Winter is actually a great time to trim your trees. When trees are dormant, they’re less likely to get stressed or attract pests and diseases. What’s more, it’s easier to see the structure of the tree without all those leaves getting in the way. This makes it easier to identify and remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. For pruning to be successful, here’s what an arborist will do.

Focus on the Weak Spots

Before beginning the job, an arborist will start by identifying any branches that look weak, diseased, or damaged. These branches are more likely to break under the weight of snow and ice, so it’s important to remove them before they cause problems. Professionals will look for branches that are cracked, hanging low, or rubbing against each other.

Shape Up for Safety

Next, arborists will consider the overall shape of your tree. You want to make sure it’s balanced and well-proportioned. This will help prevent it from becoming top-heavy and falling over in strong winds. Arborists will remove any branches that are growing too close together or crossing over each other.

Clear the Way

Arborists will also trim any branches that are hanging over your house, power lines, or walkways. These branches can cause damage or injury if they fall. Tree care specialists also know that it’s a good idea to trim branches that are blocking windows or obstructing your view.

Don’t Go Overboard

While it’s important to trim your trees for safety and health, you don’t want to overdo it. Over-trimming can stress your trees and make them more vulnerable to pests and diseases. A good rule of thumb is to remove no more than 25% of the tree canopy at a time. Because arborists are trained, they know all about this, hence the reason it is best to entrust the work to them.

Use the Right Tools

Tree care specialists will also make sure they’re using the right tools for the job. They will use sharp pruning shears for small branches and a pruning saw for larger branches.

Make the Cut

When trimming branches, arborists will always make clean cuts just outside the branch collar. The branch collar is the swollen area where the branch attaches to the trunk. They will avoid leaving stubs, as these can become entry points for pests and diseases.

Arborists Put Safety First

Arborists will always prioritize safety when trimming trees. They will wear protective gear, such as gloves, safety glasses, and a hard hat. If they’re using a ladder, they will make sure it’s stable and secure.

If you need trees trimmed, always reach out to a professional arborist. Never take on this job yourself because you will not have the experience and the training to do the work safely. Even if you watch the best DIY videos, you will never gain in a few hours what arborists do in years of training and study. For tree trimming and pruning in Vallejo, CA, call the experts at E Z Tree today.