If you have a chainsaw, some trimming shears, and a little determination, you may have taken pruning your trees into your own hands. However, without the expert knowledge to get the job done correctly, you may be exposing your trees to dangers and disease. Let’s take a look at some of the common problems with DIY tree pruning.
Damage to the Branch Collars
The place where the branches meet the tree’s trunk are known as “collars”. When you prune the tree incorrectly, you may expose the tree to disease and infestation through the collars. A tree’s branch collars hold specialized cells that work to help the tree heal any wounds it may sustain, and if they become damaged, then you may run into issues.
Removal of Too Much Foliage
Foliage is one of the most important components of your tree. When too much is removed through improper DIY tree pruning, the tree may not be able to photosynthesize the nutrients it needs to survive. For the most part, only about 5 – 10% of the foliage should ever be removed to prevent the tree from starving to death.
Bark Tears Let Disease In
As you work on the trees, it’s possible to tear places in their bark. The bark of a tree is meant to protect them from the elements and from disease, so when you tear into it, you’re exposing them to these things. Think of it like getting a cut on your skin. Now the disease can get in. It’s not good and should be avoided if possible.
Let a Professional Take it From Here
If you’ve been taking part in DIY tree pruning and you’ve noticed damages, then it’s time to let a professional take over. Thankfully, you have the experts at Nelson Tree Specialist on your side. We can handle all manner of issues you have with your trees, so contact us today.