If you have mature trees on your property, you may wonder how to perform big tree trimming without losing a limb or damaging something. You should have no doubt that following safety measures is vital for any tree, but especially for bigger, more established specimens.
If you’re local, the best option would be to rely on professional tree services in Navarre, FL. Still, you may also want to learn more about the techniques these professional arborists use when maintaining the health of extremely tall trees and staying safe.
Carefully Decide Whether To Cut Thick Branches
On a large tree, you want to avoid taking down large branches unless absolutely necessary. As a general rule of thumb:
- If the branch is 2 inches in diameter or smaller, removing it is safe.
- If the branch is 2 to 4 inches in diameter, remove it carefully so it doesn’t tear.
- Only remove branches 4 inches in diameter or larger if absolutely necessary.
Arborists use precise pruning techniques on branches 2 inches or larger. They’ll cut a notch underneath the limb before making the straight cut from the top, preventing tearing.
Any limbs 4 inches or larger may need ropes and cables to prevent a really tall tree from falling haphazardly to the ground. Falls could damage healthy limbs on the way down without support from ropes, not to mention anything else that gets in the way.
Never Take Down Too Much of Large Trees
To ensure safe big tree trimming, always avoid topping it. Thinning the crowns of mature trees is helpful in opening up airflow and avenues for sunlight to reach all the leaves. However, taking more than one-quarter of the crown does significant harm.
Topping your older trees could send them into shock. No tree can survive when you’ve taken out too many of its limbs and leaves. Usually, our licensed arborists would recommend slowly thinning the crown over a few years to do this job safely.
Always Use Proper Cutting Techniques
When trimming limbs on small or large trees, it’s important to cut them in precisely the correct locations. Cutting branches too closely to the main limb or trunk results in branch collar cuts, which open up the plant to disease or insect penetration.
Additionally, arborists do not recommend leaving too much of the stub of the branch behind. Cut at the edge of the collar, leaving only a tiny fraction of an inch of the stub. This care gives the mature tree the best chance at sealing the wound because an open wound on the trunk or a main limb could easily create an avenue for disease or insects.
Trust Backridge Tree Service for Trusted Pruning Techniques on Large Trees
Whether you need help pruning a decades-old tree or removing yard tree sprouts, the team at Backridge Tree Service is ready. Things like seasonal timing of pruning and crown thinning are vital when handling a mature tree that you’d like to see thriving.Get a cost estimate for big tree trimming or any of our other services by calling (850) 240-2829 today!