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Most Common Tree Trimming & Pruning Mistakes to Avoid

Most Common Tree Trimming & Pruning Mistakes to Avoid

Maintaining the health of trees on your property is essential for various reasons, including aesthetics, safety, and environmental…

Sep 27,2023

Maintaining the health of trees on your property is essential for various reasons, including aesthetics, safety, and environmental benefits. Regular tree trimming and pruning by a professional tree care company is vital in preventing improper techniques associated with DIY projects. At the Sesmas Tree Service, we work with you to mitigate the most common tree trimming and pruning mistakes that property owners often make. 

Most Common Tree Trimming & Pruning Mistakes to Avoid

Over pruning

The most prevalent mistake is over-pruning, or excessive pruning, or “topping.” This involves the removal of a disproportionate number of branches or foliage, attempting to reduce the tree’s height. Unfortunately, this weakens the structure, making your trees more susceptible to diseases, pests, and environmental stressors. Over-pruning can cause many problems, such as increased vulnerability to diseases and pests, a decrease in the tree’s energy reserves, a decrease in natural shape and beauty, and rapid regrowth of new, weaker branches. It is crucial to consult with certified arborists who can determine the proper amount of trimming and pruning needed for your tree’s health and aesthetics.

Improper Timing of Pruning

Another common misstep is pruning at the wrong time of the year. Different tree species have specific periods when pruning is most suitable, depending on their growth and flowering cycles. Pruning at an inappropriate time can disrupt these natural processes, resulting in reduced flower and fruit production, stress on the tree, and premature tree removal emergencies. It’s advisable to seek guidance from a certified tree service to ensure that your trees are pruned at the right time. 

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Neglecting Proper Equipment and Techniques

Another mistake that often needs to be corrected in tree trimming and pruning is using improper equipment and techniques. Tools that are dull or unsuitable can produce jagged cuts, which take longer to heal and are more prone to infections. In addition, not adhering to proper pruning techniques can lead to severe damage and unnecessary tree removal projects. These errors include using rusty or dull pruning shears, making improper cuts that harm the tree’s structure, failing to sanitize tools between trees, and not wearing appropriate safety gear like helmets and eye protection. Our professional arborists possess the right tools and expertise to make precise cuts that promote tree health.

Ignoring the Significance of Tree Health Assessment

It’s vital to assess the tree’s health before embarking on any tree trimming or pruning. Neglecting this step can lead to the removal of healthy branches or, conversely, holding diseased ones. As a trusted tree care company, we can evaluate tree health by examining factors such as foliage condition, signs of pests or disease, and structural stability. The consequences of skipping this health assessment include unnecessary damage to healthy branches, overlooking underlying health issues, and achieving ineffective pruning results. Our tree service experts can accurately diagnose tree health and tailor trimming and pruning strategies accordingly.

The health of your trees is vital for the overall appeal, safety, and environmental benefits of your property. It’s crucial to avoid common tree trimming and pruning mistakes to ensure your trees receive the care they deserve. Contact us at the Sesmas Tree Service and schedule a consultation with our arborists.

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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