Pruning is the method by which branches of a tree or shrub are cut off at the nodal points to produce strong, healthy plants. Pruning helps increase timber value in some cases, wards off pests and insects from trees, beautifies them and also stimulates fruit and flower production. Very tall trees are pruned if they grow into utility lines to ensure safety. Weak and infected branches are also pruned as they may fall off and cause damage to pedestrians, motor vehicles or other surrounding property. Pruning increases the strength and life of plants in cases where the branches have been weakened and fallen off naturally thereby causing jagged branches and tree wounding.
Pruning requires that the trees shape like conical or spherical be kept in mind before any action is taken. However two types of pruning namely Pollarding and Topiary do not adhere to pruning principles and create unnatural effects. Pollarding is removal of all new growth every year and Topiary is creating animal and geometric designs on shrubs and trees.
If the decision to prune has been finalized, it should always be kept in mind that the strength of the tree should not be compromised. Young trees when pruned need to maintain their strength to grow and older trees need to maintain strength, looks and health.
Common pruning approaches are:
1.Crown thinning trees which are spherical in shape have their branches crisscrossing, close to each other which in turn prevents light and air from entering through the tree. These excesses are carefully marked and cut off. It is advisable that only weak branches which are V shaped be removed and the strong U shaped ones be retained.
2.Crown raising done usually with the intent of producing timber for commercial purposes, or clearing way for pedestrians, this approach refers to the removal of lower branches of the tree. The reduction should not be more than one third of the tree branches which would leave two thirds as the living crown of the tree.
3.Crown reduction if the tree has grown too long and is in the way of utility lines or is obstructing any other space, the upper portion of the tree is pruned as opposed to topping which would entail chopping off the upper portions. This method retains the aesthetic appeal of the tree as well as minimizes damage to the tree which would have happened during topping.
Pruning techniques should ensure that only the branch tissues are cut and the stem tissues remain intact for quicker healing of wounds and prevention of decays. The best season to prune is the dormant season. This allows you to assess your pruning needs for aesthetics, allows proper wound sealing and also prevents the spread of plant related diseases.
Pruning also requires that you use the correct tools and equipment to get your act right. Hand pruners are used for the easy cuts. Pruning saws and lopping shears are used for larger areas of cutting. Pole pruners are used for branches which are beyond reach. Pruning tools should be cleaned and sanitized regularly and the blades be sharpened to make your job professional and easier.
To conclude pruning should only be done when necessary without compromising on the health of the tree. This will give the tree a longer life and also a great structure over the years.
Pruning requires that the trees shape like conical or spherical be kept in mind before any action is taken. However two types of pruning namely Pollarding and Topiary do not adhere to pruning principles and create unnatural effects. Pollarding is removal of all new growth every year and Topiary is creating animal and geometric designs on shrubs and trees.
If the decision to prune has been finalized, it should always be kept in mind that the strength of the tree should not be compromised. Young trees when pruned need to maintain their strength to grow and older trees need to maintain strength, looks and health.
Common pruning approaches are:
1.Crown thinning trees which are spherical in shape have their branches crisscrossing, close to each other which in turn prevents light and air from entering through the tree. These excesses are carefully marked and cut off. It is advisable that only weak branches which are V shaped be removed and the strong U shaped ones be retained.
2.Crown raising done usually with the intent of producing timber for commercial purposes, or clearing way for pedestrians, this approach refers to the removal of lower branches of the tree. The reduction should not be more than one third of the tree branches which would leave two thirds as the living crown of the tree.
3.Crown reduction if the tree has grown too long and is in the way of utility lines or is obstructing any other space, the upper portion of the tree is pruned as opposed to topping which would entail chopping off the upper portions. This method retains the aesthetic appeal of the tree as well as minimizes damage to the tree which would have happened during topping.
Pruning techniques should ensure that only the branch tissues are cut and the stem tissues remain intact for quicker healing of wounds and prevention of decays. The best season to prune is the dormant season. This allows you to assess your pruning needs for aesthetics, allows proper wound sealing and also prevents the spread of plant related diseases.
Pruning also requires that you use the correct tools and equipment to get your act right. Hand pruners are used for the easy cuts. Pruning saws and lopping shears are used for larger areas of cutting. Pole pruners are used for branches which are beyond reach. Pruning tools should be cleaned and sanitized regularly and the blades be sharpened to make your job professional and easier.
To conclude pruning should only be done when necessary without compromising on the health of the tree. This will give the tree a longer life and also a great structure over the years.
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