A Guide to Tree Pruning

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Trees are an integral part of the environment. They play an important role in the Oxygen-Carbon Dioxide Cycle. Scientifically speaking, trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. Simply put, without the existence of trees, oxygen levels on earth may not be sufficient to sustain life. Amazed with the importance of trees?

Fortunately, we are still able to reap the benefits of having trees around us. Apart from producing oxygen, trees also cool our environment, shade us from UV radiation, prevent soil erosion and the list goes on.

Essentially, trees are extremely beneficial to us, and planting them in common public spaces and residential areas can certainly boost our quality of life. Nonetheless, planting trees is one thing, while maintaining them is a different matter.

This brings us to the topic of tree pruning, which is the practice of removing designated parts of trees, such as branches and roots

The Science Behind Tree Pruning

On the surface, tree pruning seems to involve getting rid of damage or overgrown tree parts for aesthetic and safety purposes. If we dig deeper into the science behind tree pruning, we will learn that tree pruning removes diseased tissues and prevents the spread of any pathogens. Furthermore, pruning also helps trees grow studier cores and strengthen structural integrity. The rule of thumb with tree pruning is to prune juvenile trees to ensure the growth of only healthy parts.

Why Should You Prune Your Trees?

Proper tree pruning comes with various benefits such as:

Boosting the Health of Your Tree

Pruning involves the removal of branches that are dying due to damage, pathogen and infestation. Additionally, branches that grow into one another are also at risk of injury and can be removed during pruning. Should you notice the onset of diseases or infestation in your trees, the best course of action would be to eliminate the affected parts. By doing so, you will be preserving the tree as a whole, and intercepting any further damage that can prove dangerous and costly. Additionally, if you own a tree that produces fruits or flowers, correct pruning will undoubtedly produce a greater and healthier yield.

Maintain the Aesthetic Value of Trees

The goal of tree pruning is to control its growth and form. Pruning will help to control the size and shape of your tree, and keeps your branches and leaf growth proportionate. An overgrown tree can be unsightly and may even encroach into your neighbours’ space. Consistent pruning should be conducted on trees to achieve the ideal form and appearance.

Keep People, Pets and Property Safe

It is paramount to maintain the structural integrity of a tree. This is especially true if trees are planted at an area that is frequented by people and pets or is near to a building. Trees with compromised structural integrity are at risk of breaking apart or being uprooted at any given time. This is where tree pruning comes in, to remove dead branches and safely eliminate potentially hazardous trees. Contractors will usually get rid of weak branches that have grown over properties, and areas with consistent footfall. Other than that, branches that obscure traffic lights and important signs on the street will also be pruned to avoid any traffic accidents.

Tree Pruning FAQs

How to Prune Trees Safely?

Ideally, hire a professional tree pruning contractor for the job. Tree pruning contractors will need to access high branches with a ladder while operating motorized equipment. Moreover, some branches may come in contact with electric wires which makes for a dangerous situation.

As such, your responsibility will be to ensure a safe space for your contractor to work in. This means that no one should be in proximity to the work, including children and pets. Don’t forget to remove any obstructions such as toys or structures around the work area.

If tree branches come in contact with electric wires, call your power supplier to shut down the power before your tree pruning contractor starts work. In situations like this, it is better to be safe than sorry.

How Often Should Trees Be Pruned?

The general consensus is to prune your trees at least once a year. Nonetheless, it also depends on the type of trees you have, as different tree species may grow at different rates.

However, always keep an eye out for any trees that may require immediate attention. This includes tree branches that are hanging dangerously over properties and public places, overgrown branches that may be obstructing view for road users, etc. Call a professional tree pruning contractor immediately if any of the above scenarios take place.

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What To Expect During The Tree Pruning Process

The tree pruning process typically involves eliminating branches that are broken, dead or afflicted by disease or infestation. Unsymmetrical branches that appear to be outgrowing the trunk or are growing downwards will be removed. Additionally, contractors may remove branches that have crossed each other or are growing towards one another.

During the pruning process, professional contractors will first target larger branches at higher elevations. Depending on your needs, your contractor will suggest either the “thinning” or “heading” cut to get the job done. “Thinning” cuts completely eliminates designated branches while “heading” cuts partially gets rid of part of the branch. That said, evaluate your reasons for pruning your tree and correlate your plans with the contractor’s suggestions for a satisfactory outcome.

Lastly, prepare a conducive environment for your contractor to work in. Clean out your area and ensure that no one, including children and pets are to enter the area when work is in progress.

Trust BSG Landscape & Construction to Be Your Tree Pruning Contractor

BSG Landscape & Construction has provided quality landscape maintenance services and tree pruning in Singapore for over a decade. Our team includes certified arborists, horticulturists, landscape technicians and safety officers. We provide a full range of services including horticulture services, arboriculture services, tree maintenance, grass cutting and landscaping. We are the preferred tree pruning contractor to maintain your trees in top form.