The start of a new year often means reflecting on your current situation and sometimes making changes. Your outdoor property can be part of that, especially if you have trees. While year-round maintenance is important, tree trimming during the colder months is ideal.
Trim When You Have Greater Visibility
One of the major reasons to trim your trees in the winter is that bare branches make it easier to see a tree’s structure. This helps you determine where the branches connect and spot problems. You’ll have an easier time figuring out which branches to keep and which ones to remove.
Power Line Considerations
When you notice that your tree is near a power line, and there’s an increased risk for storms to knock branches down, you’ll need to take fast action. If your tree’s branches are too close to a line, don’t try to prune the tree yourself. Call a professional arborist.
Work During the Right Weather Conditions
Winter can be harsh all around, but there are definitely times that will be better for trimming work. If it’s icy and slippery, it’s not wise to be climbing on ladders or even working with sharp tools under a tree. Also, check the weather forecast so that you don’t plan to accomplish this longer task when it’s about to rain or snow.
Have the Right Tools and Safety Gear
Tree trimming requires certain types of tools. Pruning shears are great for cutting through branches that are 1 to 2 inches thick. Loppers are similar, though they have longer handles and can cut through branches that are up to 3 inches thick. Some other useful tools include pole pruners, hand saws, and chainsaws. Make sure to wear protective gloves, and — especially if you’re trimming above your head level — protective eyewear.
Consider the Species of the Tree
Every tree species has unique trimming needs. How you trim pines and other evergreen trees is going to be different than how you trim fruit trees, for example. Evergreen trees need only minimal trimming with attention to their overgrown and dead branches. Fruit trees are more demanding; they may need pruning to avoid breaking limbs and thinning and removing branches to improve the flow of light and air.
Trim your trees with special care and proper methods this new year. You’re sure to see the results with healthier, more vibrant tree growth in the spring. Reach out for help from trained tree service professionals. Contact us at Double A’s Tree Service for tree trimming and pruning in the St. Louis, MO area. We’re happy to provide these services for residential and commercial clients.
