So you think that just because you spent hours and hours digging and planting trees that now you can just take it easy and watch your trees flourish? You think that your work is done and now all you need to do is sit back and watch a game as your tree automatically becomes the talk of the town?
Think again! If you just planted trees, and you think your work is done, you really should know that you barely started your tree work. Now is when the real fun starts, because now you need to figure out how and when and what to prune to keep your trees healthy. Not pruning your trees is bad for the health of your trees, just like, for example, deciding that your trees do not need water. Pruning is vital to your tree's health and it can get a little complicated.
Your trees can need pruning for any of a number of reasons. It could be to prune diseased, dead, or dying branches. It could be to make the crown thinner to allow new growth and promote better oxygen circulation. It could be to keep the tree from growing too tall. It could be to remove some of the lower branches that might be blocking your walkway, driveway, etc. It could even be to decorate the trees to give them a certain personality or design. The conclusion is simply that if you have trees, you will almost definitely need to prune, so now I will explain how to prune.
Regardless of the type or size of the tree, the goal is to remove the unwanted branches from the tree while keeping the stem or trunk and the other branches protected. The branches of trees grow from stems at nodes, and when you prune, it is important to always prune on the branch side of the stem-branch node. The stem collar grows out from the stem at the base of the branch. This stem collar is what separates the branches from the stems. All pruning cuts should only be made on the branch side of the stem collar. Doing this protects the remaining branches that may be growing from the same stem collar. This method also promotes the tree to heal more quickly from all the cutting.
When you prune your trees, you should be careful not to tear the bark or the stem wood, especially in the case of the larger branches. To achieve this, the first thing you want to do is make a small wedge on the bottom of branch just barely on the branch side of the stem collar. This will prevent a tear from running along the bark. Then cut off the branch a couple of inches further down the branch from where you made the first incision. This will leave you with a small stub. After you did all of this, it is safe to cut off the stub also. It is important to be sure to completely cut off the stub in its entirety.
When pruning one of two branches, an almost identical method is used. If you have a branch that you like, and there is this big and ugly branch growing out of it that you clearly want to prune, you prune it the same way. First you make a small incision. Then you cut off the evil branch a couple of inches further down the evil branch. Finally, you once again cut off what is left of the branch, which, if you pruned properly, should only be a small stub.
There is a common misconception that as soon as you get done pruning, you have to bandage up the tree, so to speak. This misconception has a good source, since the trees do need to have their wounds sealed after they get pruned. However, the trees do a very fine job of this without the help of people. There are, however, instances when you should bandage your trees. For example, if your trees are extremely susceptible to bug infestation, you should cover the wounds with a non-asphalt-based pruning sealer. If you are experiencing very dry weather, it is also a good idea to dress the wounds with this non-asphalt-based pruning sealer to help seal in the moisture.
The best time to prune trees is generally when they are dormant. This is usually in the late fall or winter. This way there is less chance of their being a great loss of tree sap. It is also much less likely that insects will attack. Pruning when your tree is dormant also gives you more of an accurate idea of what your tree will look like when it grows back. There are, however, trees that are best pruned when not dormant. It is best to research what is best for each particular tree.
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