3 Important Pruning Practices

With proper care and pruning, hardwood and palm trees can enhance the value and curb appeal of your property for decades.

Provide Wind Flow

Opening the canopy of hardwood trees allows the wind to move through the trees and helps reduce stress and the chances of the tree collapsing in high winds. No more than 20% of the tree should be removed during the pruning of a hardwood tree. Over-pruning could damage the tree by limiting its ability to produce food through photosynthesis. Thinning out or opening the canopy of hardwood trees is typically done once every 2 years or on an as needed basis.

Remove Cross Branches

Crossing branches can rub together, weakening or damaging the limbs as the tree grows. Damaged tree limbs are susceptible to the infestation of insect pathogens and disease that can result in permanent damage or death of the tree. Removing smaller crossing branches allows more nutrients to go into the other limbs, promoting a stronger and healthier tree.

Prune Palms at 9 and 3 O’clock Position.

Palms do not need to be pruned to allow for wind flow. Over pruning a palm tree can cause permanent damage or death. The fronds of a palm should be at the 9 and 3 o’clock positions. Palms have a limited number of fronds and capability to produce food through photosynthesis. Remove dead fronds as needed. Fronds with yellow or tan spots caused by cold weather should be kept on the palm to aid in the recovery of the tree.

For more information on proper pruning techniques, please consult with your Account Manager with Estate Landscaping. or Contact Us.