Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes When Trimming Your Own Trees

Trimming or pruning trees can be a daunting task, especially for inexperienced homeowners. When done incorrectly, it can cause significant damage to the tree’s health and jeopardize personal safety. However, many homeowners still opt to take on this task themselves rather than hiring a professional tree service. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing five common mistakes that homeowners make when trimming their trees and how to avoid them.

Improper Cutting Technique
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is using improper cutting techniques. Many people make the mistake of cutting the branch too close or too far from the tree, making it difficult for the tree to heal properly. Proper cutting technique involves cutting at a 45-degree angle, just outside the branch collar. Doing this will ensure a clean cut that allows the tree to heal more quickly and prevents pests and diseases from entering.

Over-Pruning
Another mistake many homeowners make is over-pruning their trees. Over-pruning can damage the tree’s overall health and make it vulnerable to pests and diseases. It’s best to prune only what is necessary, which includes removing dead or diseased branches, or branches that pose a safety risk. Additionally, it’s important to avoid removing more than 25% of the tree’s canopy in a single year.

Pruning at the Wrong Time
Pruning at the wrong time of the year can also cause significant damage to the tree. For example, pruning oak trees during the summer months puts them at risk of contracting oak wilt, a deadly fungal disease. Some trees are better pruned in the fall or winter when they are dormant, while others can be pruned during the summer months without issue. It’s important to research the specific tree species and its pruning needs before taking any action.

Not Wearing Proper Personal Protective Equipment
Trimming trees can be dangerous work, and it’s important to take safety seriously. One common mistake homeowners make is not wearing proper personal protective equipment, such as gloves, eye protection, and sturdy footwear. In addition, it’s important to use the proper tools, including chainsaws, pole saws, and ladders that are in good condition and used correctly.

Improper Tree Topping
Tree topping is a practice that involves cutting off the top of a tree, often to reduce the tree’s size. Unfortunately, this practice can severely damage the tree, making it more susceptible to pest infestations and disease. It’s important to remember that topping should only be done in extreme cases, and only by a professional arborist who knows how to do it properly.

Trimming trees is a task that requires proper knowledge, care, and safety measures. By avoiding these common mistakes, homeowners can ensure their trees remain healthy while also keeping themselves safe. If trimming your trees seems overwhelming, consider hiring a professional tree service to help you out. They have the proper training and equipment to prune trees correctly and safely. Remember that a well-maintained tree not only benefits your property, but it also benefits the environment and the whole community.