Tree Trimming Mistakes to Avoid in Vaughan

Tree trimming is essential to maintaining the overall health, appearance, and safety of your landscape. For Vaughan homeowners, trimming trees on a seasonal basis is a great way to make sure trees are kept looking good and to avoid hazards. But done the wrong way or at the wrong time, they can do more harm than good. To be sure, when it comes time to tree trimming Vaughan, it’s essential to know what the most common mistakes are, and how to NOT make them. 

Mistake #1 – Cutting at the Incorrect Time 

When you take this into account, timing is everything when it comes to trimming your tree. Trimming at the Wrong Time Many people believe trees can be pruned at any point during the year, but cutting during the incorrect season can put stress on the tree, or disrupt its growth cycle. In Vaughan, most species should be moved in late winter/early spring when the trees are dormant and can more easily recover. Do not prune in the fall or in the midst of summer's heat. This can leave trees more vulnerable to pests and infection. 

Mistake #2: Too Much Canopy Pruning 

It’s a myth that cutting out many leaves can help a tree grow faster or stronger. In fact, over-pruning — or “topping” — can be really bad for a tree. The canopy shields the tree from sunburn and assists the tree in producing energy through its foliage, a process called photosynthesis. Pruning too hard can stress the tree and make it more susceptible to disease, while also promoting poor growth. When providing Vaughan tree trimming, remember to fell no more than 25% of the canopy. 

Mistake #3: Cutting the Flesh Incorrectly 

Clean, thoughtful cuts are necessary for a tree’s health. Working with dull tools or too close to the trunk can result in long-term harm. One of the common errors is to leave a long stub that can rot and become infested with pests. Another is cutting into the branch collar — the swollen area at the base of the branch — which creates an open wound that heals very slowly. When professionally cut, every cut is made in such a way that it helps promote healthy regrowth without even affecting the structure of the plant. 

Mistake #4: Overlooking Safety Precautions There are no prizes for working ourselves too hard. 

Trimming a tree may sound simple, but the task is fraught with real dangers, especially when trees are tall, close to power lines or limbs are overhanging structures. Most of the accidents happen because of homeowners who decide to trim without adequate safety and equipment. Seasoned pros working as tree trimming Vaughan service providers have the tools and know-how to work safely, but are also able to assess problems and eliminate risks. 

#5: Trimming Without a Strategy 

Unprepared, aimless pruning results in circus trees and chronic health problems. Each cut should have a reason — to remove dead wood, to allow more light, to control for size. Without a good analysis and plan, an imbalance can be created or the tree’s structure can be weakened. An arborist can also make sure every cut is appropriate for the tree’s species, age and location. 

Conclusion: Leave Tree Care to the Professionals 

Steering away from some of these pitfalls can have a major impact on tree health and appearance. For safe, efficient and aesthetically pleasing tree trimming Vaughan, it’s best to leave this work to our certified arborists who are experts at the growth characteristics and maintenance needs of the great variety of trees in our area and understand the impact of current season on each and best, most effective procedures to ensure your trees get the care they need. Trimming properly is both a skill and a science—done well, it helps your trees grow strong and can keep your landscaping looking fantastic 365 days a year.