As a homeowner we understand having a properly maintained yard is advantageous to both the aesthetics of your home, as well as increased property value. There are some things you should do on your own as it relates to landscaping, however you should never try pruning your own trees unless you are trained to do so. Improper pruning can lead to permanent tree damage. It can lead to disease, weakness and even death to your trees.

Tree Topping is typically the most common mistake when dealing with tree trimming. Topping occurs because the homeowner wants to clear the tree of power lines or it may be obstructing their view. The reason you don’t want to top a tree is that it can lead it to rot and infestation creating a dangerous situation. If a tree is pruned this way, the tree will never recover to its original form, rather it will look sloppy and disfigured.

Pruning your trees during the right time of season is extremely important to maintain their health. Bad timing can cause the tree to get sick or even die. It is important to trim your trees sometime between winter and spring when the tree is dormant. It is best to consult with a certified arborist. They can tell you when the best time to trim your trees will be.

A novice mistake is cutting and removing healthy branches or cutting branches too close to the trunk of the tree. Removing healthy branches can lead to tree instability. Cutting a branch too close to the main tree trunk can cause an open wound, leaving the tree vulnerable to disease and pests. We advise clients to seek the advice of a licensed Jacksonville arborist who is trained to properly maintain and prune trees. Custom Tree Surgeon is an ISA Arborist who can provide you with advice on how to properly prune your trees.

Over pruning a tree can kill it. A tree should never be pruned more than 15-20% of a tree’s foliage. If a large portion of the trees canopy has been removed the tree can become unhealthy due to a lack of nutrients. It won’t be able to produce enough food to sustain itself. This is a common mistake made by homeowners as they feel the tree will recover and grow back even stronger. Unlike bushes and smaller plants where this method may work, with larger trees this does not work and can be fatal to the tree. It is always best to get advice from a professional Jacksonville tree service company prior to pruning your trees.

If you are in the process of pruning your trees, call the professionals at Custom Tree Surgeons. We are Certified Arborists with over 30 years of experience. We will inspect your trees and let you know the best course of action to take based on its health and stability. If you would like a free estimate contact us today at (904) 292-9226.