Both old and young trees can benefit from a careful trimming. To safely trim any tree, it’s crucial that you’re aware of the health of the tree before you start. If you think that a tree is diseased or is infested with a fungus or insects, you will need to get it checked out before cutting begins.
Pay Attention to Weight
One of the hazards of trimming trees is that the work involves a great deal of weight. If the goal is to thin a canopy to protect a young tree from wind damage over time, the best plan is to start removing weight from the outside in.
Cutting the chosen branch from the outside in will result in multiple cuts. However, cutting a long or large branch into several smaller pieces will make it easier to manage once the branch is on the ground. It will also lessen the risk to those on the ground if a branch should break during the cutting process.
Focus on Shape
As skilled tree trimmers consider which branches to remove, maintaining the shape of the tree is crucial. Not every tree can be a stately elm, but creating a canopy that allows air to flow will protect the tree from fungus and wind damage. During times of high humidity, a tree canopy that holds onto moisture from rain or dew can be put at risk.
Handling and Caring for Tools
The saws used to trim trees may be electric, gas-powered or manual. All of them need to be sharp and in excellent condition. Tree trimming is an inherently dusty process; even if a saw is spotless at the beginning of a project, the trimming process will create a lot of wood chips and may spread dirt or mold around.
A skilled tree trimmer will clean their tools both to remove sap and to lessen the risk of spreading any diseases they may have found in the tree. If your property was part of a large development, there may be just a few species of tree in the neighborhood, and they may all be about the same age.
If homeowners are encouraged to take out diseased trees, skilled tree professionals can offer recommendations on the best trees to plant for the next generation to enjoy.
Trimming old trees to protect them from damage and disease is just as important as shaping young trees for graceful growth in the future. Contact Charleston Stump Stompers to safely trim the trees on your Charleston, SC property. Booking yearly appointments for effective monitoring of your trees can increase your chances of enjoying stately trees for years to come.
