Tree Trimming and Pruning

A Safe Approach to Caring for Your Trees

Maintaining healthy, beautiful trees on your property brings tremendous satisfaction, but it's important to approach tree care with safety and realistic expectations in mind. Proper timing and smart decision-making can help you enjoy this rewarding outdoor activity while protecting both yourself and your trees.

 

Timing is Everything

The best time for most tree pruning is during late winter to early spring, typically February through early April, before new growth begins. During this dormant period, trees have maximum energy stored in their roots and can heal wounds quickly once growing season starts. You'll also have a clear view of the tree's structure without leaves blocking your assessment.

However, flowering trees require special consideration. Spring bloomers like lilacs and forsythia should be pruned immediately after their flowers fade, while trees that bloom in summer or fall can be pruned during the standard late winter window. Fruit trees benefit from late winter pruning but wait until after the harshest cold has passed.

 

Preparing for Ice and Storm Damage

Winter ice accumulation poses serious risks to trees and property. Before ice season arrives, remove any dead, damaged, or weakly attached branches that could become hazardous projectiles. Thin out dense canopies to reduce ice load, but remember – this type of preventive work often requires professional expertise, especially for large trees.

After ice storms, resist the urge to immediately remove ice-laden branches by shaking or knocking ice off. This can cause more damage than the ice itself. Instead, allow ice to melt naturally when possible, and have professionals assess any significant damage before attempting repairs.

 

Safety First: Know Your Limits

The most important consideration in tree care is recognizing what you can safely handle yourself versus when to call professionals. Never attempt work near power lines – contact your utility company instead. Avoid any work requiring ladders, climbing, or handling branches larger than your wrist. Establish a 50-foot safety perimeter when others are working, and always wear safety glasses, gloves, and appropriate protective gear.

Focus your DIY efforts on ground-level work: removing small dead branches, light pruning of lower limbs, and general tree health assessment. If you need a ladder, can't easily reach the work area from the ground, or feel uncertain about any aspect of the job, it's time to call a certified arborist.

 

Prioritizing Tree Health

Regardless of season, immediately remove any branches that are dead, diseased, broken, or rubbing against each other. These create entry points for pests and diseases while weakening the tree's overall structure. Also watch for branches growing too close to your home, walkways, or blocking important sight lines.

Regular maintenance prevents many problems from becoming major issues, but remember that mature trees generally need only safety pruning and deadwood removal, not extensive shaping.

 

Recovery and Comfort After Tree Work

Even light tree work can leave you with sore muscles, stiff joints, and tired hands from gripping pruning tools. The repetitive motions of cutting, the strain of looking up, and the physical demands of handling branches often result in neck, shoulder, and back discomfort.

This is where natural pain relief becomes invaluable. Super Blue Stuff OTC or Super White Stuff OTC provide fast-acting relief for muscle soreness and joint stiffness, penetrating quickly without leaving a greasy residue. For hand and forearm fatigue from tool work, try our Handheld Electric Massager – its gentle vibration helps release tension and improve circulation.

The Spiky Ball Massage Roller works wonderfully for back tension from extended periods of looking up and reaching overhead. Its ergonomic design makes it easy to target those hard-to-reach spots between your shoulder blades.

For any minor scrapes or cuts from branches, Pure Prime Emu Oil helps wounds heal while moisturizing damaged skin. Its natural anti-inflammatory properties make it perfect for the small injuries that come with outdoor work.

Tree care should enhance your enjoyment of your property, not leave you uncomfortable for days afterward. With proper timing, realistic safety expectations, and natural recovery solutions, you can maintain beautiful trees while feeling your best.

 

Sources

International Society of Arboriculture - Tree Pruning Guidelines: https://www.treesaregood.org/treeowner/pruningyourtrees

University Extension Services - Proper Tree Pruning Techniques: https://www.arborday.org/media/11131/download

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) - Tree Care Safety: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/92-106/default.html

American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 Standards - Tree Care Operations: https://www.tcia.org/TCIA/Blog_Items/2016/Tree_Pruning_to_ANSI_Standards.aspx

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Tree Care Industry Standards: https://www.osha.gov/tree-care/standards

Created with assistance from Claude AI.

Edited by Stephen Eastmond.