Deciduous Tree Pruning Processes

A deciduous tree requires lateral and directional pruning applications throughout its lifecycle. Pruning encourages healthy growth, plus prevents long branches from crossing electrical wires. Use the pruning tips below to care for your residential trees. Implement a composting strategy or another recycling plan that will repurpose clippings. 

Tree Care

A young tree needs to become established during its first few years of growth. Pruning a young tree could deplete essential nutrients. Older, established trees should be pruned annually. Lateral pruning involves removing excess branch endings that intersect with other branches. Long branches should be cut back to the lateral branch (parent branch). The parent branch is one that is more prominent in size than its smaller branch extensions.

Directional pruning eliminates long branches that are not growing outward and upward. Branches that do not support the natural shape of a tree are targeted during this pruning process. Pruning shears should be used to clip off the ends of long, dangling branches. Branches that possess a natural curvature that provide a tree with a symmetrical shape should be left intact.

Efficient Pruning Practices

Purchase a pair of manual pruning shears or power shears. Use either tool to care for your deciduous trees. Before each pruning session, determine how you will repurpose the branches and leaves that are removed from each tree. If you have a garden or flower bed on your property, create a compost bin. A compost bin will gradually decompose branches and leaves. The composted materials will contain nutrients that will improve the soil content within the garden or flower bed.

If you enjoy landscaping projects, invest in a small mulching unit. The mulching machine can be used to transform tree clippings into small pieces of mulch. Add mulch to your lawn, driveway, and other parts of your property that are prone to flooding or erosion. Mulch pieces will act as a natural insulator. They will add neutral colors to your property. The addition of mulch pieces can make your property less prone to flooding, plus more organized in appearance.

If you plan on preparing mulch, but do not want to lay the mulch pieces across your property right away, purchase a waterproof storage container. Use the container to store all of the mulch that is yielded. When you are ready to spread the mulch on your land, use a shovel to aid with adding the mulch to your land.

Contact a tree service to learn more. 

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