Pruning, also sometimes referred to as lopping, is basically trimming a tree, bush or shrub by cutting its stems and branches.
Trees need to be regularly pruned for a number of reasons, which can include:
- General maintenance, to encourage new growth and improve overall tree health
- To remove tree branches that are dead, dying or weak and are at risk of falling
- The tree has gotten too big, unruly or wild
- Damage from storms, strong winds and lightning strikes
- The tree’s structural integrity has been compromised because incorrect pruning techniques have been used
- The tree has gotten infected with disease or pests
- Branches are overhanging a neighbour’s yard, your pool or coming close to power lines, your roof, garden shed, pathways
- The tree is casting too much shadow or shade or impeding light from coming into your home or reaching solar panels
It’s important not to ignore the signs of a sick tree because it can become very dangerous to have a heavy, at risk limb that could fall on a member of your family, your home, power lines etc.
Whilst it may be tempting to to try and prune trees yourself, unless you are properly trained, have the right equipment and have a great deal of experience, it’s just not worth the risk. So, why not – you may ask? It may seem pretty simple in theory – just lop off a few branches right? But the answer to that is a resounding no! It’s just not that simple.
Unskilled lopping is actually one of the worst things you can do for several reasons. Haphazard removal of limbs can weaken your trees’ overall structural integrity, making limbs, as well as the entire tree itself, more at risk of falling, it also leaves your tree more vulnerable to pests and disease, therefore exposing your entire yard to infestation. This puts you, and your family at risk.
Some of the most common mistakes an inexperienced lopper will make are:
- Cutting off the largest branches which can cause major trauma to the tree
- Leaving too much of the branch behind – can stunt the regrowth and healing process
- Cutting branches right down to their base – can leave the trunk open to decay and infection
- Damaging tree bark – leaving the tree susceptible to pests and disease
- Pruning too much – can lead to rot, sucker growth, branch breakage, severe stress and trauma to the tree; lessening the overall health and vitality of the tree
Don’t Take The Risk! Hire A Professional Arborist To Do The Job Right The First Time
Servicing the local area for over 35 years, Aussie Tree Solutions are your local tree experts you can trust. We have a team of fully insured, experienced and qualified Arborists to look after all of your Brisbane tree lopping and pruning needs. Call us today for a free written quote on (07) 3351 1722.