| Getting your trees trimmed is one way of | | | | 2. Look at your tree closely and determine |
| maintaining their good health while improving | | | | beforehand which branches would need to be |
| overall appearance and extending life expectancy. | | | | removed, both to give it a neater and more |
| While tree trimming primarily involves removing | | | | attractive shape, while also removing diseased and |
| new growth around the outer portion of the | | | | dead branches. |
| tree's perimeter for a better aesthetic appeal, | | | | 3. You might also want to give particular attention |
| you can also do some basic pruning or removing | | | | to the following branches that you see in your |
| of dead, unsightly, and insect-infested branches. | | | | initial inspection: broken limbs, low hanging |
| There's a saying that goes "Trim trees anytime | | | | branches, crisscrossing limbs, those that grow too |
| your saw is sharp," and you can actually choose | | | | close to the main trunk, and crowding branches. |
| to do this for just getting a snip here and a snip | | | | 4. When doing the trimming or pruning proper, |
| there. But to make the most of your tree | | | | you can avoid having the bark torn by following |
| trimming activity, timing is an important factor to | | | | these steps: |
| consider. | | | | - Do a cut first from the bottom of the branch, |
| For instance, many flowering trees already have | | | | about 5 inches away from the trunk and halfway |
| their flower buds set way before they bloom. | | | | through the branch you are cutting; |
| Cutting off these blooms prematurely would | | | | - Then make a second cut from the top of the |
| therefore result in their inability to bloom the | | | | trunk this time and on the outside of the initial cut; |
| following season. | | | | - Lastly, make a third and final cut on the trunk |
| Once you've already established the right season | | | | side of the branch, sawing completely from top |
| for tree trimming, then it's time to get hold of | | | | to bottom. |
| that tool and just trim away. Follow these steps | | | | 5. Remember to make the final cuts on the |
| on how to trim a tree: | | | | branches just above the collar, and do not use |
| 1. Before starting, determine which tool you are | | | | paint to cover the cut. These will help the trunk |
| most comfortable with. A chainsaw is perhaps the | | | | heal naturally and faster. |
| best implement for this but if you're not | | | | If your tree is heavily damaged, or is an overly |
| experienced in using it, a pruning saw with | | | | large tree that would require the use of tall |
| telescopic handle will do just as well and is safer | | | | ladders or chain saws, it is best to leave the |
| to use. | | | | trimming to a professional tree arborist. |