​The Ultimate Guide On Pruning Your Tree

Pruning trees is essential in promoting plant health. It also removes any damaged branches and encourages growth. But what draws people to learn how to prune trees is how it gives shapes to various trees and shrubs.
Proper pruning is part art and part science. But once you know the basic logic behind it, you can soon trust your eye for understanding the artistic elements that come with pruning trees. So, here are a few tips to finally help you start making the cuts.
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Pruning a tree limb
When you're trying to thin, reduce, or even shape the tree branches and their limbs, you need to ensure that your cuts will support new plant growth. It would help if you cut the limbs a quarter inch above a bud that faces the tree's exterior. Also, keep the cuts at exactly 45- degree angles to protect the tree from water damage or even diseases.

The best time to prune a tree
The best times to start pruning your trees are during late fall and early winter, especially when the trees have already shed their leaves. The bare branches will let you see the structure of the tree much clearer. 
However, you need to avoid pruning your tree from January through early March since beetles are active during these times, infecting oak trees. Also, don't attempt to prune your oaks if oak wilt is present in your region.
Watch out for any diseased or dead branches and prune them whenever you notice them.
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Waiting until fall and winter to prune these parts could only cause the tree to get even more damaged. Even worse, an infection can spread from the diseased branches, causing the tree to die eventually.

Cutting large branches
Dealing with large branches is a considerable undertaking. Fortunately, you can get them removed in three steps:

1. Create a shallow cut right on the branch's underside, at least 4-5 inches from the trunk.
2. Cut the affected branch off at least 2-3 inches from the first cut. The initial cut will keep the bark from peeling down the trunk's side.
3. Create the final cut by removing the stub. Make this cut in the exterior of the branch collar. It's the slightly swollen area where the trunk and the branch join together.

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​Treating tree wounds
There's no need to apply a seal over broken branches or pruning cuts. All you need to do is let it heal and allow the wound to breathe. Although using dressings can sometimes prevent callus tissue growth, it can trap the air moisture in the pruned area. Thus, causing it to rot.

The importance of tree care
These are the only some of the things that you need to learn about tree pruning. Pruning does more than make your trees look presentable. It helps protect you from possible accidents, and even promotes healthy tree growth, too. So, don't hesitate to ask any of the tree experts near your area to know more about pruning. You might even be surprised at all the information you'll learn about taking care of your tree properly.