You could be forgiven for thinking that tree pruning is just chopping off a few branches here and there. However pruning is a powerful tool that can achieve so much more than just how the tree looks when done correctly and with purpose.

Let’s take a look at what you can achieve with a few minor changes to your pruning technique.

Pruning Mistakes

Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid when it comes to pruning:

1. Not Pruning Regularly

When a tree is neglected and doesn’t have its dead, dying or diseased limbs regularly removed, it leaves it exposed to pest infestation and disease. Irregular pruning over time can weaken the tree and lead to it becoming overgrown which will ultimately require more drastic pruning which can stress the tree. To avoid this, establish a pruning schedule based on your tree’s specific needs.

2. Using Incorrect Techniques

Incorrect pruning techniques can weaken a tree and jeopardise its structural integrity. Pruning mistakes can impede healthy growth and leave it prone to disease and infestation from pests. It can also make the tree unbalanced, unsafe and look unattractive with unusual growth. Avoid randomly hacking branches off with no real purpose in mind. Instead, prune with intention.

3. Over-Pruning

Pruning isn’t about removing as much wood as possible all at once – it’s about making the right cuts at the right time. Removing too many branches and too much foliage at once can stress the tree, reducing its ability to photosynthesise and potentially lead to sickness and disease. It can also leave the tree weakened, unbalanced and unattractive.

4. Not Using The Right Tools

If you’re using tools that aren’t fit for the job, that are dirty or not sharp enough, you run the risk of seriously wounding the tree with jagged cuts and exposing the tree to disease and pests. To avoid this, always use sharp, clean pruning tools that are the appropriate size for the tree.

5. Pruning At The Wrong Time

Pruning at the wrong time of year for your type of tree can lead to a weakened tree and can impact fruit and flower production. Research the best time of year to prune your particular species of tree for your desired outcome.

What You Can Achieve With Good Pruning

Pruning doesn’t need to be drastic to make a big difference. In fact, it’s the small, regular changes that often deliver the biggest results—healthier trees, safer yards, prettier gardens, increased enjoyment of your outdoor space and even savings on your energy bills.

When you prune correctly and with a purpose in mind you can achieve a number of benefits:

• Stronger, safer trees less prone to failure and falling branches.
• Healthier trees less prone to issues.
• Improved structural integrity.
• Decreased risk of disease.
• Decreased risk of pest infestation.
• Increase or decrease in fruit production.
• Increase or decrease in flower production.
• Improved airflow throughout the canopy.
• Increase sunlight to the canopy.
• Improved aesthetics (better looking trees).
• Improved energy efficiency with natural heating and cooling.
• Improved property value.

Hire A Professional

If you’re not sure where to start with your pruning, calling a professional Arborist is a great move. Proper pruning requires skill, knowledge and the right tools and equipment. Unless you have all of these things, it’s best left to a professional who will ensure your tree is pruned correctly for optimum health and in accordance with your desired outcome for your space. Not to mention tree pruning can be highly dangerous, especially if you have large trees, so hiring an Arborist is a sound investment that will ensure your total peace of mind.

Expert Tree Care In Brisbane

For all your professional tree pruning, care and maintenance needs, speak to the team at Aussie Tree Solutions today. We have been expertly taking care of South-East-Queensland trees for over forty years. We offer a full range of tree care services from tree removal and tree pruning to Consulting Arborist services, stump grinding and everything in-between!  Whatever your tree care needs, we’ll get to the root of it!