Why Do Trees Need Proper Pruning?

When it comes to pruning a tree or shrub, the following rule must first be applied: “if there is not sufficient reason to prune, we do not do it.” Most trees and shrubs have a characteristic natural habit; they will develop better and look better if left untouched. If we decide to prune, we must try to keep this characteristic habit. However, there are times when pruning is necessary, and there is a process to follow.

Effect of pruning on growth

Pruning in late winter or early spring, before the annual growth begins, reduces the amount of leaves that will be produced during the season. As the tree thus has fewer aerial parts, it will need less water and nutrients. Thus, a robust root system that nourishes light aerial parts will be able to produce resistant, water-swollen, fast-growing shoots. Pruning will therefore have the effect of invigorating the entire tree and especially the branches that have been pruned the most.

After pruning a branch, new shoots appear near the cut. Usually, shoots grow in the same direction as the buds they came from. Thus, if the bud points towards the inside of the branch, the shoot will develop towards the center of the tree; conversely, if the bud points outwards, the shoot will develop away from the center of the tree.

Why prune?

• Pruning at the plantation

Immediately after transplanting, prune the upper branches of the tree to compensate for root loss and give the tree a first shape. Avoid removing more than a third of the aerial parts.

• Maintaining the shape of the tree

– In order for the tree to acquire a solid structure that can withstand the winds, it must be pruned by keeping only a few strong branches, well spaced and well distributed, vertically and around the trunk.

– To obtain a shade tree with the first branches located at a height of more than 1.6-2.4 meters, the lower branches must be removed. It is generally desirable to spread the pruning over a long period of time, to allow the tree to grow in height. If all the pruning is done at once, there is a risk of obtaining a weak tree requiring a stake. If you really need to do the pruning all at once, your best bet is to prune the lower branches so that there are short stumps that can be removed later. These stumps maintain a sap appeal by producing leafy shoots that develop nutrients and draw water and minerals, making the trunk bigger and more robust. We must continue pruning of stumps as long as the permanent carpenter branches which should form most of the crown are not well established. The stumps can then be removed.

• Maintaining tree health

– Cut the branches which are weakened at the fork and which forms an acute angle with the trunk.

– Cut off any branches that are interspersed or competing for the same space in the crown.

– Cut dead or diseased branches to improve the appearance of the tree and prevent the introduction or spread of diseases or insects.

– To revitalize an old tree, remove part of the crown, which reduces the leaf area that the root system has to nourish. The remaining branches will experience more vigorous growth.

– Prune to improve air circulation in the crown, which benefits the tree and the surrounding environment. In addition, more light can pass through the foliage and reach the lawn, which promotes growth.

Prime Tree Service has made the expertise of its pruners-climbers available to individuals, communities, and business professionals for the performance of tree pruning, felling, stump removal, and maintenance work. , parks and gardens.

Thanks to our modern pruning equipment and our mastery of pruning techniques, we can work on trees several meters high in strict compliance with safety rules. Sensitive to the beauty of nature, we take care of your trees by also offering the maintenance of your ornamental trees and fruit trees.

Whatever the difficulty of your site, our team of specialized and certified pruners-climbers has the right equipment and machines.

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