Pruning is often thought to benefit trees, but apart from pruning out damage, trees don’t benefit much from the act at all. Fruit tree pruning is usually undertaken to produce better crops, and other pruning is normally carried out to keep a large tree in shape. It is mostly for human benefit and not of the trees.
The job of a tree surgeon is to minimise any damage when asked to carry out pruning, to give the tree the maximum chance of recovery and good growth. Do you know what happens to the inside of a tree when it is pruned?
When a branch is removed too close to a trunk, this is called a flush cut and causes a larger extent of die-back. This is an example of a poor job and flush cuts should always be avoided. Decay can occur in a trunk that has numerous flush cuts. Pruning to the collar of the branch is a much better practise. For any work to trees on your property, seek the services of a Tree Surgeon Poole, like Tree Surgeon Poole Kieran Boyland.
Pruning deciduous trees
Deciduous trees are those which lode their leaves in the winter months. These types of trees can be pruned at almost any time during the growing season but it’s always best to avoid pruning when the leaves are just starting to form or are falling. For walnut trees and magnolias, for example, pruning is best carried out late in the summer when healing times will be quicker.
A healthy tree will cope much better with pruning if it’s carried out during the summer as this is when trees are at the peak of their photosynthesis. This means they are producing higher amounts of sugar and energy for their growth and the healing of wounds.
Pruning evergreen trees
Healthy evergreens, those which don’t lose their leaves, will cope far better with summer pruning. Pruning should also be avoided in extremely cold and freezing weather conditions.
How to go about pruning trees
Before doing any pruning work, it is highly important that you check on the status of your trees in terms of protection. Tree Preservation Orders, which are common in Conservation Areas, could affect how you manage any trees on your property. If this applies in your case, you’ll need to seek permission from your local council before starting any tree work.
If you have a dangerous or precarious limb that requires immediate attention, it is possible to remove them without permission but bear in mind that the penalties can be strict. The burden of proving the imminent danger will rest with you. Doing anything to a protected tree, especially if it’s to prevent a risk, be sure to document your actions carefully and take lots of photographs to back up your case.