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Less is More when Pruning your Trees

Less is More When Pruning Your Trees

Everyone wants to get the most for their money.  We usually think that bigger is better and the more we’re getting, the greater the value for our dollar.  This is often the case but when it comes to tree pruning, the opposite can be true.  When trees are pruned the International Society of Arboriculture recommends limiting pruning to 25% during any pruning season. Pruning more than this can stress your tree and make  it more susceptible to insect or disease problems. 

When foliage is pruned from a tree it removes leaves that produce energy for additional leaf growth, branch development and root growth.  In fact, a technique used in the development of bonsai trees is to remove the new leaves from deciduous trees when they first appear in the Spring.  The tree must produce a second set of leaves from its stored reserves of energy.  When the new leaves appear they are much smaller in size because the tree does not have adequate reserves. These small leaves are more  in balance with the miniature trunks of the bonsai trees.

This technique can also be applied to structural development of trees through pruning. When training young trees it is beneficial to develop a central leader and remove or reduce competing leaders for better structure.  If the competing leader is pruned while the desired leader is left alone, the competing leader will be deprived of the food it needs to keep up with the central leader. 

The size of pruning cuts is another area where smaller is better. It is preferable to remove several smaller branches when pruning a tree than a few large branches.  Removing branches greater than four inches in diameter on a mature tree increases the amount of time required to form tissue over the wound and increases the likelihood of decay.

Trees do not heal in the way that we do.  Trees form a callus roll around the wound that closes over time.  For large cuts this can take years or even decades. While the wound is closing the tree is more susceptible to insect or disease problems.  In addition, large cuts make the tree more likely to develop decay at the wound site. This decay creates a weak area in the branch or trunk that is more likely to break at that area. Large mature trees and  soft wood trees are more susceptible to decay.  Finally, multiple wounds in the same area along a branch or trunk increase the likelihood of decay development and potential failure of the tree.

Trees take years to develop to maturity and become a large part of your home landscape. Providing your trees with proper care will help them maintain optimal health and structure.  While pruning, it is important to make the proper choice, because bad choices will damage or destroy your trees.

For more information on pruning visit our website at treeprosonoma.com or the website of the International Society of Arboriculture or the Tree Care Industry Association. These organizations can also provide you with contact information for Certified Arborists in your area that are trained in proper pruning techniques.

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