Homeowners often face the dilemma of whether to hire professional tree trimming services or attempt to handle the job themselves. Although it can be tempting to do it yourself, many homeowners end up making costly mistakes that can put their property and even their lives at risk.
In this article, we will discuss the five biggest mistakes homeowners make when attempting to trim their own trees.
There Is A Right Way And A Wrong Way To Trim A Tree
When it comes to trimming your own trees, there are right and wrong ways to go about it. Knowing the difference can make a huge impact on the health, longevity, and aesthetics of your trees.
One mistake is not being aware of the type of tree being trimmed. Different types of trees have different needs when it comes to pruning and trimming; some require more aggressive pruning than others.
Another common mistake is over-trimming or cutting too much at once. When trimming trees, it’s best to take small cuts over time rather than making large cuts all at once. This helps encourage proper growth while preventing scarring or other damage that can occur with excessive pruning.
Trimming At The Wrong Time
Many homeowners make the mistake of thinking that anytime is a good time for trimming trees. However, it’s important to note that there are certain times of the year when pruning should be avoided. Trimming during the wrong season can weaken or stress out the tree, making it more prone to insect infestation and disease.
Here are three key points to keep in mind when deciding when to trim your trees:
1) Prune during dormancy—usually late winter or early spring—to reduce sap loss and encourage healthy growth.
2) Avoid pruning in the fall as this may expose your tree to winter damage.
3) If you’re unsure what season is best for your particular tree species, consult with a certified arborist who will be able to provide advice on the best time for trimming.
When done correctly, pruning can help maintain the health of your trees and give them an attractive shape and size. However, if you fail to take into consideration when is best for trimming, you could end up causing more harm than good!
Disregarding Sanitation
Unfortunately, many people who decide to trim their own trees are unaware of the importance of sanitation. This means that they may use the same tools on different trees without properly cleaning and disinfecting them first. This can lead to the spread of disease and pests from one tree to another.
Selecting The Wrong Branches
Another mistake many homeowners make when trimming their own trees is selecting the wrong branches to prune. When pruning, it’s important to pay attention to the size and shape of the branch you’re cutting, as well as its location on the tree.
Therefore, whenever you’re trimming your tree, it’s essential to take care in selecting which branches you should be cutting away.
Cutting Through The Branch Collar
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make when trimming their own trees is cutting through the branch collar. The branch collar is the area of bark located at the base of each branch and it’s essential to avoid damaging this area as much as possible.
To ensure that you don’t accidentally cut through the branch collar, there are a few tips you should keep in mind:
- Make sure that your pruners have sharp blades, as this will make it easier to get a clean cut without damaging the bark.
- Stabilize larger branches with one hand while pruning them with your other hand – this will help you control where you’re cutting more accurately.
- Always keep a bucket or tarp handy for collecting debris – this will prevent any leftover debris from ending up in or around the bark of your tree.
- Use loppers rather than pruners for thicker branches – this will provide more leverage and make it easier to avoid cutting too close to the trunk.
- Utilize a rope and harness system for high-up branches – this will help reduce strain on your body and improve safety while trimming higher-up parts of the tree.
Using Dull Shears
Now that you know how to avoid cutting into the branch collar, it’s important to consider the tools you use when trimming your own trees. Using dull shears is another common mistake.
Dull shears can easily damage branches and bark, as well as cause more strain on your body due to an increased effort for cutting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, trimming your own trees can be a difficult and potentially hazardous task. However, with the right preparation and understanding of basic tree care principles, homeowners can safely and effectively prune their trees.
When trimming your trees, it’s important to remember the five biggest mistakes homeowners make: trimming at the wrong time, disregarding sanitation, selecting the wrong branches, cutting through the branch collar and using dull shears.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure your tree gets the care it needs to stay healthy and thrive for years to come. With a little knowledge and practice, you can become an expert in pruning your own trees!