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 Arborists need their own Hippocratic Oath. Just like human physicians, consider "do no harm" vital words to work by, especially when pruning. Because when you prune a tree's branches it's like removing the grocery store. Trees get much of their nutrients from the leaves and branches through photosynthesis.
You can always return and take more out of tree, so if you have any doubts about a cut, leave it.
The rule of thumb is to never remove more than 25% of live foliage within the annual growing season. But be advised that 25% will produce a significant pile of brush when you're done.
As arborists, we most often perform four pruning functions:
• Cleaning- removing dead, diseased, and/or broken branches.
• Thinning- selective pruning of not more than 25% of live foliage to reduce density of live branches.
• Raising- near roads to "raise" the limbs.
• Reduction or a reduce- decrease the height, spread or "wind sail effect."
What you should remove usually falls into one of three categories: 1) any dead or diseased branches, 2) any rubbing or interfering branches creating an open wound, and 3) broken branches.
For all pruning projects, be sure to comply with American National Standard for Arboricultural Operations, or as it's commonly known, ANSI standards.
To find a qualified arborist in your area visit this link on the International Society of Arboriculture's website and search by name or location.
http://www.isa-arbor.com/findarborist/findarborist.aspx |
