Hurricane Proof Your Trees –

 

Trees are more than just beautiful additions to our landscapes. They offer shade, clean air, and can even help reduce stress. There are many studies in fact that prove that humans need trees, both physically and mentally. However, we live in an area that frequently experiences high winds and even hurricanes which can leave your trees set up for failure in the next big storm. However, when cared for properly there are beneficial pruning methods such as structural pruning that greatly reduce the likelihood that your tree will break in inclement weather. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of structural pruning and provide you with some tips on how to do it properly.

 

What is Structural Pruning for Trees?

Structural pruning is the removal of branches that are structurally weak, or are growing in an undesirable direction. This technique helps to maintain the natural form of the tree while reducing the risk of damages caused by falling branches or whole tree failures in storms or high winds. Structural pruning is necessary for young rees to ensure that they develop strong branch attachments and sturdy overally structure. For mature trees, structural pruning can help to extend the life of the tree by preventing them from breaking in storms and inclement weather, thereby reducing potential stress on the tree.

 

When To Prune  Your Trees for Structure and Health –

Generally speaking, the best time to prune your trees is in the winter, when above-ground plant parts have less nutrients and resources on branches and limbs, and the trees generally send many resources down into the roots during the winter. However, the long answer is a little more complicated than that, and it really depends on the species and reason for pruning. Pruning during the winter (dormant season) is also beneficial, because pests and damaging insects are less likely to be active during this period.

If your tree is structurally weak, it’s really a great idea to prune before hurricane season to get your tree structurally sound, and then following up with a good pruning cycle to keep your trees well-maintained and growing in the right direction!

 

Structurally Pruning Mature Trees –

Mature trees have largely established their growth pattern by the time they reach maturity , however sometimes, because of various environmental conditions, and poor pruning techniques, they will develop unhealthy and weak attachments that need to be amended. Here are a few things to look for that could indicate a structural weakness:

1. Dead Limbs – Trees naturally “shed” dead tissue by detaching it both physically and bio-chemically from the rest of the tree. These often are the first to go in even mild winds
2. Co-dominant leads – these are leads which kind of look like twins … they are usually about the same size in diameter, originating from the same area on the branch or trunk, and are often weakly attached.
3. Weakly attached leads – wide, “U-shaped” branch unions are very strong, while narrow, “V-shaped” branch unions are often very weak and prone to failure.
4. Rubbing Limbs – whenever a limb rubs against another limb, it can blow around in the wind, scraping and damaging the living tissue within the tree. It’s important to prune these structural defects out of a tree before the damage is significant.
5. Limbs with decay – often the reason a limb fails in storms is because if has some sort of decay which weakened it. Deciduous trees with large limbs pruned off of the tops of the limb often get this decay and are quick to fall in inclement weather.

 

Establishing Young Trees Through Pruning –

When a tree is young or recently planted is generally the best time to prune a tree, since they are able to take much more pruning at this point without being overly stressed and helping them to grow in a healthy, strong manner which will cause you MUCH less future pruning and maintenance needs, and leave you with a healthy strong manor, less likely to fail in storms! There are 5 primary goals when pruning young trees;

1. Remove dead/broken/diseased tissue – obviously!
2. Select a central leader and remove competing leaders – if there were such a thing as a perfect tree, it wound have one main branch at the top, and everything branching subordinately off of that one.
3. Select limbs that will be the lowest permanent branch (s) in the canopy – keep in mind the height needs of your home and surrounding streets, landscapes, etc.
4. Select the main branches and remove or reduce competing branches/limbs – limbs spaced too closely together often form weak attachment points.
5. Select and maintain temporary branches below the lowest permanent branch – leaving these on for a while helps develop good trunk taper, building a stronger overall structure.

 

Proper Tree Pruning Techniques –

Before Pruning your trees or even hiring a professional Certified Arborist or Board Certified Arborist to prune your trees, it’s important to have a plan in place. Start by identifying the branches that need to be removed, focusing on weaker portions of the canopy first. The first limbs that you should look at removing are diseased or damaged branches, crossing/rubbing limbs, and those that are growing toward obstructions such as buildings or powerlines. Always make sure the tree is safe enough to prune, and, if you have to get off the ground to do the pruning, you’re way out of your league; don’t leave your loved ones behind, and hire a professional Certified Arborist or ISA Board Certified Master Arborist to do the work …. Tree care is the #1 Deadliest industry in The USA, and #3 overall deadliest industry in the world!

Always use clean, sharp tools, and make your pruning wounds in a manner which allows the tree to seal/heal properly, just outside of the branch collar. Avoid tearing the bark or leaving a stub. The tree is unable to heal these wounds, and this can often lead to decay setting in, giving you potential problems for years to come!

 

Structural pruning is an important aspect of tree care that helps to maintain the health and beauty of your trees, and keep them healthy and strong for many years to come! By structurally pruning your trees, you can help to avoid and prevent unnecessary damage caused by falling branches, both to your home/property, and your tree! Pruning is best done during the dormant season, but here in Houston it’s a good idea to help weak trees get a little stronger through structural pruning before hurricane season …. You know ….  Just in case!

 

With a good pruning program and plant healthcare program, your trees are sure to be healthy and thriving for years to come!

 

If you need help establishing a good tree care maintenance program to keep your trees healthy and thriving (and prevent against pine bark beetles, don’t hesitate to shoot us an e-mail or give us a call at the number below.

Matt Latham – 409.995.7940
Board Certified Master Arborist #TX-3737B
mattlathambcma@gmail.com
www.arboristondemand.com