Trees are a special part of nature. They offer tremendous beauty, provide oxygen for the air you breathe, and increase the property value of your home.
When it comes to landscaping your property, trimming a tree is one of the best ways to keep your lawn looking its very best. And yet this process can seem intimidating if you’ve never attempted it before. Fortunately, it’s not as complicated as you might think.
This article takes a look at how to trim a large tree so that you can keep your property looking perfect. Keep reading to discover insight into best tree trimming practices that will help make your life a little easier.
Assess the Tree
The first thing you’ll need to do is take a look at the tree that needs trimming rather than simply jumping in with your saw. This will give you the chance to identify the branches that need to be removed.
Planning your work before proceeding with a limb saw or pruning snips will help prevent over trimming or removing branches that shouldn’t have been touched.
Remove Dead & Damaged Branches First
When assessing the tree, first identify branches that are either dead and have been damaged by wind or storms. Once you’ve removed these unsightly branches, you’ll have a better idea of what else needs to go.
Remove Branches Around Obstructions
Branches often grow up around power lines and other obstructions. This can end up causing damage. Carefully trim away these areas of the tree.
Please note that you might want to contact your local power company before trimming branches that have come into contact with power lines in order to prevent serious injury.
Trim Branches to Shape the Tree
Once all major dead and damaged branches have been removed, you can begin shaping the tree. This is done by carefully pruning tips of branches that have outgrown the rest of the tree.
Follow the existing shape of the tree so that the length of the branches will flow in a uniform growth pattern.
Prune as Little as Possible
Be careful to not trim too much. A good rule of thumb is to never trim more than twenty-five percent of the tree, especially during late fall and early winter.
How to Make Cuts
The technique for tree trimming is relatively simple. First, make a cut on the lower side of the branch, about two inches from the trunk. This will weaken the branch so that you can make a second cut for removal. Always clear away smaller branches first.
Once the branch has been removed, you can use a hand saw to remove the small stump left behind at the base of the branch.
Keep Your Trimming Equipment Clean
Always clean your trimming tools with alcohol after each use. This keeps the metal from rusting and will help prevent the spread of diseases from tree to tree.
A Simple Guide for How to Trim a Large Tree
Keeping your property looking perfect doesn’t have to be complicated. Fortunately, this guide for how to trim a large tree can help make the process as simple as possible.
Keep reading to discover more tips and advice for keeping your home looking great!