Everyone loves a nice and clean-looking garden but seldom knows the effort it takes to keep it that way! Tree trimming is something every homeowner has to think about when they have a sizable garden in the front or out back.
Trimming your garden and keeping it aesthetically pleasing can be a huge task, especially if you have a huge area. The smart thing to do would be to get in touch with the experts at Personal Touch Tree service. We are a family owned business in Dallas, TX who have been doing this for many years. With considerable knowledge and experience, we are the right people for the job!
With that said, let us move on to essential tips that you can use for tree trimming more effectively.
1. Have a Reason for Pruning
To start off the process, you need to understand why you are trimming your garden. This is important because there are several reasons why you should break out your garden shears and gloves. Pruning is the best way to get rid of old and diseased branches on your trees and prevent them from interfering with the rest of the plants.
Another reason is to prevent trees and shrubs from damaging your property, especially your windows. Tree branches are one of the major causes of window breakages in many parts of the state. You need to get on this before the branches cause issues with the rest of your house.
2. Getting the Timing Right
It is a good idea to time your pruning process. There are several factors to think about that are related to timing. One major factor that can have an impact on your pruning is the weather. Pruning during extreme weather can be challenging at best and impossible at worst. The ideal time to prune your tree as far as weather is concerned is late winter or early spring. This is the period when you’ll find it easier to identify dead branches or areas that need to be pruned.
It sets your trees for proper growth through the spring and summer. Another thing to consider is the tree’s growth cycle, and you need to align your pruning accordingly. If you’re pruning a flowering tree, it might require completely different pruning strategies specific to the type of tree. It’s a great idea to consult your local gardening guidelines or even ask your neighbor for tips on when you should trim your garden.
Read More: Spatial Pruning
3. Use the Right Tools
Something that many people tend to forget is to gear themselves properly before they attempt pruning. The difficulty of tree trimming can vary from mildly challenging to extremely difficult. Not to mention, even the smallest pruning job can turn into an issue without the right protective gear. The first non-negotiable part of gearing up is your safety goggles and gloves. This is an area where you don’t want to pinch pennies. Get the best quality of goggles and gloves you can afford.
Ensure that you have different sizes of pruning shears depending on the size of branches you want to trim. It’s also a good idea to have loppers, or a pruning saw with you if you plan to take on larger branches. If your trees are really tall, you might want to invest in a pole pruner. If these all seem too much for you, getting a professional tree trimming agency like Personal Touch Tree Service might be the way to go!
4. Practice Proper Pruning Techniques
All the tools in the world won’t help someone who doesn’t know how to use them effectively! While it is always exciting to get new tools (we know the feeling!), you should read up on making the most out of them. Also, this is where you should decide if some tools are way outside your expertise and refrain from making unnecessary purchases.
There are tons of videos on YouTube that can help you make clean cuts of your trees from different angles. You should not cut too close to the tree or leave stubs, which can become problematic later. When pruning, it is important to leave the branch collar as is. The reason is that branch collars have chemical enzymes that prevent the spread of disease in a tree. It helps trees recover quickly from pruning.
5. Ensure Proper Safety
We’ve already touched on the gear section, but it doesn’t hurt to reiterate. Ensure that all your protective gear is in good condition and clean. If you haven’t used them in a while, it is a good idea to check them before you use them. Safety is not just about protective gear; it is also about how you carry out the pruning process.
What we mean is that before pruning, you need to check your surroundings. One major factor is power lines – falling branches can get caught on them, resulting in highly dangerous situations. If your tree’s branches extend outside your home out to the neighbors or the street, let them know prior and have adequate warning signs.
These are a few ways you can make your tree-trimming endeavors more effective. If you feel overwhelmed by all this, there’s no need to worry. Personal Touch Tree Service, based in Dallas, TX, can give you a smooth and easy time with tree trimming. All you need to do is call us, and we’ll be there in a hurry!
