Pruning Mistakes to Avoid

Spring is the time to get out in the backyard, but are you pruning your trees correctly?

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common mistakes DIY gardeners make when pruning their trees, what they should be doing instead, and when to get in touch with the experts at Affordable Tree Service.

Common Pruning Mistakes to Avoid

As the months warm up, we know how tempting it can be to get out in the yard and tidy up those plants or trees that have remained dormant through winter. But before you start the rejuvenation process that is pruning and maintenance, you need to make sure you’re approaching it correctly.

In this section, we’ll discuss some of the most common mistakes clients make, and how to avoid them.

Bad Timing

Timing is everything when you’re talking about maintaining your property, and it’s no less true when it comes to pruning. While you may think Spring is the best time to get those overgrown trees under control, that’s not the case.

If you’ve reached Spring and have yet to do your pruning, you’re actually too late for many trees, most of which thrive when pruned in winter.

That’s why you should always consult with your local nursery or tree maintenance professional at Affordable Tree Service before attempting your pruning.

Bad Technique

Don’t just hack at your trees when pruning them – be delicate and take controlled measures. The three-cut method is often thought to be the most effective and safe when pruning trees.

Wrong Tools

If you want to do your pruning right, you need the right tools. Too many of our customers attempt pruning using the wrong equipment for the job. This results in potential damage to both the tree you are trying to maintain, as well as the trees around it.

Too Much Pruning

It may sound silly, but it is, in fact, possible to over-prune a tree. We’ve seen many trees become sick or die as a result of over-pruning.

And believe us, we understand. The sun comes out one day in winter, or you get a new tree you really love so you become overzealous in its maintenance. But unfortunately, what you may consider to be a little extra TLC could actually harm your tree.

Signs you have unintentionally overpruned a tree include:

• Slow to grow or flower
• No growth or flowering
• Broken or dead branches
• Too many cuts (wounds) from where it’s constantly been pruned
• If 25% of the tree has been pruned during usual flowering seasons

It’s important to remember that a new tree usually will not need pruning in its first year of planting. If you’re doing this, you may be doing more harm than good.

Not Recognising Your Limitations

Possibly one of the biggest mistakes we see DIY gardeners make – if not the biggest mistake – is not recognising your limitations.

Too often aficionados like yourself will attempt a tree pruning task that is beyond their capabilities, when the safest and easiest thing to do is call the professionals.

Too many people think they’ll save a few bucks by attempting to prune at heights beyond their reach or with ladders. This is when accidents happen, and it all could have been avoided if you’d just asked for assistance.

When to Call Affordable Tree Service for Help

At Affordable Tree Service, we believe there is no shame in asking for help, and we’re always here to provide it. If you have recognised that your tree pruning job is just too big for you to manage, or you need advice on how to maintain your trees properly, give us a call.

Our staff members live and breathe tree pruning and maintenance solutions that will have your backyard back to brand new in no time. We’re also fully qualified, licenced and insured so you can be certain your tree pruning work will be completed as efficiently and safely as possible, every time.

For assistance in how not to make tree pruning mistakes, or to book an obligation-free consultation, contact our experts today.