Expert Contributor Written by Mike Bradley Bradley Tree Experts Photos courtesy of Bradley Tree Experts
Picture-Perfect Pruning
P
runing is the removal or reduction of problematic branches, limbs and stems from trees and shrubs. Pruning removes dead or diseased branches, and eliminates branches that chafe and could create an access point for insects and disease. Trees and shrubs also benefit from pruning because it helps manage their growth and structure, and encourages the development of new growth, keeping trees and shrubs healthy, strong and more disease resistant.
Reduction: Cutting back to lateral growth to control tree size. Removing small branches that are attached to the larger, heavier branches so that your trees don’t become too top-heavy.
Here are some basic pruning techniques and what they are used for:
Elevating: Cutting back low lying branches, needed for clearance or aesthetic purposes.
Crown Thinning: Removing smaller, weaker limbs from the canopy to allow more light to reach through to the center branches and to improve air circulation reducing weight and strengthening the trees overall stability.
Pollarding: Removing most of the branches (done only when a tree is dormant, usually in the winter or very early spring) so that all that remains are the secondary branches and the main trunk or stem, to produce dense new growth.
Dead Pruning: Eliminating dead, dying or diseased branches.
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