Pruning Your Trees

What is pruning?

Pruning is a strategic removal of branches or stems to achieve a desired outcome. Special attention is given to the placement of the cuts in order to promote quick and effective healing of the wound.

Why should you prune trees?

There are many reasons you may want to consider pruning your trees:

Clearance -

Pruning can be utilized to raise the canopy away from pathways or driveways, to provide more clearance from you roof, house or patios, or playsets.

Safety -

Pruning can provide a safer space for your family and friends by eliminating deadwood, decayed branches, or broken limbs.

Tree health -

Poor branching structure can lead to problems in the future for you and your trees. Crossed branches can rub together, grow around one another, or even grow into each other. That competition between branches can weaken both branches, limit growth, and create entry points for disease and decay. It is advised to eliminate this whenever possible to promote robust healthy branches. Undesirable branch unions can lead to catastrophic failure in the future. The most common example of this are tight unions. In this situation the problem does not present itself immediately, rather as the branches grow in diameter the union becomes crowded, and begins to run out of room to grow. Often, this leads to the branch or leader growing over bark from another branch or stem. This creates a weak point that is prone to failure as the stem or limbs grow.

Aesthetics -

Trees can grow unpredictably for a variety of reasons. Their root zone may be impeded by impermeable surfaces like driveways, walkways, foundations, rocks, etc. They may be competing with neighboring trees for sunlight or nutrients. Whatever the reason, sometimes trees just do some funky things, and we want to make them look more appealing. Arborists can use techniques to reduce limb length, train the limbs in a desired direction, control growth, and allow more air or light penetration.

Fruit/flower production -

Proper pruning is crucial for optimal fruit production, leading to larger and sweeter fruit.

When should I prune my trees?

Timing can be an important factor depending on tree species, intensity of treatment, and size of the cuts to be made. Trees are using a large portion of their stored resources during bud break after the harsh New Hampshire winters; heavy pruning should be avoided during this period if possible as the trees are already stressed. Similarly during the end of autumn trees are storing nutrients in their roots in preparation for their dormant season. Pruning can be problematic for a tree if it is allocating resources to heal a wound during this time.