Pruning plays a very important part in the maintenance of strong and healthy landscape trees. The need for pruning could be reduced by planting the right tree in the right place. Pruning should begin while the tree is young; this will cut down on the problems that may occur in the future. The removal of heavy limbs or the climbing of large trees should be left for a professional landscaper. After the leaves fall from the trees is primetime for dormant winter pruning that is when a tree’s branches are expertly removed. Winter is an ideal time to prune because trees are not growing and there are fewer pests and diseases. Should you ask your landscape provider to do the dormant pruning of your commercial property? Let’s address that question.
A Professional Approach
Professionals of the division of forestry list several reasons to prune your landscape trees, including…
- Safety – Removing branches that threaten to fall and cause personal injury or property damage or block sight of traffic on city streets can increase safety. Dangerous branches are dead, diseased or injured. Healthy branches are not dangerous, even if they hang over a house, walkway, etc. Healthy trees are very strong.
- Health – Removal of dead, diseased, insect-infested or injured branches should be done as soon as possible. This helps to reduce the chance that disease or infestation will spread. Pruning this wood correctly increases the chance of a safe wound closure. Crossed and rubbing branches should also be removed since they create wounds that are havens for insects and diseases.
- Aesthetics – Pruning can be done to enhance the beauty of the tree’s natural form. Open-grown trees in the landscape do very little self-pruning. Flower and fruit production can also be enhanced by pruning.
Problems to Avoid
Pruning is not as simple as cutting off branches. Make sure the person you hire to dormant prune trees is a professional landscaper. A few common problems when an inexperienced person prunes trees and shrubs include…
- Snipping the tips of your plants to keep them in check.
- Conifers are out of control in summer, so you cut back the longest branches.
- Shearing your weeping cherry tree so that it looks like it has a Beatle haircut.
- The tree in the front yard is too tall, so you chop off the top to make it stop growing up.
- Deciding not to prune at all.
You have to be careful when pruning trees with diseases. A trained landscaper can identify common arbor diseases . They know the signs and symptoms so they can take special precautions to not spread infection when dormant pruning those trees.
Dormant Shrub Pruning
The skilled pruner first removes all dead, broken, diseased or problem limbs by cutting them at the point of origin or back to a strong lateral branch or shoot. Often, removing this material opens the canopy sufficiently so that no further pruning is necessary. Winter is also the best time to dormant prune shrubs. Winter is the best time to do hard cutback without sacrificing the overall appearance the health of your landscape. A hard cutback will right size the shrubs and improve plant health if it has gotten too big or tall. Shrub reduction also can enhance safety on your property by improving site lines and removing hiding place.
Reasons for pruning shrubs…
- to train the plant
- to maintain plant health
- to improve the quality of flowers, fruit, foliage or stems
- to restrict growth
Preserve your Landscape Investment
Trees are a real asset to your property because of this it is wise to hire a qualified landscape provider to include dormant pruning in the annual maintenance contract. Be sure to protect your plants and preserve the health, safety and appearance of your landscape. Make sure your budget allows for the care of trees and shrubs that might need attention.
Are you tired of overpaying for sub-par service? First Green Landscaping provides the best value for professional lawn care and landscaping services in the Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky area. No property is too big or too small for First Green Landscaping.
Contact us (859-292‐8556) today for a free consultation!
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About First Green Commercial Landscaping
About First Green Commercial LandscapingFirst Green Commercial Landscaping is a locally owned leading provider of lawn care and landscaping services in the Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky area. We provide superior customer service and strive to build long term business relationships with our clients.
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