Ozark Living

Special to Ozark Living Trimming and pruning can be handled by do-it-yourselfers if the branches are smaller and more manageable. Practice on thinner branches before moving on to thicker ones, which may require extra help. Branches may be heavy, and it takes a guided hand to ensure the branches fall in a safe manner so they do not cause damage or injury. Trees may require pruning for a variety reasons. Storms may have damaged branches, necessitating a pruning. In other instances, trees may have outgrown their yards, overpowering the landscape. Autumn and winter, when trees largely go dormant and fallen leaves make it easier to see the branches beneath, may be prime times to prune. Pruning during the dormant period also minimizes sap loss and stress to the tree, and can help cut down on the growth of fungi. In addition, insects are less likely to be problematic during the colder months of the year. Branches also need to be trimmed properly to facilitate good healing. Trees will form a callus bark covering over cuts to keep out disease and decay, much as a scab forms over a person's wound. Damaging the bark on a tree while pruning may interfere with that process, so do-it- yourselfers need to take the time to prune correctly. According to Danny Lipford, home improvement expert and host of the radio program "Today's Homeowner," larger limbs may require three cuts instead of one. e fi rst cut is a small notch in the bottom of the limb, around two to three feet from the trunk and about one-quarter of the way through. is helps prevent the bark from splitting. A relief cut is then made a few inches away from the notch cut, and goes all the way through. is removes the weight of the branch so that the fi nal cut can be made without the branch splitting and falling. e fi nal cut is made right where the limb extrudes from the branch collar, or the swollen bump that then forms into the tree limb. Follow the slant of the branch collar when making the cut. Smaller or thinner branches may not require the same three steps, but every eff ort should be made to reduce injury to the tree. When deciding how much to prune, less is usually more. All pruning can put some level of stress on the tree and increase its vulnerability to disease and insect infestation. A good rule of thumb is to never prune more than 25 percent of the crown. According to experts at TreeHelp.com, living branches should comprise at least two-thirds the height of the tree. In some instances, the rules may need to be bent if trees are interfering with utility lines or to meet community laws. However, always prune minimally to avoid damaging the tree. e right tools also make the job safer and easier. Use a pole pruner and lopper, rope saws, folding pruner, and a bucksaw. A chainsaw can be used in some instances, especially when pruning larger limbs. Always disinfect pruning tools a er you're done to prevent the spread of disease to other trees. Consider hiring a professional tree service if pruning proves beyond your capabilities. Doing so is safe and o en well worth the investment. tree pruning Your guide to proper umn and winter, when ely go dormant and s make it easier to see beneath, may be prune. Pruning nt period al and st extrudes from or the sw form t Consider hiring a professional tree service if pruning proves beyond your capabilities. Doing so is safe and often well worth the investment. ADVICE A Living 26 • OCTOBER 2018 • OZARK LIVING

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