Pruning is an important gardening task that helps keep trees healthy and looking their best. Trees can be pruned for a variety of reasons, including to remove dead or diseased branches, to improve airflow and light penetration, and to shape the tree.
Pruning for Health
One of the most important reasons to prune your trees is for health. Dead or diseased branches should be removed as they can spread disease to the rest of the tree. Branches that are rubbing against each other should also be trimmed so that they don't damage each other. If a tree is damaged, pruning can help it to recover by stimulating new growth.
Pruning for Appearance
Trees can also be pruned for aesthetic reasons. Pruning can improve the shape of a tree, and it can also help to increase airflow and light penetration. Proper pruning can also help fruit trees produce more fruit.
Pruning trees may appear to be a difficult job, and it is indeed. Pruning large, established shade trees is not an easy undertaking and should be left for professional arborists to do; however, ornamental and fruit plants can be easily pruned by newbies who know the basics and have the right gardening equipment.
Please use these 3 tips when you are ready to start your pruning process:
1. Do Not Damage the Trees
When pruning, it's important to make sure that you don't damage the tree. Make sure to use sharp tools and be careful not to over-prune. Some of the handy tools to have with you here are: pruning saw (you can use aZengear folding hand saw or any other alternative), secateurs, shears.
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aZengear Folding Hand Saw for Pruning and Gardening
Features:
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- ERGONOMIC, NON-SLIP TPR HANDLE - made out of thermoplastic rubber and designed to provide a comfortable and safe grip (for both right and left hands) in order to reach the maximum cutting speed with the minimum pressure applied and energy spent
- SAFETY LOCK and ADJUSTABLE ANGLES - the saw blade can be unfolded and locked open into two different positions to add sawing flexibility while reaching remote areas or tree branches
- PARACORD INCLUDED - two parachute cords (20in/50cm each) are included to comfortably attach the saw to your backpack or hang it up for storage. Paracord can serve as a valuable rescue rope in your outdoor adventures survival kit
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2. Start Pruning Early On
Pruning is necessary at the earliest possible moment after a tree is planted. Shrubs that have been infested with insect pests, dying branches, and broken limbs should all be cut away as soon as possible. Pruning for shape isn't required until the first winter after planting. Pruning a tree often throughout its life makes it easier to maintain and reduces stress on the plant. Pruning a tree gradually each year helps to establish it from the start and results in a robust and attractive tree.
It's also a good idea to avoid pruning in the middle of summer as this can stress the tree. The best time to prune is typically in the late fall or early winter.
3. Prioritise Tree Branches That Can Cause Danger
Branches that are too close to safety lights, electric lines, or block traffic views are a hazard to people and property. Not only does trimming of these trees reduce the danger of falling branches, but it also provides many other benefits. Pruning your trees in your garden creates a secure atmosphere for you and your family and friends. Trimmed trees are also more robust and healthier.
When pruning your trees, always keep these three things in mind: health, appearance, and avoiding damage. With these tree pruning tips, you'll be sure to have healthy, beautiful trees in your garden!