The Grove Hill Gazette • spring 2010
Pruning Landscape Trees
By Dennis Pinkard, Master Gardener, President Lee County Gardners Association and GHHA Board Member
Pruning trees is necessary for the strength and health of the tree. We prune to remove dead, broken, diseased, injured, or insect-infested branches and, for safety; to remove crossing branches, branches that grow into the center of the tree that limit light and air to the tree and, to shape a tree for a rounded or oval canopy; to remove suckers around the trunk or water sprouts on cuts from previous limb removal; and, to develop a dominant leader or trunk.
When removing a limb cut back to the branch collar or shoulder. Picture one is an example of a recent proper cut outside the shoulder that will heal properly. Below the fresh removal some older cuts can be seen that have healed completely. The next picture, 2, shows a previous limb removal that was into the shoulder and it has not healed properly. This becomes an entry point for disease or insects and may eventually threaten the survival of the tree.
Remove branches to strengthen the landscape shade tree and provide a dominant leader or trunk. Branches that have a V-shaped crotch are weak branches that are subject to breakage in high winds and/or in ice storms. Branches are strongest that are more horizontal. Picture 3 shows branches that should be removed. Little pruning is necessary in the first couple of years. After that a gradual process of shortening and removal of branches begins to shape and protect the landscape tree. Picture 4 is an example where the tree was not pruned in earlier years to shape the tree for a dominate leader and it is too late to do so now.
Select a good specimen before planting and less pruning will be necessary to shape the tree to build a strong framework. It is best to prune in the early years before there is a need to remove large branches which may disfigure the tree. Generally, trees should not be topped. If topping is necessary then the wrong tree in in the wrong place. Topping will ruin the beauty of the tree for many years.
Pruning can be done through early spring. If the cut is made too late some trees, maples, birch, and elms, tend to bleed if cut during active growth. If a large heavy limb is cut it may tear away and damage the trunk. Make a series of three cuts. First, cut about one quarter way through the limb from the bottom of the limb about two feet from the trunk. Next, from the top of the limb cut just inside the first cut to remove the limb. Finally, move back just outside the shoulder near the trunk for the final cut.
Lastly, make cuts that you can reach from the ground. There are both powered and mechanical saws on poles. If you cannot reach it from the ground, it is probably best to hire a professional to do the job.
The Auburn City Council, at its November 3, 2009 regular meeting, approved a non-exclusive cable franchise agreement that allows Knology to provide cable, telephone, and internet services to Auburn residents. The City of Auburn requires cable providers to obtain a franchise to operate within city limits, as allowed by Federal law. Knology plans to start the build-out phase of its expansion on April 5th in preparation for construction. According to the cable provider, residents who live in the Moores Mill Road area will be the first to receive Knology services as early as August, 2010.
Example of a recent proper cut outside the shoulder
Limb removal that was into the shoulder and it has not healed properly
Branches that have a V-shaped are weak and are subject to breakage
Example where the tree was not pruned in earlier years
New Cable Provider as Early as August 2010