You’re peering at the massive oak in your backyard, wondering whether you can tackle trimming its branches yourself. While removing one branch that’s in your way could be a simple enough task, attempting to prune the canopy to thin it, remove disease, or stimulate growth is a much more complicated order. 

Pruning mistakes happen all the time when homeowners grab a chainsaw and assume the job can be DIYed. Pruning can be dangerous, placing you at risk of injury and potentially harming the tree if you don’t know what you’re doing. That’s why it’s best to always leave these projects to certified tree services in Sussex, NJ.

Below, our team from Midhurst Tree Care goes over the most common tree pruning mistakes to avoid by working with an arborist.

1. Tree Topping

Tree topping involves cutting large sections off the top of the canopy to reduce its height. While it might seem like a quick fix for overgrown branches, topping weakens the tree and leaves it vulnerable to disease, pests, and decay. You also end up with fast, unstable regrowth that can become even more hazardous later on.

2. Lion-Tailing

Lion-tailing is another improper pruning technique to avoid. It involves removing too many inner branches, leaving foliage only at the tips. 

Branches become more likely to snap during storms because of all the weight at the ends. This can also expose the tree to sun damage and stress.

3. Removing Too Much of the Canopy

Trees need their canopy to produce energy through photosynthesis. Taking off too much at once can shock the tree, slowing its growth or even killing it over time. Trained arborists know how to remove necessary sections of diseased, decaying, or unstable limbs without overdoing it.

4. Removing the Branch Collar

The branch collar is the thick area where a branch connects to the trunk. Cutting into it prevents the tree from properly sealing its wound, which can lead to decay and infestations. Clean cuts made just outside the collar help the tree heal naturally.

5. Making Incorrect Cuts With the Wrong Tools

Pruning mistakes, such as using dull blades or saws from other diseased plants, can tear the bark and leave jagged wounds that are prone to infection. Professional arborists use the correct tools and techniques to make clean, healthy cuts every time.

6. Attempting Any Pruning Without an Arborist’s Guidance

By now, you know how incorrect pruning damages trees, which leaves us to the biggest mistake on the list: attempting any tree work without an arborist’s guidance. A licensed arborist can identify diseased or weak limbs, determine the safest pruning method, and protect the long-term health and structure of your trees. Because of this, the best practice to avoid tree pruning errors is to call your local experts to handle the job.

Avoid These Pruning Mistakes That Can Harm Tree Health by Working With the Experts

Pruning mistakes can put you and your property at risk. Call our crew at Midhurst Tree Care today at (973) 875-6964 to schedule professional services. In the meantime, keep learning with this tree trimming versus pruning guide.