Not to be confused with size
Pruning is often confused with tree pruning, but these are two distinct operations. Pruning aims to give the tree a shape or keep it by cutting certain branches or twigs or sometimes even all of them. It is also a question of removing annoying, dangerous branches or which encroach on the neighboring properties. Pruning is more meticulous and aims to promote the development of a tree and increase its fruit production.
When can or should we prune?
A branch can be pruned when it is troublesome or dangerous. It is considered as such in a number of cases such as:
- When it is dead and alters the appearance of the tree while representing a danger, because it risks falling;
- When it is damaged or broken and can represent an entry point for phytosanitary diseases of the tree;
- When its development interferes with or threatens its environment, such as when it comes too close to a house, an electrical line, a road or any other traffic route;
- When it encroaches on the property or the neighbour’s house;
- When it grows in a disorderly way that alters the harmony of the shape of the tree.
A legal obligation in certain cases
Pruning is, in some cases, a legal obligation. This is particularly the case for garden owners whose trees grow beyond the limits of their property. Branches that cross the garden boundaries and encroach on the neighbour’s property must then be cut.
If the house is occupied by a tenant, it is the latter who is responsible for pruning the trees that exceed the limits of the property.
In the event of refusal to prune by the owner or the tenant, the neighbor may compel him to do so by means of conciliation or by way of litigation.
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When to prune?
It is possible to prune throughout the year as long as the number of branches to be pruned does not represent no more than 20% from the top of the tree. This type of pruning is therefore mainly carried out in emergency cases, after a storm, for example, or when there is a risk of falling branches.
It should be noted, however, that each season has advantages and disadvantages for pruning. If in winter the tree is dormant and there is no more sap flow, pruning during this season can cause many suckers to appear in the spring, when the sap begins to circulate again. These suckers can alter the structure of the tree and should therefore be pruned as soon as they appear. Also, pruning in winter, when there is no sap flow, makes wound healing slower, extending the tree’s period of vulnerability.
Outside of winter, the sap circulates sufficiently to facilitate wound healing, but pruning should be avoided during periods of drought when the tree is weakened. In addition, at the beginning of spring, pruning can cause sap flow which impoverishes and weakens the tree.
There is therefore no no ideal time to pruneespecially since the evolution of a tree after pruning varies enormously from one species to another.
What tools to use?
Pruning is a delicate and sometimes even dangerous operation, such as when it comes to cutting large branches, especially at height. So do not improvise, because cutting a branch can cause damage, both to its immediate environment such as houses or vehicles, and to the lower branches of the same tree.
To prune a tree, you must therefore equip yourself with cutting equipment such as a pruning saw, a telescopic branch cutter and, for the thickest branches, a chainsaw.
It is also essential to protect yourself with adequate equipment: helmet with screen or goggles, hearing protection when using the chainsaw, ropes, harnesses and safety clothing.
For large pruning jobs, on very tall trees and very massive branches, it is best to hire a professional pruner.