Whether pruning to thin a large tree’s canopy and allow more sunlight through or to preemptively prevent a breaking branch from falling, regular pruning is essential. Every tree requires pruning to ensure it stays in good health, thriving with enough nutrients thanks to having healthy limbs only. We’ll be breaking down the importance and benefits of tree pruning as well as common tree trimming and pruning methods.
What Is Pruning?
The basic tree pruning meaning is the act of removing branches to improve the health of a tree, manage its size, improve its appearance, and prevent property and people from potential fall damage from branches. Correct pruning is a reliable way to bolster the health of any tree, improving flower production and fruit yields on fruit trees.
It’s vitally important to call in a professional arborist because incorrect pruning can permanently stunt growth. An arborist will be able to advise you on the best time to strategically perform pruning, as different trees require attention at different periods relative to their flowering cycle.
What Is Trimming?
To define tree trimming, trimming focuses primarily on removing and cutting branches for aesthetic changes, whereas pruning addresses the tree’s future health. Most trees only need trimming once or twice a year when they’re growing too big or beginning to look unsightly.
The Benefits Of Pruning
From personal and property safety to bolstering your tree’s health and accompanying grass and plants, pruning holds many advantages. Here’s a breakdown of the main benefits of pruning:
- Removing Dead//Dying Branches Promotes New Growth
- Reduced Risk Of Fall Damage From Branches
- Improved Tree Appearance
- Shape & Guide Young Tree Growth
- Pest/Insect Infestation Deterred
- Improved Height Clearance
- Allow More Sunlight Through Feeding Foliage & Vegetation
- Remove View Obstructions
Types Of Pruning
There are many different types of pruning used to manage the growth and safety of a tree. Here’s a breakdown of the most common trimming and pruning practices.
Deadwooding
Deadwooding removes the damaged, dying, and diseased branches of a tree only. No other limbs are touched. All trees require regular deadwooding to maintain good health, healthy growth, and to prevent falling branches.
Crown Thinning
An arborist sends a tree climber up into the uppermost and outer canopy of a tree using tree bracing and cabling to thin out branches selectively. By thinning away a significant number of canopy branches, more air and wind can pass through the tree, which reduces the chance of branches breaking or falling during severe weather. Thinning also enables more sunlight to reach the vegetation beneath and around the tree, improving overall biodiversity and soil health.
Canopy Cleaning
Canopy cleaning is similar to thinning but includes the removal of touching branches, water sprouts, and suckers at the base of the tree. Extensive tree bracing and cabling are required All dangerous branches are removed, as are any branches at risk of splitting apart. An arborist also reduces weight on branches wherever it’s needed while shortening limbs as is necessary too.
Crown Raising
Pruning to raise the canopy involves trimming the bottom branches of the tree. It’s the ideal solution for raising a tree above obstacles like an entrance or driveway or to prevent a tree from blocking a desirable view. Canopy raising also allows more sunlight to reach the grass and plants beneath the tree.
Crown Reduction
There are times when the height and spread of a tree have to be reduced to prevent damage or obstruction. Trees often need to be pruned to reduce their size in order to prevent obstructing utility lines. Building clearance is another common reason for crown reduction. Leaders and branch terminals are typically pruned back to the lateral branches leaving the structure and health of the tree intact.
Crown Restoration
Trees that have been damaged by storms, other falling branches, or vandalization require crown restoration. The specific pruning depends on the damage, but branches are often cut back to the same size or smaller than the tree’s lateral branches in the hope that it will grow back to good health and a normal appearance.
Vista Pruning
Vista pruning is the selective removal of branches in order to clear an obstructed view from a window or particular direction. Most vista pruning involves canopy thinning, although this depends on the height of the tree.
Contact Us Today For The Best Tree Pruning In Victoria
To define trimming, one must keep in mind that arborists offer a range of different services based on what you, the customer, and the tree needs. Trimming broadly classifies all of the pruning services offered by an arborist and therefore has a variable cost. We encourage you to get in touch today for a free quotation for tree pruning in Glen Waverley or anywhere else in South Eastern Melbourne, Victoria. Whether trimming for looks or pruning for health, we’ve got you covered.
