Thinking of tidying up your backyard or giving your front yard a bit of love? Don’t forget to overlook all those trees requiring a quick trim!
Trees add a pop to our property, but sometimes, neglecting their health hinders their beauty and maybe even blocks sunlight! Tree trimming and pruning can not only make your yard beautiful but also increase the property value.
The salty breeze and ever-changing weather of the Surf Coast make it especially important to keep trees well-maintained. If trees on your property block sunlight, present a safety risk or have simply grown out of shape, contacting a professional arborist could help.
Here’s a detailed guide for homeowners on the Surf Coast!
Why Tree Pruning Matters
On the Surf Coast, where salty winds and changing weather can stress trees, keeping them pruned also makes them stay strong against the elements.
Overgrown or weak branches can snap off in high winds, and the last thing you want is a branch coming down on your roof—or worse, on someone walking by!
Tree pruning can also revamp your outdoor space! Let’s keep the trees neat and tidy and remove any potential safety hazards they may present to the property nearby!
Here’s how pruning helps.
- Removes dead and diseased branches
- Promotes healthy growth of trees
- Restricts the size of the tree
- Reduces competition for nutrition
- Thin canopies promote airflow and sunlight
- Regular tree pruning also encourages new growth
- Prevents overhanging branches from becoming a safety hazard
When Is the Best Time to Prune Trees?
Let’s walk through everything you need to know about trimming and pruning trees—when to do it, how to do it safely, and when to call in the pros!
Late Winter to Early Spring
The best time for tree pruning and trimming for most tree species is late winter to early spring. How so? The trees are dormant and less likely to suffer from stress. Also, pruning right before the new growth period means that the trees heal faster and better!
After Flowering (For Spring-Flowering Trees)
If your trees experience a full bloom in spring, for example, ornamental cherries, dogwood, or magnolia, it’s better to prune them right after they’ve finished flowering. This way, your flowering trees recover better and faster. Also, it doesn’t disrupt the blooming cycle for the next season.
Avoid Late Autumn Pruning
Unless you have dead branches or those with a risk of falling, you shouldnt prune trees in late autumn. Pruning in autumn would stimulate new growth. By winter, the plant will become susceptible to frost damage, so it does more harm than good.
DIY Tree Trimming Tips
For those shrubs and small trees, you can handle the pruning yourself with a few expert tree-trimming tips! Here are some of the best tips from a qualified arborist.
Tip 1: Use the Right Tools
You can do some good to small branches by using the right tools, such as secateurs. For medium branches, use lopping shears, and for the larger ones, a handsaw works best. Only use sharp tools to avoid bark tearing.
Tip 2: Cut With Care
Cutting at a slight angle above a bud or a branch collar helps a tree heal faster.
Tip 3: Know What To Remove
Don’t just remove any and every branch! Focus on the dead and decaying branches first. If you find a diseased branch that is weakly attached, it’s best to cut it out first.
Tip 4: Safety First
You must wear protective gear such as gloves and safety glasses. If the tree is located near power lines or if you’re working on larger trees, it’s best to call in a professional arborist! Don’t risk your safety.
When To Call an Arborist
Trimming and pruning small trees works as a DIY job, but sometimes larger trees with decaying branches present multiple problems.
Improper pruning can do more harm than good. It also increases the risk of tree failure or disease. This is where the pros come in to help.
Professional arborists from Ocean Road Tree Services have the right skills and expertise needed to handle even the most complex tree pruning jobs safely!
At Ocean Road Tree Services, we also follow local regulations of the Surf Coast. Checking in with the Surf Coast Shire is something you don’t have to worry about!
Wrapping Up
Tree trimming and pruning are straightforward processes for those who can handle a little bit of gardening. However, sometimes, proper techniques, timing, and expertise are required.
At Ocean Road Tree Services, our team of qualified arborists is passionate about keeping the Surf Coast’s trees in top shape. Whether you need routine trimming, expert pruning, or advice on tree health, we’re here to help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote!
