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Trees are trimmed (or pruned) for a variety of reasons. Aesthetically, regular trimming of leaves results in better-looking and performing trees. They look as good as they are healthy.
Trees can grow on their own, naturally, even without trimming, but taking this extra step allows them to reach their full growth potential.
Moreover, tree trimming is necessary to remove any dead branches, along with those that rub together and are getting dangerously close to your home’s roof and structure, among many other purposes. If you have the right tools for it, some homeowners like to DIY.
Inexperienced homeowners, however, can use a few insights before they get started. Calling in the professionals that offer tree service Albuquerque will be their best bet, but this doesn’t mean there isn’t any room to learn.
Read this guide below for tried and tested tips and tricks for tree trimming.
1. Call An Arborist and Check Their Credentials
Nothing beats the professionalism and expertise of an arborist from a tree service Albuquerque company. They have the skills and the proper equipment to match. This means an arborist doesn’t just know how to trim trees correctly but also safely.
Homeowners with few tools and know-how on tree trimming can do parts of it independently, except for the thicker, bigger branches or those that are too high up. When you’ve decided to call an arborist, it’s on you, too, to see if they’re as qualified for the job as they set themselves out to be.
To that end, take that last step of caution by checking and asking for their credentials before finally signing up for their services. They should conform with your local associations’ or laws’ standards and regulations, requiring training, certification, and proper tools and safety gear.
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2. Apply A Planned Approach to Trimming
Trimming trees isn’t something you can do at random. Ideally, a proper plan should be followed, observing the appropriate order when cutting to reduce the number of cuts to be completed correctly.
A skilled arborist knows where to start, usually by removing first any diseased, broken, or dead branches and limbs.
These should be cut right at the point of origin before moving back them back to the strong branch or shoot. Removing this opens up the tree branch’s canopy so that no further trimming is necessary.
3. Use The Proper Tools
Homeowners who like to DIY every so often can benefit from investing in the right tree-trimming tools. While there’s no need to have every tool or equipment, it’s a good idea to start with the basics at least.
Trimming is a delicate job, requiring tools more technical than any random sharp object. This is needed, given that tree branches and limbs come in different shapes and sizes.
These are the essential equipment you’ll need:
- Pole Pruners. This allows you to reach the high-up branches without using a ladder.
- Pruning Shears or Giant Scissors. Bypass hand pruners are best for healthy stems, as they can cut cleanly, as a pair of sharp scissors would. On the other hand, anvil and ratchet pruners are better for dead and dry stems.
- These are powerful machines that have the power to cut through any tree.
- Loppers. These are used for larger branches, as the long handles allow for more strength and leverage.
- Pruning Saws. These saws are used for thicker branches. Traditional bow saws cut branches up to 12 inches in diameter, while folding saws are used to cut in hard-to-reach pockets.
With the list above being quite extensive, you’ll now know which tools to use. You can start by matching them with the size of trees you have around your yard.
4. Study Your Tree’s Growth Habit
Different trees have their respective growth habits. It’s, therefore, a good move also to study what type of tree you have. This knowledge is an excellent foundation for ensuring you’re correctly trimming your trees.
For example, for flowering shrubs in your garden, it’s best to wait until after the shrub starts flowering before pruning. The best time for most big trees, from a tree health standpoint, is late in winter or early spring, right before new growth starts for the year.
Woody landscape plants, however, are better off trimmed in the early summer after the development of new growth.
5. Always Make Safety A Priority
Last, one could never emphasize the importance of making safety a priority enough. When safety isn’t guaranteed if you do DIY, never risk it in exchange for cost savings. The fee you pay professionals will always be worth it when there’s an assurance of safety.
For experienced homeowners confident enough to DIY, wear proper safety and appropriate clothing to prevent cuts, scratches, and other accidents. These include safety glasses, a hard hat, boots, pants, and gloves.
The Bottomline
Trimming trees isn’t just as simple as cutting a few branches off. Do something wrong, and unfortunately, you could risk damaging the entire tree.
Having trees around your property is a delight, but it’s also a lot of extra work. At least once every so often, go around your yard and check on your trees. Give them the care and attention they need, whether by yourself or with the help of professional arborists.
