Like many homeowners in Peachtree City, you may think that tree pruning is an easy job that just about anyone can do. However, there are plenty of opportunities for mistakes that can seriously harm your trees.

Below, learn why and how bad tree pruning harms your trees, then call us to schedule tree services in Pattison, TX.

How Poor Pruning Practices Harm Your Cherished Trees

Bad tree practices, such as over-pruning, can cause long-lasting damage or even kill your trees. The impact of poor pruning includes:

• Weak regrowth: Cut off the wrong branches or prune your tree at the wrong time of year, and it could sit there stunted for months or longer.
• Pests and diseases: Because poorly pruned trees take a long time to heal, that gives pests and diseases more than enough time to set up shop in your tree’s canopy. Pests such as the emerald ash borer and other boring insects are particularly attracted to bark damage.
• Lowered aesthetics: Finally, a badly pruned tree just plain looks unattractive. You’ll be sorry about that eyesore when you invite guests to your home, and even sorrier if you were planning to sell the house.

Pruning Mistakes To Avoid

What exactly does bad tree pruning include? Topping practices are among the worst sins you can commit with your trees. Topping involves removing all of a tree’s upper branches at the same level. The result is a tree that looks totally flat on top. It’s eye-catching for all the wrong reasons.

Topping is a common but misguided practice. Topped trees don’t just look ugly; they’re also more susceptible to pests, diseases, and sunscald. If your tree service company recommends topping, run away.

Shearing is another pruning mistake to avoid. It involves chopping off branches at an angle instead of making flush cuts. The branches will regrow in a way that prevents lower foliage from getting enough sunlight.

Next up is lion-tailing, which involves pruning off interior growth while leaving just the long branches with a bit of leaves on the end. These branches resemble lion’s tails, hence the name. Lion-tailing causes so much tree stress that branches may snap in the wind.

Other mistakes to watch out for include:

• Pruning too frequently. Your tree won’t have the chance to put out new, healthy growth if you keep cutting it back.
• Pruning in a drought. Drought conditions stress trees, as does pruning. Put them together and you’ll have a seriously weak tree that’s a magnet for disease.
• Pruning too low: Pruning only the lower branches makes a tree top-heavy, which could cause it to topple over on a windy day.
• Using the wrong tools: Skip the pruning shears and use loppers instead. They’re better suited for thick, woody branches.

Pruning Done Right From the Pros at Meadows Tree Service

Don’t want to risk making any of these bad tree pruning mistakes? Let our pros at Meadows Tree Service do the hard work for you! To schedule tree pruning, contact us at (832) 692-4931.