3 Shrub And Tree Trimming Mistakes To Stop
From flowers and shrubs to trees, grass, and hardscapes, landscape design can add a great deal of appeal and value to your home. Unfortunately, you may not know how to properly maintain your landscape, which will reduce the return on investment you see. Trimming, for instance, is an essential part of promoting new growth and preventing disease and decay, but most people do not know how to properly trim their shrubs and trees. Here are a few common shrub and tree trimming mistakes you need to stop making.
Improper Timing
Trimming at the wrong time of the year can be problematic for a few reasons. With young shrubs and trees, improper timing can decrease the tree's ability to bloom new growth. With mature shrubs and trees, trimming at the wrong time could halt growth and reduce the plant's ability to heal. Of course, when to trim depends on your climate, the specific health of the plant, and the type of plant.
Shrubs and trees that bloom in the spring should be trimmed immediately after blooming season. Shrubs and trees that bloom in the summer should be trimmed in the late part of winter after the lost frost. This ensures wounds heal before the new growing/blooming season begins.
If you need to trim off damaged, diseased, or decaying parts of a shrub or tree, this can be done anytime of the year because it will help improve the underlying health of the plant.
Improper Tools
All trimming tools are not created equal. Therefore, using the wrong shears or tools to make your cuts could actually do more harm than good.
Make sure the blades of your shears or loppers are clean and free of any signs of rust or corrosion. Consider wiping down the blades with rubbing alcohol to remove any dirt, rust, and leftover fungus or mold that may be lingering on your shears. The blades should also be sharpened before making any cuts.
Shears are ideal for trimming thin branches and pieces of foliage. Also, they can be used on small shrubs. For larger branches and limbs, use loppers. If you need to remove branches and limbs that are multiple inches thick in diameter, you will need to use a saw for the most effective and healthiest cut.
Improper Hiring
Finally, many people make the mistake of not asking for help. In most cases, you will not know when or how to prune a shrub or tree, so hiring tree trimming professionals is your best option for protecting your landscape design and investment.