Understanding your trees’ needs is important when it comes to ensuring their optimal health. Two critical factors include knowing how often and when to trim your trees. The timing of this service is important to its success.
We will answer some of the most common tree pruning questions including:
How often should you trim your trees?
What is the best time of year to trim my tree?
How much of a tree can you trim?
Can I handle tree trimming myself?
How do I choose tree trimming services in Louisville KY?
Making wise choices for your trees will help you to maintain their longevity and enjoy them for many years to come.
Before we go any further, we want to talk more about the terms “trimming” vs. “pruning” as we know this gets confusing.
While we know that these terms are often used interchangeably by homeowners (and even pros), they aren’t really the same thing.
Tree trimming is more about shaping hedges and shrubs and it is more of an aesthetic service. In that case, you are tightening and shaping their form.
However, we’re talking about larger trees and shrubs when we’re talking about pruning. Tree pruning involves making strategic cuts to remove infected, dead, and broken branches in a skillful way.
Even so, for the purpose of this article, we will use the term “trim,” since that is what homeowners commonly search for.. We know that homeowners are more likely to call it “trimming” and we want to help you find the answers to your questions.
Back to how often to prune trees…
There can be a lot of variation in how often to trim trees based on factors including the species, the tree’s condition, and the tree’s needs. There are different reasons for pruning as well as different goals.
Keep in mind that tree pruning should be more about what the tree needs rather than any set schedule. That being said, a general rule of thumb is that trees should be pruned every 4 years. This pruning cycle is easy to remember: think Olympics, Presidential elections, and high school!
While there are some exceptions in some places with some tree species, in Louisville the best time to prune your tree is when you are ready to prune it. Most people choose to prune their trees May - September because they are outside and can see the results of the pruning. Pruning when the leaves are present is also great for the climber, as they can easily see what needs to be removed.
However, the cost of pruning your tree is reduced in the offseason (October - April) because of standard seasonal discounts. It all really depends on what is more important to you. Planning ahead for seasonal discounts is typically what our regular pruning customers do.
Removing too much of a tree during the pruning process can be harmful to your tree. As we mentioned above, even though pruning involves purposeful cuts, it’s still considered a mild stress on your tree.
Because of that, you want to make sure that no more than 25 percent of live growth is removed at any one time. You want to make sure that any tree trimming professional you hire is adhering to that guideline.
Unfortunately, there are still tree care companies out there that use an outdated pruning practice called “tree topping.”
Tree topping is exactly what it sounds like. It’s when a tree service comes in and removes the top of the tree. This service is also sometimes called “tipping” or “heading” a tree.
This service is usually done when homeowners believe their tree has grown too large. Homeowners commonly think this might reduce their risk of the tree falling or becoming a hazard.
What’s ironic about that is the fact that tree topping can actually lead to a tree’s decline and make it even more of a risk on your property. When this much of a tree is removed at once, it can be really difficult for your tree to recover. It also leaves it open to problems with pests and diseases.
Not only is it a poor practice, but tree topping is also downright ugly. This is not something that you want done to your tree.
We know that homeowners often want to take matters into their own hands. Tree trimming might seem like a service they can handle on their own. But if you truly want to gain all of the potential benefits, it’s best to avoid DIY pruning.
While it might seem that pruning simply involves making some cuts to various branches, there is much more strategy to it than that. Making pruning mistakes can actually end up damaging your tree and causing significant problems.
You want a tree pruning expert who will make strategic decisions regarding which branches to prune and also know exactly how to prune them. There are special pruning tools and equipment that is likely required.
Tree pruning professionals may make pruning look easy, but it is dangerous for the untrained person. Attempting to prune your tree yourself can be extremely dangerous. Just youtube “Pruning trees with Ladders” for a list of the horrible accidents that can occur. This truly is a service best left in the hands of a pro.
When your tree is properly pruned, you’ll see benefits like better growth, longer bloom times, better structure, and more. But when you make pruning mistakes or don’t have the expertise to perform this service, you’re likely to be disappointed with the results.
Given how important it is that proper pruning practices are adhered to, you want to make sure you choose the best tree trimming services for your property.
Even “professional” services make mistakes, particularly when they use inexperienced or unskilled workers to handle tree trimming. Over the years we have seen numerous mistakes that could have been avoided (both from homeowners tackling the work themselves and from inexperienced “pros”).
In fact, sometimes we are called in to fix pruning mistakes. This is not always easily done. Having seen enough hack jobs over the years that put lots of unnecessary stress on a tree, we do feel it’s our duty to stress the importance of making a wise choice from the start.
At the end of the day, when you make the wise choice to work with a tree care professional, you’re making a valuable investment in the health of your property’s trees.
At Limbwalker, we are here to help. If we can answer any questions for you that weren’t covered here, please feel free to reach out.
If you’d like to learn more about tree services for your Louisville home, get in touch, get your quote, and get back to enjoying your yard.