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Pruning Mistakes That Can Kill Your Trees

tree pruning

A common question homeowners often ask is does pruning hurt trees? The answer to this question is that improper pruning can create lasting damage, or even shorten a tree’s lifespan. That’s why it’s so important to hire a local arborist to care for your trees. This article is a review of three pruning mistakes that can damage, or even kill, an otherwise healthy tree.

1) Over-Pruning

So, how much pruning is too much? Essentially, over-pruning is a problem because it reduces the leafy canopy that produces food for the tree via photosynthesis. Remember, plants turn sunlight into food. Pretty neat, huh? If we could do this, we’d save a fortune on groceries. Over-pruning also makes the tree more vulnerable to pests and diseases, especially if the cuts aren’t done correctly. So, although pruning in and of itself is necessary to keep a tree healthy, sometimes less is more. Over-pruned trees can also die as result of associated stressors caused by pathogens or insects that invade these wounded branches.

2) Not Pruning At All

Perhaps one of the most common pruning mistakes that busy homeowners make is forgetting to prune at all. Nature goes through seasons, or cycles, and trees are no different. Without proper pruning, branches may cause damage to your home, or even grow too close to power lines or windows. Further, if dead branches aren’t removed, they can become brittle and prone to breaking, or infested with insects that could spread to the rest of the tree. A trained specialist can spot these issues before they become a real problem.

3) Pruning at the Wrong Time

For homeowners, it’s important to ask questions like: Does pruning hurt trees? Here’s something else you should know. Another pruning mistake is deciding to prune your trees at the wrong time. For instance, if you forgot to water your trees during a dry season, it wouldn’t be a good idea to prune them because they would probably already be stressed out.

In general, the best time to prune your trees is between November and March, but before spring blooms begin to bud. Trees are less susceptible to insects during these colder months, and your trees will have time to heal before all that spring and summer growth.

Alamo Tree Pruning

Schedule your winter tree pruning by calling Sexy Trees at 925-438-0805. You can also request an estimate through this quick contact form. Tell us a little about your trees, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

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Why Do Trees Need Pruning?

tree pruning

Is pruning trees necessary? Periodic pruning helps trees look better, yes, but it also keeps them healthy. Some trees can live for thousands of years, so we often don’t think of them as being vulnerable. In fact, in California and Nevada, the bristlecone pine is one of these remarkable species. But lack of care can actually lead to a tree’s death. Let’s take a look at why tree pruning is so important.

Fruit Growth

If you have a fruit tree in your yard, proper pruning can make it more productive. Over time, some branches may become unhealthy or die. Getting rid of these limbs promotes the growth of healthy branches because the tree is no longer wasting energy on them. And, as a result, the tree is able to produce more fruit.

Healthier Branches

But even when it comes to trees that don’t bear fruit, proper pruning is necessary in order to keep branches as healthy as possible. This is because unkempt branches can make a tree less structurally sound, and even prone to falling limbs that can damage property, or injure people. Additionally, pruning can be used to give trees different shapes to increase their aesthetic appeal.

Better Visibility

Overgrown trees can also block your view of the landscape or other blooming plants. Plus, they may overshadow smaller plants that are trying to grow but can’t get enough light.

Disease Treatment

Pruning services can effectively spot disease or fungi on trees before they get worse. This is especially important in order to avoid the spread of the disease towards healthy portions of the tree. Besides, tree pruning allows inner branches to receive more sunlight, which is a natural way to combat diseases that cause rot.

Accident Prevention

As mentioned above, it’s not uncommon for weak, diseased branches to break off and fall. For instance, this can happen during strong winds, such as a winter storm. These branches are a great risk for anyone who lives on the property, or even your neighbors, depending on how large the tree is. Fortunately, regular pruning by a trained arborist allows you to avoid accidents and property damage.

Is Tree Pruning Necessary?

As you can see, yes, tree pruning really is necessary for the health and safety of your landscaping. For an estimate, or other questions, please contact Sexy Trees at 925-438-0634. Or, you can learn more about our team by clicking here.

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Must-Try Tree Pruning Techniques in Late Fall

Tree Pruning

Many people agree that late fall is the best time to prune trees. Some trees shed their leaves in the autumn, making it easier to see their branches and overall structure. But, it’s still not an easy job. That’s why it helps to know the right tree pruning techniques. Of course, you also need the proper tools to prune your trees. So, read on to learn more about tree pruning techniques for this fall.

1) Use the Right Tools

If your trees have thin branches, then you can probably use shears or loppers to get the job done. But to cut through thick, heavy branches, you may need something tougher, like a pole pruning saw.

You may also need a sturdy step stool or a ladder to reach any high-level branches. It’s important to be careful, though, because you can injure yourself if you slip. Also, if you decide to use a ladder, it can be a good idea to have someone help you stabilize it at the base.

2) Be Careful With Heavy Branches

Pruning heavy branches involves more risk, so they’re best left to a professional. In fact, branches are often heavier than they actually look, so they can cause some serious damage on their way down. In late fall, trees become dry, making them more brittle and prone to breaking. It’s best to cut large branches in smaller pieces whenever possible.

3) Don’t Cut Too Many Branches

Cutting too many branches can make a tree weak and give it an unappealing structure. Proper tree pruning techniques involve cutting a tree’s branches with the whole tree in mind. Usually, pruning away 25 to 30% of tree is considered ideal. So, try to prune your trees in a balanced way.

4) Use the Right Angle

It’s ideal to prune tree branches at an angle between 45 degrees to 60 degrees. This will make your tree pruning job easier, and helps to prevent water damage and illness in your trees.

5) Apply the Right Method

Some portions of a tree are vital and shouldn’t be cut, such as its roots. It’s also essential to prune any dead tree branches very carefully. This is because a dead tree branch can break from anywhere. If you have large trees, then it may be more difficult for you to prune them on your own. In that case, it’s best to seek the help of skilled professionals.

Professional Tree Pruning Techniques

Sometimes tree pruning can involve risks. If you need help or advice, contact us at Sexy Trees by calling our Alamo office at 925-438-0898. We can also be reached through this quick online form, just click here to get started.

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When is the Best Time to Prune your Trees?

When is the Best Time to Prune your Trees?

You probably already know that the trees on your property need to be trimmed and pruned on a periodic basis to keep them healthy. But when is the best time of year for tree pruning? Keep reading to learn more.

Key Factors for Tree Pruning

Although you can perform this task on any given day of the year, certain seasons are more ideal. It’s best to groom your trees when they have the lowest risk of injury. The most relevant factors to take into account before pruning your trees include things like whether or not your trees are infested with insects, and how susceptible they are to illness.

It’s also worth noting that not all species require the same guidelines. However, the majority of trees benefit from being trimmed and pruned during the same months.

The Top Months for Tree Pruning

All in all, the best time to prune your trees is during late fall, winter, and early spring. The months from November to March often provide the most ideal conditions because trees are dormant, which makes them less susceptible to infection. Additionally, arborists often have a better view of a tree’s structure during this time because many tree species shed their leaves. This makes trees easier to access, too.

The Main Health Benefits

There are several benefits to tree pruning, such as the removal of dead or diseased branches. This yard maintenance is also a useful way to reduce risks to your home and property. Trees can also be shaped with pruning, so they look more appealing. Pruning trees during the winter months improves healing times for trees. Plus, beautiful trees boost your home’s curb appeal.

Tree Pruning Services

Autumn is just around the corner. Request an appointment online via getjobber.com, or contact us at (925) 233-6877 for the highest quality of care for your trees, so they live longer and look spectacular all year long.

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How Does Mistletoe Harm Your Trees

Mistletoe Removal

Do you have mistletoe on your property? If you have mystyldene, all-heal, bird lime, golden bough, or devil’s fuge, then yes. You have mistletoe.

It’s leaves are part of a fun Christmas tradition that encourages you to a kiss while standing under it. But it’s actually very harmful to your trees. Although the evergreen plant is quite beautiful with the fragrant flowers it produces in winter, this poisonous berry does more harm than good.

Mistletoe is native to Nevada, California, Arizona, Baja California, as well as Sonora and Sinaloa, Mexico. Mistletoe is a semi-parasitic pest that grows on branches of deciduous trees, which his why you’ll want to have it removed by a professional.

How Does Mistletoe Harm Trees?

Mistletoe is a semi-parasitic plant that sends out its root-like structure into tree branches. This small evergreen shrub then steals necessary water and nutrients from its tree host. The mistletoe then continues to grow larger as it continues to damage the tree.

Although mistletoe spreads slowly, when not stopped it can be harmful to trees. When a tree is infested with the plant, it can become stunted, less vigorous and even be killed if additional stressed from other environmental factors are present. Things like root damage, drought, insect infestation, extreme temperatures, disease and mistletoe infestation can all kill an otherwise healthy tree.

If you see that mistletoe is growing on your trees, you can prune out the infested branches. But just cutting it with the branch won’t kill mistletoe; it’ll only slow down its growth. You can’t get rid of mistletoe unless you remove all the infected limbs of the tree. Special care must been taken to avoid over pruning, which is why you want to hire a professional arborist to walk this fine line for you. 

A professional arborist prune in a way that balances your need to eliminate mistletoe with your trees need to retain branches. At the same time they can also aid the tree in it’s recovery. Removing other stressors from your trees can help ensure their recovery and resistance to future infections.

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How Often Should I Prune My Trees?

Tree Service Alamo

 

Most people in the East Bay should be pruning their trees between November and March. But how often should I prune my trees? Is it an annual tradition? What is best for my tree to ensure it grows and isn’t damaged? While it’s always best to speak to our certified arborist, the following are some basic guidelines that individuals should follow when determining pruning schedules:

Type of Tree

One of the key factors is the type of tree involved. Each tree type will react differently. For instance, fruit trees are generally pruned annually. On the other hand, oak trees should be trimmed every 2-3 years. Additionally, the tree type can also determine the ideal time to prune your tree. Thus, knowing your tree type is essential in determining the pruning schedule.

Age of the Tree

In addition to the tree type, the age of the tree also impacts how often you should prune it. Younger trees are usually pruned more often than older trees. If you had to find an average, most younger trees should be pruned every 2-3 years while older trees are trimmed every 3-5 years. This allows younger trees to flourish while helping to maintain established structures.

Tree Condition

The condition of a tree can dramatically affect the pruning timeframe as well. If a tree has a broken branch or loose/unstable areas, the tree may require trimming, even if it’s not “time”. Alternatively, if a younger tree is having trouble establishing its roots, it maybe recommended that the tree not be pruned as frequently for now.

Thus, if you are wanting to get your trees pruned or evaluated for trimming in the Bay Area, contact us. Sexy Trees has a certified arborist with years of experience.

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Professional Tree Trimming or DIY: Which Is Best?

Tree Service Danville

Pruning and trimming trees may seem like the ideal DIY gardening job for the weekend, but is tree pruning really that easy to do yourself? Many homeowners fail to realize that tree pruning can actually be a very dangerous and risky job. Professional arborists are not only expertly trained in safely trimming trees, removing trees and grinding tree stumps, but they are also able to recognize tree disease and pests as well as dead or dying trees and branches. Here we look at whether DIY tree trimming is safe and worthwhile, and when it’s time to call your local arborist.

The Size and Shape of Your Trees

Determining whether DIY tree trimming is feasible depends upon the size and shape of the trees you want to prune. Maneuvering power tools at a height when inexperienced or alone can quickly become a recipe for disaster. Trimming large trees is always difficult, and may require the removal of large and heavy branches. Furthermore, it can be difficult to determine which branches to remove from a large tree to accomplish the goals of pruning, while also protecting the health and strength of the tree. While DIY pruning might be suitable for small trees and shrubs, large tree pruning should be left to professional arborists for the sake of tree health and personal safety.

Tools

Sharp edges, power tools and high ladders are all part of trimming trees effectively and efficiently. However, these tools can be dangerous unless handled by a skilled and experienced professional. Hand saws, chainsaws and tall ladders can cause injuries and even death with careless or unskilled operation. Professional arborists are trained in effective and safe operation of power tools and specialist tools for tree trimming. While pruning your trees yourself might seem easy, the tools involved can be dangerous and should only be used by trained professionals.

Tree Knowledge

Professional arborists are not only trained in using tools and pruning techniques, they also know to best promote your trees healthy and safe growth. Arborists are skilled at knowing how to recognize tree pests and diseases as well as knowing how to carefully prune trees to promote their growth while guiding their size and shape. While it might be simple enough to cut your trees yourself, only years of professional arborist training and experience can promote the best health and wellbeing for your trees.

Safety

Ultimately, the question of whether you should prune your trees yourself or hire a professional arborist comes down to safety. Both your personal safety and the safety of your trees is at stake with DIY tree trimming. Professional arborists are trained to handle the heights, the tools, and the pruning techniques required to both safely and effectively prune your trees and maintain the health and beauty of your yard.

While DIY tree trimming can be useful for shrubs or small trees, taller or larger trees should be trimmed by a professional arborist. If ladders, power tools, tree removal or specialized pruning techniques are involved, call your local arborist for expert advice and professional service.

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Alamo Tree Pruning

Berkeley Tree Service