Tree service professionals of Naples, Florida share tips for pruning in the summer months.
When and What To Prune in Summer, The Season of Peak Growth
Summer is not the typical time in which pruning is normally done. It is normally something to do in the late fall or early spring depending on the type of plant you are discussing. Tree health can be affected if the wrong parts of the tree are pruned at the wrong time, or too much is taken at peak growing times. Understanding proper plant health care is important, especially if you are discussing fruiting trees that are being depended upon to produce. Though some of this article will relate to all trees, much of it will deal specifically with fruit trees.
What Areas Should Be Pruned During the Summer?
As previously stated, the summertime is a time of fast growth for both trees and plants. This means that pruning needs to be done carefully to avoid doing serious damage to the tree. There are, however, certain areas that are best trimmed or pruned in the heat of summer. The list below will elucidate what areas on a should be pruned back.
- Dead Branches: Dead wood can make a tree vulnerable to pests and disease. Cutting off what is already dead is helpful to the tree.
- Diseased Areas: Diseased parts of a tree should be removed immediately. When done correctly, this prevents the spread of tree disease to other trees in the area.
- Overgrowth: Branches that sprout unchecked may actually make it harder for the tree to produce fruit or nutrients for itself. If the middle of the tree becomes too shaded, it can stunt the tree’s growth and fruit production.
- Suckers: These growths from the tree’s root system can cause problems by diverting nutrients. These can be easily cut back without harming the tree.
- Weak Crotches: If the angle of the crotch of a branch is too sharp, it can be more easily broken in a storm.
Why and How to Prune Trees?
There are several different methods of pruning, with the most common methods being thinning and tipping. These involve cutting off early growth to prevent overcrowding of branches as well as changing the shape and direction of growth. The reasons behind this shaping can be both practical and aesthetic, but the majority of reasons are for tree health care.
- Interior branches will produce less fruit if they are too shaded by overgrowth.
- Keeping trees at a certain height can benefit harvesters as well as create a preferred look in a neighborhood.
- Properly pruned branches tend to yield more flowers and fruit.
- Pruning to produce wider angled tree crotches and maintaining shapes helps grow stronger trees.
Ask A Tree Service Company for Help
If you are concerned about harming your trees with over or under pruning, rest assured that an arborist is there to help. They do more than just tree trimming and tree removal; their primary purpose is to keep trees healthy. Hire a certified arborist to come do your summer trimming and you will have no worries at all.
About Any Town Tree
Offering both commercial and residential tree services, Any Town Tree strives to keep the trees of Naples, FL healthy and beautiful. Call today for a free estimate in Naples or the surrounding areas.