Bad tree pruning can do a lot more harm than you may realize. Not only does it diminish the tree’s appearance, but it can also hinder growth, make the tree susceptible to diseases, and even kill it. However, many homeowners unknowingly use improper pruning techniques that prevent their trees from reaching their true potential.

Fortunately, Monster Tree Service of Greater Austin put together some common pruning mistakes every homeowner should avoid.

We're Austin, Texas’s source for top-quality tree care and arborist services. For outstanding tree pruning and trimming in Austin, contact Monster Tree Service of Greater Austin.

Three Pruning Mistakes Every Austin Homeowner Should Know

Proper pruning cuts provide a lot of benefits to trees. It’s great for reducing the size of the tree, improving its shape, and ensuring it grows healthy and robust. Below are a few common pruning mistakes to avoid next time you prune your trees:

1. Over-Pruning

There is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Even if you use professional pruning techniques, removing too many interior branches can prevent the tree from performing photosynthesis, stunting its growth. Removing multiple leafy limbs at once will also elongate healing and increase the chances of pests and diseases.

Only prune a few branches at a time to make sure that the tree has enough foliage to perform photosynthesis.

2. Pruning at the Wrong Time

Many homeowners believe they can prune their trees at any time without causing harm. However, it’s best to prune during specific seasons to minimize structural damage and promote prompt healing. Mid to late winter is one of the best times to prune trees since they become dormant and will heal faster since they aren't producing new foliage.

Waiting until winter to prune your trees also provides lots of additional benefits, like:

Decreases the chances of pest infestations
Minimizes disease
Make pruning easier

3. Incorrect Pruning Techniques

Proper pruning requires specific techniques to reduce tree damage, accelerate healing, and promote growth. When trimming trees, avoid the following bad tree-pruning methods:

Flush Cuts: Pruning branches too close to the tree’s trunk
Stub Cuts: Pruning limbs too far away from the branch collar

You should always prune tree limbs just past the branch collar. This prevents limb decay and allows the tree to form a callus to protect itself from pests and diseases. Stub and flush cuts make it difficult for the trees to generate calluses, preventing them from healing correctly.

Contact Monster Tree Service of Greater Austin for Top-Quality Tree Care in Austin, Texas

If you want to enhance your tree’s appearance, health, lifespan, and overall quality without spending a small fortune, contact Monster Tree Service of Greater Austin. We can prune, trim, and shape your trees to ensure they look their best and complement your beautiful property. Whether you want to avoid bad tree pruning or to learn the advantages of trees, you can rely on our experts.

Book your appointment in Austin, Texas, today by calling (512) 641-5638.