5 Common Myths About Tree Pruning

Pruning is one of the most important aspects of tree management and maintenance. It affects trees' ability to withstand longevity, health, and storm damage. Unfortunately, this maintenance procedure is often misunderstood due to myths that cloud its true value.

Myth # 1

Trees grow well without pruning.

It is true that forest plants grow perfectly with natural pruning methods. But most suburban garden trees have different needs. Most suburban trees need some form of pruning to maintain and maintain their shape and to remove fast-growing water buds. When pruning a tree, be careful not to remove more than a third of the crown in a single pruning.

Myth # 2

If you get too close to the trunk, the tree will heal immediately.

Trees do not actually heal. In other words, you cannot replace damaged or lost tissue. They can only cover the wound by growing a new layer of wood. When pruning, keep the branches from getting too close to the tree limbs and preserve the color of the branches.

Myth # 3

Pruning wounds larger than 3 inches in diameter must be coated with a wound dressing.

Tree wound bandages or sealants are oil-based products, traditionally used to seal freshly cut wood and prevent decay or insect infestation. However, research has shown that using wound dressings can cause rot when containment of moisture impedes compartmentalization and ultimately cracks that can expose trees to pathogens. It also slows down the production of new wood layers.

Myth # 4

Prunes the crown to compensate for root loss during transplantation.

Pruning trees after transplanting is not a good idea unless you need to remove dead or broken branches. Young tree crowns should not be pruned to make up for lost roots. Minimal pruning is required for the first three years of planting.

Myth # 5

Pruning certain tree species early in the spring can cause bleeding and lead to stress and health problems.

It is true that certain trees, such as maple and birch, “bleed” from pruned cuts made early in spring. However, this bleeding does not damage the tree or cause stress. Bleeding often occurs when a tree loses sap. Sap is not at all important to the overall health of the tree. You can prun your tree at any time of the year, with a few exceptions. However, the best time to do it is during tree dormancy or after flowering. The worst pruning time is when the tree just cut leaves during the spring.