Whether the trees that need trimming on your property are young or mature, there are things that you can do to provide maintenance and care. More extensive work, however, should be left to professionals. Professional arborists have proper equipment, safety training, and expertise to service trees better than the regular handyman. 

All too often, trees are cut straight across the top of the canopy (referred to as “topping”). This does more damage to your trees than it helps them, and it will leave you with unruly branches on your tree’s crown. Not only does it negatively affect the appearance of your trees. It can also cause malformed, weakly attached regrowth that leaves you at risk of branches falling and breaking in severe weather. Topping also may leave your tree vulnerable to insect infestation and disease. 

Thinning, on the other hand, is more effective than topping. Thinning involves removing unwanted branches to their origin point if they are damaged, diseased, or weak. This process of trimming follows the natural branching patterns of your tree and results in a more open tree with a healthier structure. It also strengthens the tree by encouraging the uncut branches to grow thicker in diameter. Trimming is also best when performed during the tree’s dormant season.

If you are interested in trimming and training your young trees, there are procedures that can help you maximise your tree’s life and provide a foundation for it to grow healthily and fully. The first trim you will likely do is after purchasing and planting your tree. You will want to remove any damaged or diseased branches that have been impacted by pests. Do not prune excessively, for removing too many leaves will cause your tree to be in deficit of its primary energy source. This also can hinder the tree’s ability to form a widespread root system. One of the most popular trimming methods is to prune the lower limbs of the tree before they reach about two centimetres in diameter. This will prevent scarring on the trunk and will encourage the tree to grow taller instead of thicker. 

If you are interested in trimming your more mature trees, it is best to limit your activity to cutting thinner branches that are close to the ground and within reach. Leave trimming the higher-up and thicker branches to professional arborists, like us here at Dynamic Arborist, that have proper equipment, experience, and insurance to cover injuries.

There are many resources regarding tree trimming available for consumer reference. If you, however, are more interested in calling in a professional arborist to assist you in trimming your trees, call us here at Dynamic Arborist. Our team is highly trained and capable when it comes to tree trimming, and we would be honoured to call you our client. We have served the Melbourne area for years and are excited to serve you, too.