When it comes to maintaining and improving the health of your young trees, one of the most important elements of care that you can provide is the right levels of trimming at the right times. With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best young tree trimmings tips from La Cañada Tree Care.
Guiding Young Trees to Thrive: Trimming Tips from La Cañada Tree Care
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Start Early
You should start trimming young trees within the first two to three years after planting them. Early trimming helps to establish a strong framework and prevents the development of weak branches. However, in the initial years, it is important to focus on light trimming. Only remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches to reduce stress on the tree.
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Know The Right Time
The best time to trim most young trees is during their dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This minimizes sap loss and reduces the risk of pest infestation. Trimming during late summer or fall should be avoided, as it can stimulate new growth that may not harden before winter, leading to damage from cold weather.
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Use Proper Tools
Using clean, sharp tools is crucial to making precise cuts. Pruning shears, loppers, and a pruning saw are essential for different branch sizes. To prevent the spread of disease, it is important to sanitize tools with a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water before and after each use.
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Focus On Structure
Encouraging a strong central leader (the main vertical stem) is important by removing competing leaders. This promotes a balanced structure and prevents the development of multiple weak stems. Choosing well-spaced scaffold branches that form a strong framework is key. Ideally, these branches should be evenly spaced around the trunk and vertically apart.
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Make Correct Cuts
Making cuts just outside the branch collar (the swollen area where the branch attaches to the trunk) allows for proper healing and reduces the risk of disease. It is also important to ensure cuts are angled to prevent water from sitting on the cut surface, which can lead to rot and disease.
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Maintain Balance
Aiming for a balanced canopy by ensuring even growth on all sides of the tree prevents leaning and structural weakness. Thinning out dense areas improves light penetration and air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
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Be Patient
Remember that shaping a young tree is a gradual process. Avoid removing too much foliage at once, as this can stress the tree and slow down its growth. Regularly inspecting the tree’s growth and making adjustments as needed ensures consistent, careful trimming over the years, resulting in a well-structured, healthy tree.
If you would like a professional company to come and help your young trees to thrive, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with Cañada Tree Care, the best La Cañada tree care outfit in the region. We very much look forward to taking your call and setting up an appointment to get out to your property to take care of all of your greenery!
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