Tree Trimming   
 

Tree trimming is probably the most noticeable of all tree maintenance. It requires the removal of one to several branches to be effective, and often appears to be drastic, especially in the winter months when trees are void of their leaves. Proper trimming will add to the aesthetics and useful life of a tree. Trimming also produces structurally sound trees that can withstand adverse conditions such as wind, icing, and heavy weight from show.  Nature’s Way’s certified arborist can determine the type of trimming necessary to maintain or improve the health, appearance, and safety of trees. These techniques include

• Eliminating branches that rub each other
• Removing limbs that interfere with wires, building facades, gutters, roofs, chimneys, or windows, or that obstruct streets or sidewalks
• Removing dead or weak limbs that pose a hazard or may lead to decay
• Removing diseased or insect-infested limbs
• Creating better structure to lessen wind resistance and reduce the potential for storm damage
• Training young trees
• Removing limbs damaged by adverse weather conditions
• Removing branches, or thinning, to increase light penetration
• Improving the shape or silhouette of the tree

Trimming Methods

Thinning Out

This method consists of removal of lateral branches back to their point of origin.

Pruning cuts are made close to the trunk, leaving the collar of the removed branch. Cuts close rapidly and completely. Regrowth is scattered along the length of remaining branches. This method is highly recommended.

Heading Back

Used only to train small trees, Cuts are made so that buds or branches below the cut are encouraged to grow in a desired direction. Topping is a method of headlong back, but is not recommended. Often used to shorten the trees height or to remove dead or diseased branches, this method also removes healthy branches. New growth will mask the actual damage caused by topping. By removing the canopy of the tree or portions of the canopy you are removing leaf surface needed to manufacture the tree's food supply. In turn you are also removing a portion of the tree's stored reserves; slow starvation may not be far behind. Topping is not recommended; selective trimming or pruning is best for any tree's health.

Winter Trimming
The majority of the tree trimming is conducted during the late winter and early spring of each year. A wound made during this time will cause a tree to “bleed”, This is actually sap flowing from the tree. It is a positive benefit that reduces the possibility of colonization of the pruning cut by decaying organisms.