The first thing to know before you trim an overgrown tree is how to know if the tree is overgrown. A tree is overgrown when the branches block your ability to see through them, are crossing and rubbing against one another, or are so tangled that air and sunlight can’t penetrate the canopy. Other signs of an overgrown tree are limbs that impinge on your home or other structure or the appearance of suckers and water sprouts. These frail shoots are problematic because they don’t produce fruit and just drain the tree’s energy. With that in mind, here are some tips if you’re going to trim a gnarly tree.
Don’t Climb into the Tree
If the tree you want to trim is old and large and needs to be climbed to be trimmed properly, let a professional arborist do it. If you must do the job yourself, you shouldn’t be much taller than the tree. Also, if the tree is under power lines, call an arborist.
Gather Safety Gear
Even if you’re going to trim a tree that’s not much taller than you are, you still need safety gear. This includes a hard hat, heavy-duty gloves, heavy-duty boots, and safety goggles.
Make Sure Tools Are in Top Shape
Make sure whatever tools you use are razor sharp and clean. Bring a bucket of bleach diluted in water with you, and dip the tools in them until before you cut. This reduces the risk of spreading diseases.
Trim at the Right Time
There’s no specific time to trim away limbs that are dead, diseased, or damaged, but the rule is to wait until the tree is dormant to trim the rest of it. The tree’s not only asleep, but if it’s a deciduous tree, its leaves have been shed, and it’s easier for you to see what you’re doing.
Tear Out Water Sprouts and Suckers
Some arborists recommend tearing these out with your hands. If you find that hard to do, just use pruners.
Trim Branches That Are Crossing
After you’ve gotten rid of the three D’s, trim the branches that are crossing before they can abrade one another. After that, clear out the limbs crowding the center of the tree to let in some air and light.
Trim the Right Amount
One risk of a layperson trimming a tree is that they’ll go overboard and trim too much. Arborists say you shouldn’t trim more than 25% of the tree. Anything more than that shocks the tree.
Trimming a smallish tree is quite doable for a layperson. If your tree is large, too near power lines, or has more than a 15-degree lean, let an arborist handle it. When you need tree trimming services in Minneapolis, MN, contact Birch Tree Care.
