Tree pruning is critical to proper residential tree care in Calgary. More than aesthetics, tree pruning is about health, safety, and promoting growth. As homeowners across the province understand, year-round weather conditions are harsh. For strong, resilient trees, it requires effort. Let us walk you through the science behind pruning and why it’s a must if you want to help your tree grow.
In this guide, your certified arborists at Evergreen Ltd. will share what you need to know about tree pruning in Calgary.
Benefits Of Tree Pruning In Calgary
Tree pruning is the select removal of branches from a tree to improve its structure, appearance, and health. When done right, pruning encourages healthy growth, reduces the risk of falling branches, enhances aesthetics, and works to prevent disease and pest infestations from spreading.
Young trees and mature trees alike can both use tree pruning to benefit their health. Young trees can benefit because pruning helps to shape the tree and reduces the need for corrective pruning at a later date. Meanwhile, mature trees require careful pruning to remove dead or weak branches to maintain form, stability, and safety.
Besides the benefits to a tree’s health, pruning enhances curb appeal and increases perceived property value.
When The Best Time Of Year Is To Prune Trees
In Calgary, the best time to prune a tree is based on the species and purpose.
Late winter or early spring tree pruning is the recommendation for most homeowners.
Summer is the time to prune when a homeowner has to manage, control, or motivate tree growth.
Fall pruning is used for minor maintenance and proactively addresses issues that may persist in winter.
For safety reasons, sometimes, you may not have time to wait to schedule tree pruning services. Calgary’s fluctuating temperatures and heavy snowfall puts stress on the city’s trees. As resilient as the trees on your property may be, if they are a safety hazard to you or the properties around you, it’s essential to schedule a service call as soon as possible rather than waiting for the right season to make a cut.
Types Of Tree Pruning
There are several different approaches to tree pruning that arborists use. The wrong approach can prove damaging to the tree so it’s integral to know the purpose of pruning and what you as a homeowner are looking to accomplish by hiring our team.
Structural Pruning
Structural pruning aims to improve tree shape and stability. When done right, the tree develops its strongest structure that can then withstand heavier loads and reduce potential future tree maintenance costs.
Thinning
Thinning removes a branch at its point of origin. This is done to reduce a tree’s density and is a tree pruning approach often applied to mature trees. Thinning enhances airflow and allows more sunlight to reach the interior of the tree.
Dead wooding
Dead wooding is designed to remove branches that are diseased, dying, or already dead. For conservation, dead wooding is vital. It’s also a way to ensure dead branches do not fall off in storms and potentially cause injury or damage.
Crown Raising
Crown raising increases clearance beneath a tree. It removes lower branches often to clear the way for pedestrians, vehicles, or buildings. It’s also a way to improve the look of the tree and property.
Common Tree Pruning Mistakes
When a certified arborist is not hired, you run a higher risk of making mistakes with your tree pruning.
It’s easy to over-prune which weakens the tree. Incorrect cutting can lead to tree decay and may kill your tree. Pruning at the wrong time of year can also have consequences, failing to achieve what you hoped for with your tree.
Using the correct tree pruning technique, however, can increase a tree’s lifespan by up to 30%. Regularly pruned trees are also up to 20% less likely to lose branches during a storm.
Why Hire A Certified Arborist In Calgary For Tree Pruning
There are many reasons why the team at Evergreen Ltd. is sought out for tree pruning in Calgary.
A certified arborist ensures the job is done right. We ensure large branches are cut safely with a professional in control of the situation. An arborist understands how to make cuts to protect power lines and avoid damage to nearby structures. We’re also equipped with the right tools and protective gear, minimizing the risks involved.
Always give an arborist a call if tree pruning requires climbing, cutting large branches, if your tree is near a power line, or if you’re dealing with diseased trees. Each of these situations should be handled by a professional.
Contact Evergreen Ltd. today to schedule a service call from our expert tree pruning services in Calgary.
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