experts is the best option you have to preserve a tree in your yard.
Using a DIY solution incorrectly may not only damage the tree, but also you or others. If you need branches cut or any other tree care service, at Panorama Tree Care, we’re here for you. Contact us today to find out more.
