Before you selectively prune any tree, call an Arborist. They can guide you through the process and educate the consumer if you need to thin your tree or not. As stated in the bullet points you can remove dead, diseased, dying, or broken limbs, any time throughout the year. You selectively removed those limbs to strengthen and improve the structure of the tree.
Know the form of your tree. Your trees are scrubbing the air, removing pollution such as Carbon Dioxide and producing Oxygen, for us to breathe. Trees help save our topsoil, a forest will absorb up to 95% of the runoff to prevent soil erosion. Trees around your home help regulate temperature year round. Trees can feed us, proper thinning of an Apple, Pear or Peach tree will help the tree produce larger and healthier fruit.
Pruning Trees
- Start pruning while the tree is young (smaller cuts close faster).
- Locate the central leader and reduce any competing limbs.
- The best time to prune is early spring.
- Remove dead, dying, diseased or broken branches at any time.
- Never prune more than 25% of the tree crown at any one time.
- DO NOT top your tree! (example in second image below)
- Know your tree's natural shape / form before you prune.
- Always prune a limb back to a point of union on the branch.
- Make pruning cuts outside the branch collar. Never flush cut your tree branches.
- Use the three-cut method on limbs larger than 2 inches in diameter. (example in first image below)
- Use a sharp saw.
- Disinfect between cuts so that you don’t spread diseases.
- Cut 1, make an undercut to prevent the limb from tearing away from the tree.
- Cut 2, remove the branch.
- Cut 3, locate the branch collar and remove the stub.
You can find more information at NC Urban Forestry Council’s Website; <a href="https://www.ncufc.org>www.ncufc.org</a>.</p>
<p>If you have any questions, contact Stephen Q. Brown, RLA, Certified Arborist for the City of Salisbury <a href=" aria-label="7 0 4 . 6 3 8 . 4 4 8 1">(704) 638-4481.