Cutting lower branches off trees is a terrific way to enhance their appearance while ensuring healthy growth. However, many Texarkana, AR, homeowners don’t know how to trim lower branches correctly and often cause more harm than good. Fortunately, Hawkins Tree and Landscaping put together a guide to teach you how to cut lower tree limbs safely and effectively.
Hawkins Tree and Landscaping is Texarkana’s tree trimming and pruning service. Our team can handle all your tree care needs at a rate that won’t burden your financial means. If you want your trees to reach their full visual potential while enhancing their health and overall quality, contact the experts at Hawkins Tree and Landscaping.
How to Cut Lower Branches Off Trees
Low-hanging tree limbs are more detrimental to trees than many Texarkana residents realize. They make it difficult to mow around the tree and can leave it more vulnerable to damage. If the tree blooms fruit, lower branches can cause the fruit to scrap against the ground, potentially rendering them useless.
However, cutting lower branches off trees requires immense precision and can harm the tree if performed incorrectly, similar to how improperly addressing issues like holes in tree trunks can lead to further complications. Cutting too many branches in a short period of time can cause the tree to go into shock, while failing to prune limbs or properly manage other issues such as holes in tree trunks will make it more susceptible to disease, pests, and damage. Understanding how to perform proper pruning cuts will help you eliminate unwanted growth safely, allowing the tree to look its best and thrive throughout the year.
Follow the steps below to learn how tree care professionals cut lower branches off trees.
Step One: Identify The Low-Hanging Branches
First, find the branches you want to cut. It’s best to trim limbs touching the ground and obstructing the tree’s base before pruning away damaged branches.
Step Two: Cut Small Limbs From the Bottom
Next, use a sharp knife or pruning saw to start a cut from the bottom. It’s best to start cutting limbs smaller than a pencil from the bottom to prevent the branch from tearing during the process. Branches with fruit or excessive foliage are likely to collapse and damage the tree due to the overbearing weight.
Starting the cut at the bottom diminishes the chances of tearing, ensuring a clean cut. Starting cuts from the top is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make when pruning their trees.
Step Three: Finish Cutting The Branch from the Top
Once you make a small incision underneath the branch, cut the rest of the limb from the top. You want to support the branch while cutting to prevent tearing and unnecessary damage.
Step Four: Cut Downward-Facing Shoots from Other Branches
After cutting lower branches off the tree, prune downward-facing shoots from other branches. Use the same techniques to cut the shoots and ensure a fantastic final product.
However, only cut damaged shoots or ones that will grow too low to the ground. This will help growth and maintain the tree’s health.
Contact Hawkins Tree and Landscaping for First-Class Tree Care in Texarkana, AR
If you need help cutting lower branches off trees, contact Hawkins Tree and Landscaping. Our tree care professionals will handle the process from start to finish, giving you beautiful, healthy trees that take your property’s appearance to new heights. Whether you need professional pruning services or want to learn how trimming trees prevent root growth, Hawkins Tree and Landscaping is here to help.
Don’t trust inexperienced landscaping services with your Texarkana property. Give Hawkins Tree and Landscaping a call at (870) 330-9912 and receive unmatched tree care in Texarkana, AR, today!