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Tree Pruning

Jun 15, 2018
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Tree Trimming & Pruning Tips

Tree pruning is an alternative term used to describe the process of trimming a tree. There are multiple reasons one would need to prune a tree. Whether you want to remove dead wood, shape the tree, trim hazardous branches, or restrict growth – the ultimate goal is to remove diseased, unproductive, or unpleasant looking branches/tissue so the rest of the tree can flourish. Pruning a tree can have extremely detrimental outcomes if done incorrectly, which is why we have some helpful tips that are essential to remember before attempting this process.


  1. Make sure you have the proper tools.
  2. Strongly consider a professional before you try and DIY.
  3. Make sure to determine if a tree is actually dead and needs to be removed.


Using the Proper Tools


Usually, pruning a tree will only require hand pruners, loppers, or a pruning saw. When it comes to hand pruners, there are three types: a bypass, an anvil, and a ratchet. In most situations, a bypass hand pruner is going to be your best bet. Similar to hand pruners, the two types of loppers include a bypass or an anvil lopper. For tree pruning, a bypass lopper is the safest option. Most of these tools can easily be found at your local hardware store. On top of having the proper tools, it’s important to know that the best time to prune your trees is in the early spring, right before the tree begins to bloom. If you opt to prune at another time, make sure it isn’t during a period of extreme dryness.


Consider a Professional


Many people think that they can prune a tree on their own, and that is totally fine. However, in certain instances, you’re going to want to call a professional like Henry’s Tree Service. DIY attempts can end up harming the tree or even killing it. The times in which it is necessary to call a professional include:

  • If the tree is growing close to a power line.
  • If the tree is too big.
  • If you’re unsure how to trim the tree.
  • If the tree is diseased.


We guarantee that our experienced professionals will make sure that they prune the tree correctly, while also sustaining as much of the living tree as possible. Along with sustaining the tree, a professional will make sure that they preserve the surrounding environment.


How to Spot a Dead tree


The first step to determining if your tree is dead or not is to simply examine the tree. If the tree is generating new and colorful leaves, then it is very much alive. Another way you can tell if your tree is dead is by bending the smaller and less durable branches on the tree. If you find that most of them are snapping instantly without any resistance, then your tree could very well be dead. Another technique you can use is the scratch test. This implies scratching the bark on the tree, and if it is green underneath, then it is alive. Make sure to scratch multiple places on the tree because some parts of the tree may be alive while others are dead. If you determine that your tree is dead, be sure to give one of our professionals a call today so that they can safely remove it from your property. Trimming a dead tree is a time consuming task that has little to no beneficial outcomes. Not to mention you could damage your surrounding environment. Therefore, if you have a dead tree on your property, call a professional like Henry’s Tree Service to remove it.

 

Call Henry’s Tree Service for Any Pruning Needs



Henry’s Tree Service serves Wake, Durham, Chatham, Johnston and Franklin counties with expert trimming and other tree care. Reach us at (919) 532-9141 to get a proper tree pruning and more in the Triangle area.

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Trees are pretty self-sufficient. Many species can live for decades if not centuries without much help from people. Because of this, and because we have so many beautiful trees in the Raleigh-Durham area, you may be tempted to ignore clear warning signs of unhealthy trees. Doing this can have disastrous effects though, like falling limbs and tipping trunks. Look over this list of 10 symptoms of a sick tree, and consider whether any of your trees may be suffering from the following. Cracking wood — If you start to see splitting and cracking, it may be a sign that your tree is not in peak health. As temperatures change, the tree can break in places if healthy and unhealthy areas warm and cold at different rates, after a thaw for example. Fungus growing — Funguses love to feed on the dead and decaying matter, including from trees. One common form of fungus around unhealthy trees is when you see mushrooms growing around the base of the trunk. Lack of leaves in warm months — Trees that have been thick with bright leaves every year and then all of a sudden aren’t may be in poor health. This is a sign that something has changed. It could be drought or abnormal weather, but it could also be a loss of vitality. Dead limbs — A single dead limb isn’t always a sign of a more significant problem. But, if this issue spreads to multiple branches, the health of the tree is definitely in question. Color changes in the trunk — There are many reasons a tree’s trunk may change color. Some of these include disease, damage, and age. Investigating a significant change in hue is wise. Insect infestations — Insects, especially termites and beetles, consume wood as their primary food source. They do not tend to bother with hard, live wood, however. When wood becomes soft and dry from decay, the risk of insect infestations increase. Their presence should then be a sign that decaying wood is likely to present. Cankers forming — Cankers are, not unlike canker sores in a person’s mouth, an indented open wound. These form in trees after disease grows in between the bark and the inner tree. When many of these forms, it is a sign that a disease is harming the tree. Wilting leaves — If when you look around at your trees, you see one that’s leaves are dry and wilting, this can signal ill health. There are many potential causes, but generally, they show the tree’s strength waning. No growth in stems, buds and flowers — Similarly, if a tree that has consistently grown flowers, stems and buds every year is now barren, this is a sign of weakening. Uprooting — When a tree’s root system dies, it no longer has an excellent anchor to the ground. If the soil around the tree starts to crack, and especially if the tree is visibly beginning to lean, the tree is likely in later stages of decay.  Henry’s Tree Service can diagnose unhealthy trees Reading through this list, you may have noticed one or more signs that are evident in your backyard. Don’t wait and hope for the best. Some problems, like lack of water, disease or pest infestation, can be handled and the tree saved if they are caught early. Those in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Morrisville and the greater Triangle area can call Henry’s to schedule a consultation at (919) 532-9141 .
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