Easy does it: A pruning young trees guide

A long-term relationship with a tree requires regular pruning. With just a handful of pruning guidelines, a healthy sapling can grow into an adult tree that provides decades of benefits.

Pruning young trees guide step 1: Before you cut

Before you develop a pruning plan, determine what you want from your tree. Will the tree be a wind shelter? The centerpiece of an ornamental garden? Shade for a very sunny property? These details are important when deciding where a tree’s lowest branch should start.

In general, the lowest branches of a tree should start at eight feet, but the branches of a tree that borders a road should start at 16 feet to avoid damaging vehicles and impeding pedestrian and bike traffic.  The lowest branches of an ornamental or wind screen fir tree often brush the round. At the other end of the branch height spectrum are trees like oaks and maples that offer shade to two-story houses. Those lowest branches will eventually be even with the top of the first story of the house.

Pruning young trees guide step 2: Giving your tree the once over

Once you’ve decided your tree’s lowest branch height, you’re ready to look at your tree with a critical eye. Common sense tells you that a strong, sturdy trunk is important for a well-shaped and healthy tree. Water and nutrients from the soil need a straight path to travel in order to nourish all parts of the tree. You also want evenly spaced branches with adequate space to develop.

What branches are growing too close to each other? What branches are too low to the ground/outside of the determined lowest branch height? Those are the branches you want to prune first. Eventually you’ll consider pruning branches that affect the symmetry of the tree – like a heavier branch that’s pulling the trunk to one side or long, thin branches that are seeking sunlight outside of the general tree shape.

Pruning young trees guide step 3: It’s not a race

Pruning requires restraint and a calm mind. When in doubt, prune fewer branches rather than too many. Time is on your side with trees, so don’t rush pruning. An improper cut or the removal of too many branches permanently affects not only the shape of a tree, but also its health. Pruning has been compared to performing surgery. You’re operating on a living thing.

Pruning young trees guide step 4: Pruning tools

Pruning tools include hand pruners, lopping shears and a pruning saw. Hedge trimmers should never be used for pruning. Tools should be sharp and clean. Between pruning sessions, clean tools in a pail of water and one teaspoon of bleach. Thoroughly dry tools with a soft cloth. Don’t rely on air drying only. If rust forms on tools, it can be buffed off with steel wool.

Pruning young trees guide step 5: Now you can cut

The time has come to prune. See that small rounded area at the base of each branch? It’s called the branch collar and it’s very important to cut just outside (away from the trunk) of it. Think of the branch collar as a protective zone for the tree. Cutting too close to the trunk leaves the tree vulnerable to decay.

Trees keep wounds forever. Any time a yard sale or lost pet sign is nailed to a tree, the nail wound closes, but it doesn’t heal and it permanently affects the health of a tree. The same is true with pruning. But just like some risky surgeries, proper pruning has an overall positive effect on the health of a tree compared to no pruning. It’s the sloppy cuts with dull tools that carry greater risk.

Trees are lifetime providers of oxygen, shade, shelter and beauty. When done properly, pruning is a way to ensure the health of one of the world’s greatest natural assets.

If you have questions about pruning your trees, contact SprayTech at 720.248.0000.  Our tree services include tree spraying, tree fertilizing, tree deep root watering, tree removal, tree pruning.