If you have a tree in your yard and you see some dead branches in it, or maybe you want to improve its shape, you probably have thought of pruning it yourself. Pruning is a useful tool to enhance the growth and appearance of your tree. It is a horticultural practice use for preventive maintenance. A lot of tree health problems can be prevented by proper pruning approaches, especially in the younger years of a tree. If you want to learn more about tree pruning, read on as we discuss further.

When to Start Pruning
Pruning in the early years of a tree helps it develop a stable structure. A tree that has not been pruned early on may need more maintenance when removing large branches. Make sure to remove dead, diseased, and broken branches only. Consider these tips when pruning your tree:

• Prune to refine the shape of the tree.
• Get rid of any crossing branches and branches that grow toward the tree's center.
• Remove lower branches to raise the crown as the tree matures. Also, remove branches that are too near the trunk.

How to Prune Large Branches
Some homeowners get intimidated with pruning large branches. With proper care, you will be able to prune your tree correctly using the following techniques.

• Avoid tearing the bark- Cut the branch about 18 inches from the trunk, beginning on the underside of the branch. The second cut should be done away from the branch. Keep cutting until the branch is free.
• Determine the branch collar- The branch collar grows from the stem tissue surrounding the base of the branch. Identify where the branch collar is before making the final cut. Keeping it unharmed will give the wound a chance to heal and seal more effectively.
• Cut down and through the branch- The goal for the third cut is to sever the branch entirely. Be careful not to tear the bark on the branch underside.
• Be wise with wound dressing- Most tree professionals believe that wound dressing is not needed on pruning cuts. But if you want to make sure the wound is safe from insects and diseases, use latex rather than oil-based paint.

Pruning Tools You Will Need
You need proper tools to prune your trees effectively. If you don't use the right tools, it is like going into a war without a gun. You will not win the battle. Here are some must-have tools used for pruning:

• Pruning shears- A high-quality pair can cut up to ¾ inches in diameter which makes it an indispensable tool for pruning.
• Lopping shears- If you want greater leverage, pruning shears can provide it with its ability to cut up to 1 ½ inch in diameter.
• Hedge shears- Hedge shears are specifically meant for pruning hedges and are best to use for cutting small stems.
• Hand saws- Some hand saws can cut up to four inches in diameter.
• Pole saws- Although it can be challenging to use pole saws, it is a useful tool that can extend your reach with its long handle.

Call Trinity Tree Service for a free tree trimming estimate.  Late winter is the best time to trim and prune your trees to prepare them for spring growth. 

Sap is the sticky substance that oozes out from tree trunks and branches. Although it may be a lifeline for trees (which help in naturally heal from damage), it can be an annoying sticky substance, which can end up in many unwanted spaces (like your car interior and home interiors).  A frustrated homeowner may contemplate removal of sap producing trees. But this is not the solution when there are suitable alternatives available for this problem.

When the branches of trees fall off or are accidentally cut, the sap flows out of the damaged surface. The tree species with most sap flow are pine, spruce, firs etc. Interestingly these are some of the most popular tree varieties in landscapes (owing to their ornamental value and aesthetic appeal). On the down side, no one likes the sap to soil their expensive belonging, such as cars and the interior flooring because it can be hard to remove from these surfaces without damaging them.

Although many commercially available chemicals can effectively clean a sap mess, they can have abrasive effects and sometimes damage the surface permanently.
Here are some of the smart and simple ways to handle sap problems.

• Proper cutting and trimming of your trees (with a safety distance of 2 to 3 feet from any hard surfaces) can help in reducing the sap dripping over cars and other surfaces that you want to keep safe.
• Coupled with tree trimming, regular pruning also a handy technique in reducing sap issues. Cutting out the weak and old branches not only saves tree’s energy but also makes it strong and more resistant to storm storms and ice.  Pruning and shaping your trees has additional advantages. Untrimmed branches that grow long enough to reach the your roof, balconies and attic space also give a way to wild life such as squirrels, ants, and birds to access your home,
• Pests and wildlife can thrive due to uncontrolled growth of trees and also can damage the fruit and nuts productions of trees making them less useful and vibrant.

The Last Word
Unwanted and excessive sap is the result of uncontrolled growth of a tree. Managing your trees’ growth through smart pruning and trimming can greatly reduce the menace and keep it within reasonable limits. Regularly trim and prune your trees to avoid sap related damage to your property.   Learn more here.