surface. Tree roots can extend away from the
tree at a distance as far as the tree is tall, and in
many cases much farther. Therefore, it is usually
beneficial to water the entire yard to be certain the
tree is watered. You can also alternate the sides
of the tree you water, from one watering to the
next, making tree watering easier while conserving
water.
6.2.11 Pruning
Pruning trees, especially when younger, helps
promote healthy trees with good branch architecture.
Again, think of a tree in its native environment, the
forest. There the tree is in stiff competition with
other trees. It is forced to grow fast and upright
to fill what is usually a very limited space. Trees
growing in man-made conditions usually have
much more space and less competition. They will
spread out to form much broader trees than they
would if located in the forest. The branch structure
will often be inadequate if the tree is left to develop
on its own. These trees can develop hazard limbs
that eventually could fail, leading to an early tree
death.
Tree Pruning:
•
Promotes good branch structure,
•
Can correct poor branch structure,
•
Reduces potential hazards,
•
Improves overall health by removing dead,
diseased, and dying branches,
•
Gives the arborist a chance to examine the tree
more closely than possible from the ground.
6.2.12 Newly Planted
Trees
G
enerally, when a young tree is planted, any dead,
broken, and split branches should be removed.
Once the tree is established (up to one year or
more after planting) a central trunk or leader or
well-spaced multiple trunks or leaders should be
developed by removing competing leaders and
heading or thinning vigorously growing branches
that compete with the selected leader(s). Branches
should be retained on the lower trunk to increase
taper.
It is important to prune young trees in order
to develop a strong scaffold branch structure.
Pruning of young trees can avoid more expensive
problems that could occur if the tree is allowed to
grow with branch defects.
6.2.13 Limiting The
Need For Pruning
Many tree problems, and even maintenance
requirements, can be avoided by knowing the
growth habit of a specific tree. Find out how fast
and how large a tree normally grows. Logic and
reason also apply. For example, don’t plant a
white oak directly beneath utility lines. As the tree
grows and interferes with the lines, the tree will be
pruned. This could destroy the natural character
of the tree and lead to its early decline and death.
Warning: Home owners should limit their tree
pruning to small, lightweight branches which can
be reached from the ground or they could subject
themselves to severe injury and even death. The
pruning of large branches and/or working off the
ground should be left to professional tree experts
with proper equipment.
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