When autumn arrives, homeowners should prepare their trees for the season by pruning. It’s the ideal time, and these tips will help you keep your tree healthy.
Know Why Fall Is a Good Time
Firstly, critters that take refuge in the trees are less active in the fall. By choosing this time, you’re preparing the tree for the cold, inclement winter weather. If it has dead or unhealthy branches, heavy snow could cause limbs to snap.
Not to mention, in the fall, the tree doesn’t have to work as hard to heal the wounds caused by pruning. During this time, trees lose less water, so it’s easier for them to recover any water loss caused by trimming. In the summer, the tree naturally loses moisture from the hot temperatures and sun, but this isn’t the case in the fall.
Cut Diseased, Dead, or Damaged Wood First
Branches that are dead, diseased, or broken are weaker than other branches. When snow and wind strike during a winter storm, these are the vulnerable spots you want to get rid of now.
Check the Type of Tree First
Oak, ash, maple, and hickory are all going dormant for the year in the fall, so it’s the right time to prune them. However, if you have any flowering trees, such as cherry or dogwoods, avoid trimming them in the fall. Their buds start to develop in autumn, so pruning now will decrease how much they’ll flower in spring.
Don’t Prune Too Heavily
Right now, only remove dead and diseased branches or trim to give your tree shape and balance. If you prune too heavily, you may stress the tree before winter, which will reduce its resistance to snow and other winter hazards.
Wait Until After the Leaves Drop
Your trees losing their leaves means that growth is slowing down. As a result, the trees can better handle a trim because they will be able to recover from the injury more easily.
Use the Three-Cut Method for Thick Branches
For thick branches, use the three-cut method. Start by making a small cut from underneath. Cut about a third of the way through the branch, around 12 inches from the trunk. Then, move a few inches closer to the trunk and make the next cut through the entire girth of the branch. With the final cut, go entirely through the collar. This multi-step process prevents damage to the bark.
Fall is an excellent time to manicure your trees, at least the non-flowering ones. The trees will emerge healthy and well-shaped in the spring when you follow a few simple tips.
Contact Timberline in West Nyack, NY, and the nearby areas to schedule our tree trimming and pruning services this season.