AB Treeworkers : Pruning & tree care operation: Different ways of pruning

As species, the trees found today by far predate the existence of man. Most species of trees date back some 360 million years. In the nature, they are able to adapt their growth according to their needs and changing environmental constraints.

It is important to know what the purpose of pruning a tree is in order to choose the right treatment.

More importantly, to give the right care for the tree, it is imperative to know when pruning should not be done, when it is an option and when it is absolutely necessary for the tree. It must be kept in mind that pruning ALWAYS puts a strain on the tree.

There are a number of different ways to prune a tree, suited for different situations. Distinguishing clearly between them is helpful in choosing the right treatment for each case. Possible ways of pruning a tree are:

This usually refers to a way of pruning whereby the lower branches and irregular forks are cut off in order to acquire a straight trunk that is suitable for sale to a saw mill.

The shape and direction of the growth of young trees can be regulated with pruning between 3 and 5 years from planting them. Pruning must be repeated regularly, roughly once in two years. It is done with a pruning shear. (Click here to see some samples)

The tree's future shape can be determined with this method of pruning, thus avoiding its interfering with, for example, buildings or power lines as it grows.

With regular, repetitive pruning, a tree or a bush can be turned into a sculpture. Your trees can be made into tunnels, pyramids, walls, "curtains", cut in the style of a Japanese garden, etc. (see examples of realised projects).

This way of pruning is ideally suited for small gardens or locations where the trees are right next to a street. Pruning must be repeated regularly in order to keep the plant from growing out of form.

Examples of varieties of trees well-suited for architectural pruning include the little-leaf linden, the hornbeam, the London plane, the Byzantine hazel, hedge maple, etc.

Trees can be pruned for a canopy that lets more light through without otherwise affecting the growth or form of the tree. (Click here to see some samples)

This is done to trees that are still growing or that have just reached maturity. Pruning should be done regularly with no longer than 5 years between each treatment. The crown of the tree is rendered thinner by cutting branches of a maximum of 10 centimetres in diameter while selecting the ones that are allowed to grow.

Your tree can be restored back to shape even after heavy damage such as a broken trunk. Even a seemingly hopeless wreck can become a tree again with a bit of help. (See “Emergency treatment” in examples of realised projects).

The treatment must take place between a maximum of 3 to 5 years from the damage in order for us to be able to choose the parts that will constitute the “spine” of the restored tree.

Similarly as when steering the growth of a young tree, in restoration pruning must be done every 3 years or so to achieve the desired shape. If desired, the tree can also be “sculpted” in the process.

With a bit of patience and regular treatment, the results can be astonishing!