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Pruning
Pruning
To trim a tree, shrub, or bush by cutting away dead or overgrown branches or stems, to encourage growth. Helping to build/train a tree''s structure.
Why prune?
access - over-hanging branches may need to be removed in order to facilitate access for vehicles, the public, horse riders etc amenity - specimen trees may benefit from pruning to improve their appearance e.g. parkland or avenue trees fruit - orchards require specific techniques for fruit production to be maximised timber - formative pruning to shape a potential timber tree Safety - mature trees in an open setting with public access may need tree surgery to remove potentially dangerous limbs to prevent injury caused by them falling
Pruning is the most common tree maintenance procedure. Each cut that is performed has the potential to change the growth of the tree. Therefore the correct technique is essential. Trees do not heal the way people do. When a tree is cut or pruned, it must grow over and compartmentalize the wound. As a result, the wound is contained within the tree forever. Small cuts do less damage to the tree than large cuts. Poor pruning can cause damage that lasts for the life of the tree. Correct pruning techniques are essential in developing a tree with a strong structure and desirable form. A good structure of primary branches should be established while the tree is young. The branches provide the framework of the mature tree. Trees that are pruned correctly when young will require little corrective pruning when they mature. All cuts wound the tree therefore care must be taken when pruning. It is advisable to use a professionally trained Arborist for such procedures as incorrect removal can be detrimental to the tree, no branch should be removed without a reason. An experienced tree professional can easily distinguish between live and dead wood in winter. Winter pruning is often preferred because it is easier to visualize shaping when foliage is gone
Common reasons for pruning are to remove dead and decaying branches, to remove crowded or rubbing limbs. Trees may also be pruned to increase light and air penetration to the landscape below or inside of the tree’s crown. These types of pruning are commonly known as Dead wooding, Crown Cleaning, Crown Thinning, Crown Lifting or Crown Reductions. In most cases, mature trees are pruned as a corrective or preventive measure.
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