Apex Tree Professionals
3705 N 4100 W, Cedar City, UT 84721
760-271-0116
---------------------------------------------
Tree Trimming Best Practices: Tips for Cedar City, Utah Homeowners
While trees require relatively little pruning to thrive, misguided trimming by untrained homeowners can damage trees. Follow these certified arborist-recommended tips to properly trim your trees in Cedar City, Utah.
When to Trim
Target pruning outside of spring and early summer when trees are metabolically active.
Ideal times include:
- Early autumn - Allows wounds to seal before winter.
- Late winter - Pruning when trees are dormant avoids sap bleeding from cuts.
- Mid-summer - Pruning younger trees during dry periods trains proper growth.
How Often to Trim
- Young trees - Frequent light pruning while establishing shape is ideal. Remove up to 25% of growth annually.
- Mature trees - Prune every 7-10 years for maintenance. Only remove up to 10% of living branches at once.
- Dead branches - Prune immediately upon noticing for safety regardless of season.
Where to Make Cuts
- Branch collars - Target right where branches join together, not flush with the trunk.
- Lateral branches - Favor removing these over main scaffolds branching directly off the trunk.
- Topping - Never cut tree tops. This damages trees and prompts hazardous re-growth.
Pruning Objectives
- Clearance - Raise canopy by removing lowest branches for passage underneath.
- Cleaning - Remove dead, diseased, or broken branches.
- Thinning - Selectively remove small live branches for light penetration and spacing.
- Reducing - Shorten extra-long branches back to an appropriate size without full removal.
Equipment
- Hand pruners - For branches up to 2 inches diameter. Make clean cuts close to the branch collar.
- Loppers - Required for branches 2-4 inches in diameter. Cut without tearing bark.
- Pole saws - Useful for high branches. Use with caution to avoid damage below.
- Chainsaw - Only arborists should use for large branches. Proper form is critical.
Safety Essentials
- Head protection - Wear ANSI-approved helmet when using poles or ladders.
- Eye protection - Safety glasses or goggles guard against sawdust and debris.
- Ear protection - Use muffs or plugs when running loud chainsaws or grinders.
- Proper footwear - Sturdy nonslip boots provide ankle support and traction aloft.
- First aid kit - Keep nearby for prompt treatment of any minor cuts or abrasions.
Follow these tips to keep your trees trimmed safely while encouraging healthy new growth in Cedar City. For complex trimming jobs, seek help from certified arborists.
-------------------------------------------
"Cedar City Tree Services"
Tree Removal, Tree Trimming, Tree Services, TREES, TREE CARE, TREE LANDSCAPING, Cedar City UT Tree Services, Tree Stump Removal, Tree Care,
Accounts:
Facebook
No comments:
Post a Comment