Homeowners appreciate having large trees that provide shade and enhance the curb appeal of their properties. However, learning how to trim tall trees safely and effectively can be a challenge. Hiring professionals who offer tree trimming services in Arden, NC is the best way to protect your trees and property.
Discover the importance and challenges of using proper cutting techniques when working with tall trees.
Challenges With Working Around Tall Trees
The height of the tree, the weight of large-diameter limbs, and the thickness of the canopy all make working on a big tree a challenge. Homeowners who want to use DIY techniques to trim a tall tree may struggle with the process for multiple reasons.
Equipment Needed for Reaching the Canopy
Trimming a tall tree that’s several stories in height requires specific equipment to reach the top of the canopy. Depending on the type of tree and the other obstacles in the area, professionals might deploy a crane to reach the top. If a crane won’t work, professionals may climb into the tree to find the branches and limbs that need trimming.
Staying Safe When Trimming Tall Trees
Following tree pruning safety processes is essential when working around tall trees. Learning how to trim tall trees starts with knowing which safety equipment you must have readily available. Professionals will use equipment including:
- Face shield
- Eye protection
- Hard hat
- Ear protection
- Gloves
- Safety harness and ropes
Obtaining all the safety equipment required to complete the work can be expensive for homeowners. Professionals use their safety gear several times a week and understand how to utilize it properly.
Guiding the Branches to the Ground
After removing a large limb from the upper section of the tree, it’s important to manage how it reaches the ground. Dropping a limb from height creates a lot of force as it falls dozens of feet to the ground. It might harm live branches in the tree or may injure people standing nearby.
Professionals use ropes and cables to slowly and safely lower limbs after cutting them.
Understanding the Growth Pattern of Tall Trees
Some species of large trees stop growing vertically when they reach a certain age and begin to spread horizontally. As the tree grows, it may encroach on neighboring trees or grow too close to your home. Professional tree trimmers will anticipate where the growth will happen in the next few years and remove branches accordingly.
When trimming a large tree, arborists focus on using proper cutting techniques. Trimming a mature tree means the wounds may take longer to heal compared to a younger sapling. Incorrect trimming techniques can harm future growth or expose the tree to disease.
Additionally, as a tree ages, some branches will die to allow growth in other branches. Finding and removing these dead branches deep in the canopy requires precise work from professionals.
Mistakes To Avoid When Trimming Tall Trees
Learning how to trim tall trees is only the first step.
Topping the Tree Is Dangerous
Some homeowners may want to speed up the process by topping the tree which involves cutting several feet off the top of the tree at once. Topping is dangerous to the tree’s health though, and arborists do not recommend it unless absolutely necessary. Carefully pruning individual branches yields much better results.
Pruning Too Much of the Tree
Arborists will always calculate how much of the tree they’re pruning. Removing too much of the tree in one session could put the tree’s health in jeopardy. You should never cut more than 25% of a tree’s live branches at one time.
Not Watching for Problems After Trimming
After any trimming session, homeowners should watch how the tree responds over the next few weeks. If leaves begin to yellow and drop off, or if they wilt, the tree may need additional nutrients and water. Arborists can inspect the tree and recommend how to help it recover.
Earthworks Tree Services Has the Experience You Can Trust With Tall Tree Trimming
When you want to figure out how to trim tall trees safely, you need professionals who have experience with crown thinning. Working dozens of feet off the ground for one-time or regular tree trimming can be a challenging process.
The experts at Earthworks Tree Services have the necessary equipment and experience to deliver limb removal that is both safe and effective. They’ll study the branch structure of the tall tree to determine the best way to do the job. For a free price quote, call us today at (828) 519-0886.