A Cut Above: A Guide to Tree Trimming

Is your yard looking a bit overgrown? Before you go out on a limb with your pruning shears, let's talk about the proper way to trim your trees. Proper pruning not only enhances the beauty of your landscape but also promotes tree health and safety.

1. Remove Lower Branches (≤ 6 feet):

Elevating the canopy by removing lower branches facilitates better access and visibility. This practice, known as crown raising, is especially important for trees near walkways, driveways, or structures.

2. Eliminate Crossing or Misaligned Branches:

Branches that rub against each other or grow toward structures can cause damage and impede healthy growth. Removing these problematic limbs prevents wounds that could invite pests or diseases. ​

3. Ensure Uniform Airflow and Light Penetration:

Thinning the tree's canopy allows for better air circulation and sunlight exposure, reducing the risk of fungal infections and promoting overall tree vitality. ​

General Pruning Tips:

• Timing: For most trees, the best time to prune is during late winter or early spring when they are dormant. This timing minimizes stress and allows for robust new growth in the spring. ​

• Proper Cutting Technique: Make clean cuts just outside the branch collar—the swollen area where the branch attaches to the trunk. This method promotes effective healing and reduces the chance of disease.

• Tool Maintenance: Use sharp, clean tools to make precise cuts. Regularly disinfecting your equipment prevents the spread of pathogens.

A Quick Note on Tree Topping & Removal Timing Whatever you do—don’t top your trees! Topping (cutting off the top of a tree’s main branches) stresses the tree, makes it more vulnerable to disease and decay, and leads to weak, unstable regrowth that can become a safety hazard.

If you need a tree removed, winter or early spring is the best time to do it. The ground is still frozen, which means heavy equipment like boom trucks can access the site with minimal damage to your lawn. It’s a tree-mendous win-win! 🌳

Let Dana's Landscaping, Lawn & Tree Care Help You Branch Out

Feeling stumped? Let us handle it! At Dana's Landscaping, Lawn & Tree Care, we specialize in keeping Winona's trees healthy and well-maintained. Our team understands the local climate and tree species, ensuring your trees receive the best care at the right times. Contact us today, and let's make your yard the envy of the neighborhood!