The Power of Pruning

Keeping Up Appearances and Health

By Michael Zimmerman

Proper pruning is much more than cutting off branches from a tree. There should be a reason for every cut .

Properly-executed tree pruning reduces the risk of branch and stem breakage and provides clearances for vehicles and pedestrians. Properly done, it improves tree health and appearance, increases flowering and can enhance a view . Improper pruning can cause a number of negative consequences, including weak and dangerous branching, accumulated deadwood, poor stability and an undesirable appearance.

There are numerous ways and reasons to prune a tree, so it is important  to understand what can be done and why. Establishing priorities will dictate the type of pruning determined and agreed upon by the property manager and the Certified Arborist. Once you are clear about what is most important to you, the process of a contract and getting exactly what you want and what the trees need is attainable. Most trees will need one or a combination of the following pruning operations.

Thinning of a tree will selectively remove live branches to reduce the inner density, increase sunlight penetration, reduce wind resistance and provide even distribution of foliage throughout the crown. A tree needs to be thinned if it has become too dense because of neglect or poor trimming practices in the past. The goal is a well-balanced look throughout the tree, allowing sunlight to penetrate to the ground underneath and the winds to pass through the branches.

Cleaning involves the removal of dead, diseased, detached or broken branches. This will reduce the risk of falling branches and will stop decay or disease from an unhealthy branch moving to other parts of the tree.

Raising selectively removes branches or shortens them to provide vertical and horizontal clearance from buildings, lights, pathways or electrical wires.

Restoration Pruning selectively removes branches, sprouts and stubs from a tree that has been topped, severely reduced, vandalized, over-thinned or otherwise damaged.

Palm Pruning is another matter entirely. Palms' pruning needs are specific because technically they are grasses, have no branches and are dependent on their few fronds for nourishment. Aesthetic pruning of a palm tree eliminates lower fronds and seed pods. Healthy fronds lying at or below the horizontal plane should be removed only if necessary to facilitate the removal of the seed pods. Fronds should be removed close to the petiole base without damaging the live trunk tissue. If they are cut too close, the palm will be damaged. Do not mechanically remove palm tree boots. This ill-advised process has the potential to create wounds in the tree where insects and disease can enter and harm the tree.

People ask when is the best time to prune. My stock answer is not when, but how. Removal of dead, dying, diseased, broken, rubbing or decayed limbs can be performed at any time. South Florida tends to focus attention on tree pruning as we approach hurricane season. There is a very good reason to focus our attention during this period, especially of you have procrastinated.

Following the proper pruning protocols, and selecting and using a professional tree care company will reduce the risk of losing or severely damaging your trees if there is severe weather conditions. If keeping the trees healthy and happy isn't reason enough, remembering the disasters wrought in the last big storms is a good motivating factor to care for the trees on a regular basis.

Finding the right tree care service is critical. Make sure the work is overseen by a certified Arborist, who are specialists dedicated to excellence. There is also an accreditation program for tree care companies administered by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). Companies awarded this approval have gone through a rigorous qualification process. They have risen to the top in their field because of their attention to ethical business practices, employee training, safety, compliance with industry standards and customer satisfaction.

The landscape is a living and ever-evolving entity that requires constant monitoring to be its most beautiful. Your diligent efforts can create the finishing brush stroke to your landscape for this year and future years. Treasure your landscape and treat it with respect through proper maintenance. The rewards will be many and recognized by all who pass through.

Zimmerman Tree Service was founded in 1980. An accredited tree care firm in Palm Beach County, Zimmerman Tree Service provides professional care and maintenance of shade, fruit and ornamental trees. Some of the services offered include tree pruning service and removal; fertilization; insect and disease control; cabling and bracing; and installation of lightning protection systems. The company's nursery division grows, sells and transplants large trees.