To ensure that your garden stays healthy, tree maintenance is essential. Maintaining a healthy garden requires more than just watering your plants, pulling up weeds and throwing down fertilizers. While it may seem contradictory to think that cutting your trees will help them grow, pruning your trees is essential for trees at the earliest stages.
Source: Canopy.orgHere are some pruning tips for trees that are 5 years old or less:
- When planting trees, trim broken branches, branches that are surpassing the lead branch and branches harmed by insect eggs and stings.
- After the first 3 years, trim excessive branches, especially those that compete to be the leader. Remove branches growing at a narrow angle or in an undesired location. Remove sprouts growing at the base of the tree and some of the branches at the lower limbs.
- Eliminate select branches to maintain a balanced and even space. Cut higher branches that disturb the natural plant outline and grow beyond the crown.
Remember that the care that you provide for your trees during the first five years ultimately determine it's growth, strength and lifespan down the road.
For assistance with winter tree maintenance, contact our tree care professionals at Cartwright Tree Care.