Pruning Practices

Proper pruning is essential in developing a tree with a strong structure and desirable form. Trees that receive the appropriate pruning measures while they are young will require little corrective pruning when they mature.

Making the Cut:

As a rule, small cuts do less damage to the tree than large cuts. Waiting to prune a tree when it is mature can create the need for large cuts that the tree cannot easily close.

Trunk Development:

For most young trees, maintain a single, dominant leader. Do not prune back the tip of the leader. Do not allow secondary branches to outgrow the leader. Sometimes a tree will develop double leaders known as codominant stems. These can lead to structural weaknesses, so it is best to remove one while young.

Why Topping Hurts Trees:

• Topping often removes 50-100% of the leaf-bearing crown of a tree. Since the leaves are the “food factories” of a tree, this can temporarily “starve” a tree.
• A stressed tree is more vulnerable to insect and disease infestations. Lare, open pruning wounds expose the sapwood and heartwood to attack.
• Cuts made along a limb, between lateral branches, create stubs with wounds that the tree may not be able to close.
• Stubs left from topping trees usually decay. The shoots that are produced below the cut are weakly attached and often become a hazard.

Pruning trees properly now can save time, energy, and money in the long run. Below are the many benefits of our Vegetation Management Plan

Smaller Limbs to Trim:

Pruning trees when they are smaller and not fully grown will create the desired growth and be overall healthier for the tree. By waiting until the tree is larger and closer to the line, there is a risk of damage to the tree and the lines.

Extending Trim Cycle:

Extending the distance that trees are trimmed can help extend the trimming cycle. This allows crews to complete other work, as well as saves the cooperative, and in turn our members, money. This method not only saves money now, but it will also help level rates in the future. Our goal is always to be good stewards to our members with the practices we adopt.

One Tree Effects Multiple Members:

• Although the one tree you see getting trimmed in your area may not seem like much, it can make a big impact across the entire area.
• For example: if a tree in your yard has a limb call into the lines, it could not only knock out your power, but your entire neighborhood’s power.
• It is a group effort to reduce costs and issues for everyone in the future!