Tree Body of Palos Park
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SOME PRUNING BITS  

Proper pruning practice can ensure that a tree develops a healthy structure and aesthetic appearance. Pruning young trees can help prevent problems that may occur in future growth. Trees should be planted for at least a year before pruning. Trees that are older and neglected are more difficult, dangerous, and expensive to prune. Pruning older trees should be done during the dormant season when there is less weight on the limbs and it is easier to see the basic framework of the branches. Mature, large trees that need pruning should be referred to a professional tree service due to potential for serious safety concerns (heavy limbs, height and electric lines).  

Pruning timing is crucial to ensure the health of your tree. Pruning trees during the active growing season can in~ crease your tree's chances of catching various diseases. Maple, birch, walnut, elm and dogwood trees will drain excessive sap from prune wounds. To minimize sap flow, it's best to prune these types of trees in late spring or fall. It's important to know what insects- affect the tree your about to prune. Knowing the months of the year that a particular insect is active can help you determine what months are safe to prune. Check your local library or speak to an arborist for various insect information.   

Here are some basic reasons for pruning:  

1. Prune to promote plant health

-remove dead and dying branches injured by disease and insect infestation

-remove branches and branch stubs rubbing together  

2. Prune to improve plant appearance. -control plant size

-remove unwanted branches waterspouts and suckers

-keep evergreens well proportioned  

3. Prune to protect people and property.

-remove dead branches

-hazardous trees should be taken down

-prune out weak or narrow-angled tree branches that overhang to potential danger areas

 -prune branches that obstruct vision at intersections  

It was once thought that applying a wound dressing to a pruned branch, such as paint or tar, would block out micro organisms, keep moisture confined and speed the healing process. Research has shown that treated prune cuts or wounds do not close quicker than untreated wounds. In most cases, sealed wounds actually give wood inhabiting micro organisms an environment favorable for growth and decay development. Some wound dressings kill important cells in the tree's cambium causes the wound to remain open for years longer than if no treatment had been applied.

It is important to remember that pruning established, mature trees can have many safety concerns. Any larger pruning projects should be referred to a professional tree company or licensed arborist.