Newly planted and young trees need the best possible start in order to maintain strength and healthy growth. If you have any on your property, you’ll want to conduct certain practices to keep them free from pests and disease, as well as growing strong and tall.

Early Trimming

Begin pruning trees early for optimal results. During the first year, only water and take off damaged or dead branches. A couple of years in is the perfect time to start some light trimming to promote its structure.

Set an Intention

You’ll need to develop a main upward trunk that will serve as the central leader. Make sure to use strategies that encourage strong branch structure and that they are evenly spaced. Remove branches that are crossing, rubbing, or growing inward toward the trunk.

Time of Year Matters

It’s important to trim at certain times of the year to keep your tree healthy. The best time is during late winter or early spring. Whatever you do, make sure it’s before buds start to break out. You don’t want to trim in the fall since trimming promotes new growth, and many trees become dormant in the winter.

Proper Cutting Is Key

Make your branch cuts outside the branch collar (the swollen area at its base) so that your tree can seal up the wound easier. Remove as much as you can and try not to cut flush with the trunk.

Practice According to the “3 D’s”

There’s a simple way to remember what to trim from your tree. Every time you trim, be sure to remove those branches that are dead, affected by disease, and have been damaged.

Maintain the Tree Top

Avoid cutting off the top of your young tree, even if you would like to reduce the height. This will negatively affect its structure and weaken your tree overall.

Keep Tools Sanitary

Only use tools that are sharp and clean. You’ll want to disinfect your pruners with bleach or rubbing alcohol after trimming a tree and before you move onto the next one. This is especially a good practice if you notice signs of disease.

Do Just Enough Trimming

Take care not to remove over 25% of your tree’s canopy at a time. If you prune your tree too much, it can cause stress, making it more vulnerable to pests and stunting its growth.

Young trees are great to have on your property, but it’s important to know how to maintain them by trimming and pruning. If you need assistance with trimming your newly planted trees in the Kansas City, MO area, contact the experts at Everhart Tree Service.