Everything You Need to Know About Tree Pruning

· Tree Pruning,Tree Trimming

If you have noticed a tree that has odd colours on its leaves, cracks in the trunk, or simply dried branches, it’s time to do something about it. And by doing something about it, I mean calling tree trimming professionals that will take care of the tree (pruning, cutting). If you live in Canberra, make sure to contact professionals that are licensed for this job. Even if you think that tree pruning or cutting is an easy job, it’s best not to touch anything and let educated professionals check your trees.

When Pruning is Necessary?

fruit tree pruning

source: pinterest.com

Pruning or trimming should be done regularly so your trees remain in a healthy state, and also to keep their shape. Pruning influences the way the tree grows; this is why proper pruning can give the tree its structural integrity. Keeping the tree’s structure lowers the risk of broken limbs and falling branches.

If you regularly do it, you won’t have to deal with branches that grow all over the place which affects weight distribution that could cause disaster as the tree grows. Pruning is essential for the general look of the tree and should be done in late fall or winter when the tree is in the dormant season and is least susceptible to harm. Trees are sensitive to stress like any other living being, so cutting their branches harm the tree if done during spring or summer.

Old/Dangerous Tree Signs

old and dangerous tree

source: integritytreepros.com

It doesn’t take a professional arborist to spot a dangerous or ill tree. Various indicators will tell you that something is going on that affects the health of the tree. Dead branches, brown or withered leaves or no leaves at all, small height (or huge in some cases) are common indicators of an old or dangerous tree.

When the dead branches are large, you might not be able to cut them off on your own. A dangerous and damaged tree has seasonal cracks on the surface of its trunks (which isn't always a problem). Always check the tree's trunk - it is an indicator of its health. Look for potential cracks, cavities or deeper splits; these can have soil, damages or rot of the trunk.

See if the tree has an unusual shape or stunted growth.  A dying tree will have thin, discoloured and thin leaves. And although not every damaged tree is dangerous, some might be a real threat. If the tree is near a house, parking lot, or a power line, it could cause a serious problem if a branch falls out. This is why you should seek tree pruning professionals to remove it as soon as possible.

Can You Remove Trees from Your Property?

front yard tree placement

source: lawnstarter.com

Even if you have planted the tree, according to ACT, there is legislation that protects trees, so before removing or pruning the trees on your territory, be sure to check if you need development approval from the Tree Protection Unit at the Territory and Municipal Services (TAMS). The regulation applies to trees of 12m or higher, with a canopy 12m or wider, a trunk circumference of 1.5m or more, 1m above natural ground level and/or has two or more trunks and the entire circumference of all the trunks, 1m above natural ground level is 1.5m or more.

Power Line Clearance

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source: electricalpowerenergy.com

Power lines should be considered as well. If the tree grows on your property interferes with the power lines, you should consider calling a tree removal service.  Not every tree that grows near public utilities has the same power line clearance requirements, but it’s still a good idea to seek professional help. Power lines have various voltage, transmission and distribution lines that have various line clearance regulations to prevent blackouts.

Transmission lines have high voltage transmission lines and run on steel towers or big wooden structures with several lines. They run the electricity from the power plant to the substations for pick up. Power lines need a clear space, which means there shouldn’t be any trees or other vegetation. Trees that grow near the transmission power line must be trimmed so there is no contact.

Always Hire Tree Trimming Professionals

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source: acerlandscapeservices.com

Even if you have cut or pruned a tree before, it’s always a better idea to call tree trimming professionals. Even if the tree is damaged or ill, trying to remove it yourself, may lead to bigger damage. You might cut off healthy branches, or worse, cut off a healthy tree.   Also, think of the risk of injuring yourself or others, or damaging your own, neighbours or public property.

Professionals will do the job in a safe way, without causing any problems, or harming anyone. Trying to cut or prune the tree yourself is also an expensive process. In case a branch falls onto your car or damages the neighbour’s rooftop, you will have to pay for the damage.  Another thing that many people often forget is that they don’t have the right tools.

A simple chainsaw might not be enough for this process. The professional tree removal service will do the job with professional tree cutting tools and will take care of your other trees that might need help. These people have education, practice and experience and will do the job safely and much faster than you.