Effects of Improper Tree Trimming: Understand Tree Physiology

Trees are a vital element of a relaxing and beautiful landscape. But it is crucial to take care of them to ensure they thrive and remain a center of attraction on your property. Tree trimming is one of the essential steps in caring for and maintaining your landscape. Improper pruning can make your tree vulnerable to pathogens and diseases and create a safety hazard. So, you must know what happens if your trees are pruned incorrectly. This article will help you get the necessary information to keep your yard as beautiful as the spring season.

Adverse Effects of Improper Tree Trimming

Inadequate Nutrition

How a tree is trimmed directly impacts its ability to conduct photosynthesis and produce chlorophyll. If the foliage is pruned more than needed and the vital branches are chopped off, it can reduce your tree’s ability to make food. This results in a weak structure and poor growth which can lead to the death of your tree. So, it is best to hire a professional for perfect tree trimming.

Decay of the Tree

During pruning, small stems and branches are cut away, leaving behind wounds which need time to heal. When an inexperienced individual does this task, deep cuts and removal of vital parts can lead to the decaying of the branches, which can pose a threat during extreme weather conditions. Professional tree trimming services ensure the cuts are minor and heal quickly.

Interior Sprouting

If too much of the crown is exposed to sunlight, it leads to irregular growth patterns. If the canopy is removed completely, sunlight burns the delicate tree bark, which starts sprouting to protect the interior. This spoils the appearance of the tree and weakens its structure.

Avoid Harmful Tree Trimming Practices

Timing

Pruning a tree at the right time of the year is crucial. Conifers can be an exception, as you can trim them in any season. It is best to trim them in the dormant season to reduce the sap flow from cut branches. It is essential to trim hardwood trees and shrubs in the dormant season as it allows you to see the tree’s structure while giving the wounds time to heal in the growing season. This reduces the chances of diseases and prevents excessive sap flow from wounds.

Topping & Tipping

You should opt for a crown reduction technique to reduce the height of the crown, but only when needed. Topping (pruning the large upright branches) should be done only when you need to reduce the height of your tree. Tipping (cutting lateral branches) should be done only when you need to reduce the crown width. Frequent or unnecessary topping or tipping leads to the development of epicormic sprouts (water sprouts) or the death of the trimmed branch. Epicormic sprouts are a plant’s response to damage or stress.

Pruning Tools

Using efficient and properly working tools is essential for smooth tree trimming. Here are some tips for choosing the right tools:

• Consider the size of the branches
• Choose tools based on the amount of pruning required
• Clean and sharpen the tools
• Sanitize your tools to prevent the spread of diseases due to contaminated tools

Treating Wounds

Gums, resins, and tree sap naturally fight the invasion of pathogens. However, excessive bleeding can weaken trees. When different tree species get wounded due to storms, unforeseen mechanical wounds, or necessary branch removals, it is important to apply a wound dressing immediately. Otherwise, wound dressings can be detrimental to trees, and it is wise to consult a tree trimming service to ensure it doesn’t interfere with the natural defence system of trees.

Tree Trimming Effects on Tree Physiology

Trimming or branch removal has three effects on tree physiology:

• Reduces the ability to capture energy for photosynthesis
• Consumes away stored energy reserves
• Changes the growth pattern

Tree Trimming Effect on the Defence System

Trimming also impacts a tree’s ability to fight insects and pathogens. A pruned portion can be a potential site for infection, allowing the pathogens to invade the defence system.

• Heartwood protects itself from wood-rot fungi with its bark and sapwood. However, these parts get exposed after topping.
• Fresh cuts attract insects and pests that transmit diseases
• Too much trimming makes a tree susceptible to a pathogen or insect attack, thereby reducing its capacity to utilize the conserved energy to defend.

These predisposing effects are not easy to detect because the infected area is often far from the pruned area, and it takes time for a tree to get infected. Thus, only a professional tree-trimming service can identify the hidden problem.

We Offer Safe & Efficient Tree Trimming Services in Toronto

At DreamWorks Trees Services, we deeply understand the importance of tree trimming in determining the health of your shrubs or trees. Our team consists of certified arborists and tree specialists with years of experience growing and maintaining trees. You can count on us if you are unsure of the perfect time to prune your trees and hedges. We will ensure your trees live to thrive beautifully.

To learn more about our tree trimming services, contact us at 647-924-2627 or fill out our form. We will be happy to help you.