If you've decided to handle your own tree lopping or pruning, you want to ensure you do it safely and effectively. You want to preserve the life and health of the tree. Before you get out your saws and ladder and start hacking away at a tree on your property, note a few simple tips that will guide you through the process.
1. Know when to prune
If you were to prune or trim a tree during growing season, this could affect the health of the tree. Branches take in light and air and everything a tree needs for healthy growth, and trimming them during spring and summer can mean stunting that growth. Wait until late fall or early winter, or once the weather starts to get chilly in your area, before you do any tree lopping. Not only will this be healthier for trees, but it can also mean less chance of a pest infestation in the tree, since most insects will be inactive during this cooler time of the year as well.
2. Prune as little as possible
Since branches are so important for a tree's overall health, you want to trim as little as possible. If it's obvious that a branch is dead or decayed, trim off only the dead part and no more down the length of the branch. Remember that you can always go back and trim away more if you notice that parts of it continue to decay or if leaves shrivel, but start with a minimal amount and then continue with lopping at another time, if needed.
3. Invest in the right tools for safety and effectiveness
Rope saws allow you to cut branches from the safety of the ground; you can climb up on the ladder and attach the rope saw, and then climb back down and use the rope to move the blade. A pole pruner also allows you to stay safely on the ground; this is a long extension pole with a folding blade on the end that can reach lower branches or the ends of branches away from the trunk without having to reach and stretch from a ladder.
Strong rope is also needed to tie branches and help guide them as they fall. Look for heavy-duty nylon rope and don't rely on rope used for a laundry line or even fishing line, as these will not hold up against the weight of a trimmed branch.
For more information, contact a company like Colourful Tree Lopping.
Share27 August 2015
Seeing a tree die can be sad, especially if it's the only shade tree in your yard, a tree you grew up climbing or a once bountiful fruit tree. However, surprisingly, many trees that people seem to give up on can actually be saved. I hate the idea of anyone losing a tree, so I decided to start a blog. This blog is going to have tips I have learned as a lifelong gardener as well as things I have learned while researching trees and botany in general. I hope you like these posts and that they eventually help you save a few trees!
