Wintertime is the time when a lot of people prune their trees. But many people do this incorrectly. This can lead to a lot of tree care problems. Below are four common tree care mistakes when it comes to winter pruning.
1. Topping
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when it comes to a tall tree is looping the top off of it. This will immediately weaken it and send the tree into repair mode. It needs to regrow the main leader in many places, and this will create a lot of bushy growth. Instead of topping your tree, trim the lateral branches so that the overall size is reduced.
2. Leaving the Stubs of Branches
Stub cuts will leave your tree with limbs that are partially amputated that won’t properly heal.
3. Cutting Really Close to Its Trunk
A flush cut will remove a branch collar, which is your tree’s natural protective boundary. Rather than cutting the branch flush, leave the it’s collar and bark ridge intact where the tree’s branch meets its trunk.
4. Not Having a Professional Do It
One of the best things that you can do for your tree is to have it pruned by a professional. They will have the tools and the knowhow to do it right.
These are four big mistakes that people make when it comes to winter pruning and tree care. If you are planning to prune your trees, make sure you don’t make these mistakes. It’s best to call a tree care professional if you are unsure of what to do.
