tree trimming

Tree pruning is the an easy and very effective way to ensure your trees are both aesthetically pleasing and healthy.  Trees should be pruned and trimmed regularly to ensure that the tree is healthy and is not growing lopsided.  An uneven tree can become hazardous as it will be increasingly more likely to fall over, especially in the event of a storm.  Also, trees that are growing around power lines need to be monitored closely and trimmed by professionals regularly in order to prevent power outages down the road. 

Good Tree Pruning Practices and Tips

1. Always assess the tree from the top down.  This will help you get a better idea of what limbs to trim or remove and will help you devise an overall game plan
2. When trimming a tree, it is important to remember the 1/3 and ¼ rules.
   1. You never want to remove more than ¼ of a tree’s crown in a growing season.  This is why it is a good idea to start at the top
   2. Main side branches should be at least 1/3 smaller than the diameter of the trunk.  Anymore more than this will place added strain on the trunk
   3. If at all possible, you want to encourage the branches of a tree to grow at roughly 45 degree angles from vertical.
3. Protecting pruning cuts will not prevent or reduce decay, however, it may help the aesthetics of the tree.
4. This may sound like common sense, but make sure that your tools are sharp.  Unnecessary hacking can be detrimental to the overall health of a tree
5. When trimming a tree, do not leave protruding stubs.  It might be easier to cut larger branches in sections, but always cut as close to the main trunk as possible.
6. When trimming branches that are out of reach, use a pole pruner and BE CAREFUL.  Make sure everyone is aware of what you are doing and is out of the way of any falling debris.
7. For large branches, it is best left to the professionals.  Large branches can cause significant property damage and can be extremely hazardous to those close by.
8. Do not prune a newly planted tree for the first year unless you are removing dead or broken branches
9. Remember that poor trimming practices and cause last damage and result in the death of the tree.
10. Be sure to understand what the specific needs of the tree are.  All tree species are different.  You would not prune a palm tree the same way you trim a pine tree.  Do your research and understand the best course of action for the particular tree species you are working with.  Remember tip 9.  Mistakes can last a lifetime.

It is good practice to prune a tree yearly.  Proper tree care will ensure that you maintain a healthy and beautiful tree for years to come and will also save you money down the road.  
If you have any questions or need assistance, do not hesitate to give us a call!  We are the best tree service in Charleston SC.

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