Let us talk about trees. Specifically, we will talk about pruning them. You might think it is just about cutting some branches. However, I have seen many messed-up trees around Missoula. I can tell you that it is much more complicated than that. As a local contractor, I see homeowners make the same mistakes many times. This usually ends up hurting their trees as well as costing them extra money. Sometimes it does both. We will go over what you need to know to avoid those problems.
Mistake #1: Topping Your Trees (Please Do Not Do This)
This is probably the biggest mistake you can make. It is also surprisingly common. Topping is when someone cuts off the main leader. It can also be a large part of the tree's upper canopy. This is often done to reduce its height quickly. Topping looks terrible. It is also very damaging to the tree.
- It stresses the tree a lot. This makes it open to pests as well as diseases.
- It causes weak, fast regrowth of many thin shoots that grow straight up. These shoots are likely to break. This is especially true with our heavy Missoula snowfalls as well as our winds.
- The large cuts do not heal correctly. This invites decay.
- Ultimately, topping can make your tree's life shorter. It can also make it look like a hat rack.
If a tree is too tall, a professional arborist will use techniques like crown reduction. This keeps the tree's natural shape as well as its health while making its size smaller.
Mistake #2: Pruning at the Wrong Time of Year
Timing is important when it comes to pruning. You can cause serious damage if you cut at the wrong time. For most trees that lose their leaves, the best time to prune is when they are not actively growing. This is usually from late fall to late winter.
- Pruning in spring or early summer is when a tree is growing a lot. This can remove too many leaves. This weakens the tree. It also makes it open to pests or disease.
- Cutting certain trees when insects are active can bring those pests to the fresh cuts.
- If you prune too late in the fall, you might make new growth start. This new growth will not have time to get strong before the cold weather hits. This leads to parts of the tree dying. It also leaves open cuts.
There is an exception. Dead or dangerous branches can be removed any time of year. They should be removed to stop them from causing damage.
Mistake #3: Not Hiring a Certified Arborist (Especially for Public Trees)
I understand that you want to save some money. However, when it comes to tree work, especially pruning, you really do get what you pay for. Many homeowners try to do the work themselves. They might also hire someone cheap without proper training. This is a big risk.
- A certified arborist has special training. They also have knowledge about tree biology as well as proper pruning techniques. They know about safety too. They know how to make cuts that help the tree heal. They do not make cuts that harm it.
- In Missoula, if you have trees in the public right-of-way, like boulevard trees, the City actually requires certain things. Any tree care must be done under the guidance of a certified arborist. You might even need a permit. The City of Missoula's Urban Forestry Division even keeps a list of local certified arborists.
- Contractors who do not have insurance put you at risk. If they get hurt on your property, you could be responsible. You could also be responsible if they damage something. Always ask for proof of insurance.
- Be careful of