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5 Bad Pruning Examples to Avoid

5 Bad Pruning Examples to Avoid

Trees require regular care for healthy growth and longevity. One vital care practice is pruning, which entails removing…

Jul 07,2024

Trees require regular care for healthy growth and longevity. One vital care practice is pruning, which entails removing overgrown, damaged, or dead limbs. While tree pruning may seem straightforward, minor mistakes can compromise overall health, leading to deterioration and premature tree removal. At the Sesmas Tree Service, we leverage extensive pruning knowledge to ensure the right technique and tools for your trees. Even if you have conducted successful landscaped projects previously, tree trimming and pruning should be handled by certified arborists. Here are common pruning errors to avoid and how to avoid them.

5 Bad Pruning Examples to Avoid

Taking a Little Off the Top

DIY enthusiasts often trim the canopy to reduce the height or proximity to utility lines and structures. While topping may seem harmless initially, it causes more harm with time. You risk suckers that are structurally weak and susceptible to damage, compromising the tree’s overall well-being. If you have to reduce the height of a tree, hire professional arborists to ensure minimum damage and quality results.

Pruning Bigger Branches

Pruning leaves injuries on the tree, which can get infected or infested if they are big and slow to heal. Tree service professionals recommend trimming branches between two to three inches in diameter or smaller if necessary. If you prune branches that are four inches in diameter or larger, it increases the risk of decay, fungus, and diseases. Even if the damage is not apparent initially, delaying professional intervention can lead to deterioration and tree removal.

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Cutting Too Close to the Trunk

The area that connects the branch to the trunk is called the collar. DIYers often trim too close to the trunk and end up cutting the collar. This leaves an open wound that increases susceptibility to decay and other health complications. Tree service professionals recommend pruning further from the collar to allow the tissue to heal quickly. In addition, different species require certain pruning techniques to achieve the desired results without damaging the tree. You can consult a tree care company for a more hands-off approach, ensuring everything is handled professionally.

Bark Damage

Pruning projects are not limited to small branches but big ones as well. If you want to trim a huge tree in your yard, there’s always the risk of damaging the bark. Cutting large branches can reap the bark as they fall, injuring the tree. Certified arborists recommend the three-step pruning technique to minimize bark damage. This process entails making two initial pruning cuts and reducing the weight of the branch as it comes down. Once this is done, you can proceed to make the pruning cut.

Over pruning

Pruning both large and small branches without purpose or proper technique can cause issues with sucker growth, structural issues, and safety hazards. When pruning live wood, limit the cuts between 5% to 20% of the foliage, especially for unhealthy or slow-growing trees. A tree care company in Milton, GA has the tools and expertise to ensure proper pruning techniques for a healthy and aesthetically pleasing landscape.

DIY enthusiasts can conduct safe and efficient pruning projects by avoiding these mistakes. If you prefer a more professional approach, contact us at the Sesmas Tree Service and schedule a consultation. We provide comprehensive services, from planting and maintenance to tree and stump removal, at competitive rates.

Customer Reviews

3 large Leyland Cypress trees removed near front of our home. Excellent service, professional crew, very competitive pricing for superior work! Rolando provided the initial estimate and the  follow up and was the best in terms of customer relations. I'd both use this company again AND highly recommend them.

Susan Hitchcock

This is the 2nd time we have used Sesmas Tree Service. They are a wonderful company to deal with. They were on time, professional, and very thorough. They cleaned up prior to leaving and went out of their way to protect our plants and landscaping. And they kept to their proposal with no hidden cost or add ons. Definitely a five star experience!

Gene McFadden

Wow!  I deal with tree services in my professional work and I can honestly say Sesmas is by far the most professional, best equipped, efficient, safety conscious, and communicative service I've ever encountered.  Their price was very reasonable and they even went so far as to include additional work without increasing the price.  Call them!  Now! They are very quick to respond.

Scott McLendon

We've used Sesmas several times and have always received excellent service.  Estimates are quick and easy and the crew is efficient and leaves the property clean of debris.  Recently we needed a tree removed next to a heavily landscaped area.  Sebastian went over everything with me in detail and listened to my concerns.  The crew did an excellent job in removing the tree with minimal disturbance to the surrounding area.  We are pleased and will consider them again in the future for pruning and tree removal.

Tonia Griswold

Sesmas Tree Service was amazing! I had two dead trees cut and a lot of trees that were already down on my property removed. Sebastian came out and sent the quote in writing within 24 hours. We were in the process of scheduling the service when a slot opened up sooner snd I was able to go ahead and get the work done. Everything was explained ahead of time for what to expect. The crew was very efficient and professional.  All of the work and cleanup was done in one day. I would recommend Sesmas for your tree cutting/cleanup needs.

LaDora Woods

I hired Sesmas to cut down a very tricky tree that was hanging over my house as well as a few large limbs. They did a great job and had the machinery to get the job done right.

Perry Hartman

Great experience with Sesmas. They were meticulous with my tree removal, safe and efficient. David’s communication throughout the process was much appreciated. Highly recommend!

Lindsay Ellenburg

Great experience with Sesmas Tree Service. The arborist who came out was a Board Certified Master Arborist, and you could immediately tell he knew his stuff. He took the time to explain what needed to be done, gave us clear options, and helped us feel confident from start to finish. The whole process was easy and professional. We’ll definitely use them again.

Ed Martin

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