5 Common Tree Pruning Mistakes Homeowners Make
Uncover the pivotal dos and don'ts of tree pruning as revealed by seasoned arborists. This article sheds light on the critical mistakes often made by homeowners and provides practical advice for optimal tree care. Leverage expert insights to ensure trees are pruned correctly, fostering health and growth.
- Avoid Improper Cuts When Pruning Trees
- Cut at Branch Collar for Proper Healing
- Research Correct Pruning Time for Each Tree
- Prune Roses in Three Simple Steps
- Moderate Pruning Preserves Tree Health
Avoid Improper Cuts When Pruning Trees
One of the most common tree pruning mistakes I see homeowners make is improper cuts, especially topping trees or leaving stubs. Topping, which is when large sections of the tree's canopy are cut back to stubs, weakens the tree, leads to rapid but weak regrowth, and makes it more vulnerable to disease and pests. On the other hand, leaving stubs instead of making clean cuts at the branch collar prevents the tree from healing properly, leading to decay and structural weakness. Instead, homeowners should focus on selective pruning by removing dead or diseased branches and making cuts just outside the branch collar. This allows the tree to heal naturally while maintaining its structural integrity and overall health.
I once had a client who attempted to prune their ornamental pear tree but unknowingly topped it, resulting in weak, fast-growing shoots that made the tree look unbalanced and unhealthy. When I arrived, I carefully assessed the damage and applied my knowledge as a certified horticulturist to strategically remove the weakest growth while shaping the tree to restore its natural form. Over the next few seasons, with proper pruning and care, the tree regained its strength and beauty. This experience highlights the importance of understanding tree biology and using the right techniques to ensure long-term health rather than quick fixes that lead to more problems.
Cut at Branch Collar for Proper Healing
One of the most common tree pruning mistakes I see homeowners make is cutting off large branches too close to the trunk or worse, leaving long stubs behind. These cuts either damage the tree's natural healing process or create openings for disease, pests, and decay.
Instead, homeowners should be making their cuts at the branch collar, which is the slightly swollen area where the branch meets the trunk. This is the tree's natural defense zone. When you cut just outside the collar, the tree can seal over the wound properly, helping it heal faster and stay healthy.
Another mistake is pruning at the wrong time of year. I often see trees pruned in late fall or during freezing conditions, which can stress the tree and make it more vulnerable to winter damage. Most trees do best when pruned during late winter or very early spring, when they're still dormant and healing will start as soon as growth kicks in.
If you're not sure where or when to cut, don't guess - either get guidance from a certified arborist or hire one. A few well-placed cuts can improve a tree's structure, safety, and lifespan. The wrong ones can do more harm than good.
Research Correct Pruning Time for Each Tree
One of the biggest mistakes I tend to see homeowners making with tree pruning is just not pruning during the correct time of year. I think some unprepared homeowners might just assume that all trees need to be pruned in early spring, or in late fall. They might have some preexisting information and not be aware of the wide variety of preferences different trees can have. My biggest recommendation here would just be to do your research. If you're buying a home with established trees, learn what they are and when you should be pruning them, and the same if you're planting trees. A little research and preparation goes a long way here.
Prune Roses in Three Simple Steps
More than once, clients have asked me these questions...
How do I take care of roses? How do I prune roses? Are they high maintenance?
I have found that the key to infusing confidence in my clients' ability to effectively garden...begins by listening with intention. I affirm their concerns and then proceed to give them simple tactics and strategies for gardening success.
Roses are quite simple to maintain. They flourish using a three-step approach: proper pruning, debris cleanup & consistent feeding.
Proper pruning happens in spring, summer & fall.
Right after the last frost of winter is the best time to aggressively prune your roses. You want to create that "vase" look with your rose stems. You remove all dead wood, and crossing branches that may damage your vertical stems. Maintaining good airflow through the rose bush helps to prevent disease, especially Black Spot. If a branch or stem appears partially dead or diseased, prune it out. A proper way to do your cuts is right above a node on the branch. Some experts state that it does not matter how you do your cuts. I still choose to do mine at an angle, pointing outward. Trim away all the stems and branches that are less than the thickness of a pencil. Proper pruning is a major part of rose health.
Throughout the growing season, keep your trimming light. Deadheading...the process of removing old blossoms helps propagate more blooms. Keep dead or diseased leaves and branches trimmed out, as they rob the plant of nutrition. Be aware of your climate to watch for any signs of fungus or disease.
Finally...in the fall, keep your trimming simple. Trim enough, just to prepare your roses for wintertime weather. Prune the branches and stems so that they are not top-heavy and prone to breaking. Clean away any debris or dead leaves, allowing for good air movement.
These simple tips and hacks will keep your roses growing healthy and looking their best.
Every time I share these strategies with clients, they are so appreciative. Just keeping it simple for each client instills the confidence they need to take ownership of their garden. That always makes for a huge win!
Moderate Pruning Preserves Tree Health
The common mistake homeowners make when pruning trees is cutting back too much at once, often referred to as "topping." This can lead to long-term damage by weakening the tree, leaving it vulnerable to pests and disease, and creating weak growth that might not withstand storms. Instead, it's better to prune in moderation and focus on removing dead or diseased branches, thinning out crowded areas to allow air and light to reach the center, and shaping the tree to encourage strong, healthy growth. Pruning should be done thoughtfully, keeping in mind the natural form of the tree and its long-term health.
