Does your commercial property have trees that are getting a little out of control? Do they have problems with pests or mold? Are there branches in inconvenient or dangerous places? Then it’s time to prune your trees.
Tree pruning is best done before winter hits. Here’s what you need to know about when to prune trees in Colorado and how to prune them for the best growth next spring.
Why Do You Need to Prune Trees?
While it may be counterintuitive, pruning trees and shrubs correctly is good for them. Woody perennials have evolved to survive and thrive even after losing large branches. When done well, pruning can encourage healthier growth for years to come.
But how can you tell if a tree or shrub should be pruned? The most common reasons to trim trees include:
- Disease: If one branch is dying or has reoccurring problems with pests, you can prune it to keep the rest of the plant healthy.
- Danger: Branches too close to power lines, roofs, or other dangerous locations should be trimmed to keep you safe.
- Development: Careful pruning can lead to more growth by removing deadwood.
- Design: Pruning lets you shape your tree to fit your aesthetic goals for the property.
How to Prune Trees for Winter
The best time to trim woody plants is in the late fall after leaves have dropped but before the snow flies. This ensures that your plants have gone dormant for the winter and minimizes the risk of the pruning sites experiencing disease. It also lets you clear the deadwood before heavy snows break branches.
To successfully trim woody plants, here’s what to do:
- Always wear gloves and use eye protection. It is also best to wear a hard hat if you are cutting large branches.
- Use sharp and sterilized tools to minimize damage to the rest of the plant.
- Plan before you cut. Chopping branches left and right can leave you with a damaged or funny-looking tree.
- Cut at the right angle and spot. Cuts at a 45-degree angle help the plant heal faster. Meanwhile, cutting a quarter of an inch above the main branch or a bud encourages healthier growth.
Get Help With Your Landscape Management
Managing the trees and shrubs on a commercial property is a big task. You don’t need to handle tree and shrub pruning alone. At Hall Landscape Contractors, we offer comprehensive plant and tree care for commercial properties in Denver, Aurora, Englewood, and the surrounding areas. Get in touch to learn how we can help you make your trees look better now and next year.