You recently had your trees manicured, and they are beautiful. But then a few weeks later, you might notice that new little shoots are poking out all over, potentially even sturdier and thicker than before. This fast gain of wayward, new growth is commonly known as “suckering” or “water sprouting,” and it can quickly ruin the hard work of a good trim. If you cut the right way, you can help your trees stay healthy and ensure they retain their natural form better instead of constantly battling against sprouts attempting to go rogue.
The Importance of Timing for a Trim
Tree trimming is partly made successful by timing it correctly. If you trim a tree during its active growing season, during the spring and early summer, then it will respond by attempting to grow back even faster. The tree will act as though it must heal itself from injury and replace what was lost. Because of all this rapid growth, there will be no shortage of quickly growing stems in the form of unsightly suckers and water sprouts.
For many deciduous trees, the late fall or winter is the best time for trimming. The tree will be dormant during this time, which means that it has less energy to put into immediate new growth, like it would in the spring.
Clean, Precise Cuts Are Best
The way a branch is cut has a big impact on how a tree heals and how it grows afterward. When a professional prunes a branch, the cut will be clean and well placed, just outside the branch collar. This is a slightly raised area where a branch connects to the main trunk or a larger branch. If the cut ends up being too far from the collar, it results in a stub that the tree doesn’t easily heal from, and this will often lead to decay. This will prompt new growth in that damaged area.
On the other hand, cutting it too close to the collar can harm the main branch, which will cause trouble as well. A good cut enables the tree to grow a callus, a protective barrier that seals the wound and prevents over-sprouting. This cautious intervention allows the tree to pump its energy where you want it, which is into established, healthy branches.
Prune Your Trees, but Don’t Over-Trim Them
Professionals understand that a good rule of thumb is not to exceed 25% of the total tree canopy in any one year. Spreading out your trimming over multiple seasons, if you can, is much easier on the tree, as it will not provoke it to grow quite as wildly.
If you have some trees that need a bit of love this year, our team will ensure the work is done correctly. Call The Tree Doctor for trimming and pruning services in Springfield, MO.
