Tree Trimming
Bay Arborist Tom Arrington
A native tree that has grown up in an area untouched by man has the ability to prune itself by dropping unwanted branches/leaves/fruit/nuts/etc. The decomposing matter in the soil supplies the needed food for the tree to continue its life. Unfortunately this process is not true in an urban landscape. Fallen material from a tree can pose a hazardous situation and cleanup is generally needed.
Tree trimming in an urban landscape, if done correctly, can improve the tree vitality, appearance, and preserve structural integrity. Improper trimming results in poor tree vitality, unsightly appearance, and hazardous structural integrity.
Reasons for tree trimming are to remove dead branches, to remove crowded or crossing limbs that may create future structural problems, to eliminate hazards, and to slow growth rate by removing foliage. Trees can also be trimmed to reduce wind resistance or to increase light penetration.
Before and after tree trim
Timing
The best time to trim depends on the desired results. To maximize growth, trim just before the period of rapid growth in early spring. To minimize growth, trim after the growth flush is complete for the season. Flowering can be reduced or enhanced by pruning at the correct time for certain species. Fruit trees can be trimmed before or after bloom to enhance or limit fruit production.
Proper structural tree trimming of young trees will develop into structurally sound trees that should require little corrective pruning as they mature. A tree that will be large at maturity should have a sturdy, tapered trunk, with well-spaced branches smaller in diameter than the trunk.