Almost every suburban home in America boasts one or two large landscape trees on their property. These large trees provide us with shade, privacy, and are an anchor for our landscape designs. Therefore, we want to take good care of our trees and maintain them as well as we possibly can. One key to keeping a large tree in good shape is to occasionally trim it back. Trimming a tree requires skill and precision, and if you're unsure about doing the job yourself, it's best to hire a professional arborist to do it for you. However, if you don't trust your tree to anyone but yourself, there are four important methods of tree trimming to familiarize yourself with before you get out your saw.
1. Thinning
Thinning is the most common type of tree trimming, and it's what most people usually have in mind when they hire a professional to trim their trees for them. Thinning is a process of removing excess branches and foliage from a tree so that the wind flows through it more easily, making the tree less susceptible to storm damage. To thin a tree, start by removing any weak branches as well as limbs that cross or rub against each other. Now work your way up the trunk and main branches of the tree, thinning out any excess foliage. Take care not to prune too vigorously as you near the end of each branch. You want the tree to be left with a natural, full appearance at the top and sides.
2. Windowing
Windowing is the process of creating "windows" in the middle of a tree so that you can see through to the opposite side. This is most commonly done when you have a large tree growing close to your home, such that it obstructs the view of the landscape and yard beyond. To window a tree, select one or two horizontal branches in the middle of the tree for removal. Select these branches with care, because a tree that is windowed improperly can easily become disfigured.
3. Skirting Up
Skirting up refers to removing some of the lower branches of a tree to make it easier to walk under or mow under. Ideally, skirting up should be done gradually, as the tree is growing. Every year or two, remove a branch that is lower to the ground than you'd like, cutting it flush with the trunk and then allowing it to heal over properly. If you are skirting up an older tree and some of the branches to be removed are quite large, you may want to consult with an arborist or your local nursery or garden center. You may need to paint the wound over for a year or two to help it heal and prevent disease from entering the tree.
4. Crown Reduction
Crown reduction is the process of making a tall tree shorter by trimming the tallest branches at its top. If you are dealing with a very large landscape tree, such as an oak or maple, it's wise to hire a professional firm to do the work for you, because they have the right equipment to prevent accidental injury.
Remember, anytime you are trimming a tree, always select your branches very carefully and consider them twice before you actually cut. Once a branch has been cut, there's no way to put it back, and many a fine landscape tree has been disfigured by a poor trimming job. If you do hire an arborist for a professional tree trimming, be sure to get some references so you can look at trees they've previously trimmed before hiring them. With an occasionally trimming every five years or so, your trees will grow beautifully and stay well maintained in your yard for years to come.
Listed below are more articles related to the above article from the "Landscaping Gardening" article category.
People interested in the above article "How to Trim Trees: 4 Ways to Enhance Your View and Your Landscape" are also interested in the related articles listed below:
Many home owners that have trees on their property often forget that proper maintenance and care must be provided. Trees, unlike flowers and plants seem to be stronger and able to withstand almost any weather condition.
Though trees are quite tough, there are times when they also need to be properly cared for and maintained. This article will talk about the importance of proper tree care and the type of services that may be needed for a particular situation.
The beauty of a home is enhanced with several trees strategically placed on different areas of your property. Trees not only offer beauty, but at various times, needed shade from the sun. Like many flowers and plants, trees require proper maintenance. Tree trimming is one of the things that is needed as a tree grows and blossoms. This article will talk about the importance of regular tree pruning.
A property surrounded by beautiful foliage and healthy vegetation is the dream of every homeowner - probably yours too! But, have all the trees near your property lost their hues and colors? If all you could see are dead, brown branches with just a few green leaves, you should immediately contact professionals experienced and trained in carrying out tree surgery.
There are a number of us who love our tiny gardens. Some of us even have trees which stand tall in the backyard. They are the pride of our house and they are often the topic of conversation during a party. We decorate them with lights on special occasion and see them grow with us over time.
Do you wish for professionals who could improve the condition of the trees in and around your property? Then you must contact experienced tree surgeons. They are basically arborists who can help you in a number of ways, like trimming dense foliages - they will allow a lot of natural light to fall on your property. This they will do without harming the health of the foliages.
Do you have trees in your garden? Do you know you have obligations to trim them from time to time? Do you know that over grown trees are a serious threat to a home? Well, trees need to be trimmed from time to time as they may seriously harm the structural integrity of the house. There are a number of homes which are ruined every year during storms as trees fall on them.
Have you decided to put hedges around your property instead of a fence? You should know that those are not just for property demarcation but, also has a number of other purposes and benefits. They can eliminate all chances of erosion and wind. In addition to this, well maintained hedges can cut out traffic noises. In addition to all these, you could prevent mischievous children from running over the newly laid grass or damaging your garden.
