Fundamental Industry Advice for Tree Pruning

Improper tree pruning can kill trees, so the techniques and methods used to prune trees is very specific. If you care about your landscaping trees, it is wise to learn as much as you can about proper tree care practices, especially when it comes to pruning. Continue reading to review some vital information about tree pruning, trimming, topping, and more.

Indianapolis Tree Pruning Service 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Pruning Service 317-783-2518

Proper Tree Pruning Standards

The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) developed a set of standards for proper tree pruning that is used among true professional tree service contractors. This set of voluntary industry consensus standards was written by the Accredited Standards Committee (ASC), and is called the American National Standards Institute A300, or ASC A300.  They are the generally accepted industry standards for tree care practices. They continue the initiative of developing consensus performance standards based on current research and sound practice for writing specifications to manage trees, shrubs, and other woody plants.  

Storm Damaged Trees

Take the time to inspect your trees after a severe rain or windstorm. If serious tree wounds are left untreated, it can harm the tree. If there is damage to your trees after a storm, contact your trusted tree care contractor for storm damage clearance and tree removal services for fallen trees. They may even need to trim or cut branches to remove hazards and obstacles created from the storm damage.

Harmful Effects of Tree Topping

Tree topping also goes by the names, “tipping”, “hat-racking”, “heading”, and “rounding over.” Sadly, many people believe that tree topping is an effective form of pruning. The truth is it is not an acceptable technique at all. In fact, tree topping is the most harmful tree care practice used for pruning trees. It can cause a long list of damage and health decline, including bark and tissue decay, sunburn, epicormic sprouting, pest infestations, and more.

DIY Tree Pruning

It is not wise to prune trees on your own. Several factors go into the process of tree pruning, so it requires extensive training and experience, as well as professional tools and resources to implement the job safely and effectively. Attempting to prune your trees can put you at risk of having an accident or being seriously injured, and incorrect pruning can harm your trees. Even small trees that do not require the use of a ladder should not be pruned by anyone but a trained professional.

Hire a Professional Tree Service Company

When you need to have your trees pruned, hire a licensed and insured Indianapolis tree service contractor for professional tree trimming and pruning services. They have the proper knowledge, skills, training, and resources to get the job done, safely and efficiently. Be sure to ask them for licensing and insurance information, and whether or not they adhere to ANSI A300 tree pruning standards.

Do you need professional tree shaping, trimming, or pruning assistance? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for Indianapolis tree trimming and pruning services you can trust. We serve residential and commercial clients.

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Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

Is it a Good Time to Trim My Tree?

There are certainly ideal times of the year for tree trimming. And if you want healthy results and long-lasting trees, you must do it right. Professionals recommend adhering to the industry best practices suggested by the American National Standards Institute. These standards are known as ANSI A300, and they are highly effective guidelines for tree pruning.

Continue reading to learn when you should trim your trees, and if now is a good time to get started.

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

Prune Trees Before Spring

It is important to prune trees because it promotes new healthy growth in the spring. For this reason, the best time to prune trees are when they are dormant, which is during the winter. During dormancy, trees are not growing, but they are still alive. This, coupled with the fact that winter time poses less of a risk of pest and wildlife interference, is why tree pruning is most effective in the winter season.

This does not mean that trees should be pruned when temperatures are below freezing and snow is covering the ground. Instead, you want to wait until the coldest parts of winter are over. Therefore, NOW is the perfect time to prune your landscaping trees!

Do Not Miss Your Window of Opportunity

If you wait until spring or summer to trim trees, it can put them at a higher risk of pest infestations, bark damages, unhealed tree wounds, and overall tree decline that can last the rest of the tree’s life. If you wait until fall to trim trees, it can lead to slower healing, which can put them at risk of being infected by airborne decay-causing fungi and/or insects.

Exceptions to the Rule

Flowering trees that bloom in the mid-to-late summer may get by with spring-time pruning since their blossoms appear so late in the year. However, trees that blossom their flowers in the spring should always be pruned as soon as their flowers disappear. That usually occurs between the late summer and early fall. It is best to always discuss your tree pruning needs and options with a trusted Indianapolis tree service expert for professional advice.

Indianapolis Tree Pruning

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for experienced Indianapolis tree trimming and pruning you can trust. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial tree work, including tree removal, trimming, pruning, stump removal, lot clearing, and more. Call 317-783-2518 to request a free estimate, today.

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518