The Biggest Mistakes Homeowners Make When Trimming Their Trees
Kelsey T. • September 18, 2020
Maintaining trees in a way that allows property to be protected is something most homeowners value and do on their own from time to time. Consistent trimming and pruning will allow the tree to live longer by preventing disease caused from dead tree limbs. Continuing to trim improperly will harm the tree more than it will benefit it. This post will go over some of the biggest tree care no-no's that are seen all too often throughout the world.
Slicing Through the Branch Collar
It is important to outline what the branch collar is before diving into the details. The branch collar is the closest part of the branch that shares itself with the base of the tree. It is composed of vascular tissue which will release sap if it is cut into. The wound caused by it will take a long time to heal and can lead to infection throughout the tree. The reason this mistake occurs so often is because people who try to cut the limbs themselves will often try to cut limb so that it is flush with the trunk of the tree. Doing so will remove or damage the branch collar, causing complications. The best way to trim a tree limb is to leave the branch collar unaltered by leaving at least a one inch nub from the branch and the base of the tree.
Transferring Disease
Like their human counterparts, trees can receive transferable diseases through various forms of bacteria and fungal spores. The most common vehicle that these spores travel on is through un-sanitized sheers used on other trees. A simple method that goes a long way in tree health is to simply disinfect shears between trees. This will kill any unwanted parasites on the blades and keep the disease from transferring.
On a side note, keeping the foot of the tree clear of any fallen branches, foliage, or debris will also ensure that disease can harbor near the root system. When trimming a tree, make sure that the pile of removed limbs are kept away from the root system or completely disposed of.
Using Unsharpened Shears
Hacking a tree with aged or dull scissors can cause complications down the line for the branch collar. Having to cut multiple times on a branch will take longer for the tree to heal. These serrated wounds will open up an entry point for rot and disease to enter into. If trimming your own trees, invent in a set of lopping shears that sharp enough to chop through branches with ease. Getting old shears sharpened is another option as well.
Cutting the Wrong Tree Branch
Cutting away to many branches can cause the base to weaken overtime and disform as a result of over-pruning. As a rule of thumb, analyze the tree in question and remove dead or decaying branches before moving onto any other limbs. Branches that form a V-shaped angle are candidates for removal after the dead limbs are removed. From this point, it is important to assess the status of the tree and decide whether or not to continue cutting. If needed, remove smaller branches first before chopping off larger limbs.
Trimming at an Improper Time or Season
Certain species of trees are best to be left alone as certain times of the year. The bleeding sap from an exposed limb can attract petulant insects which can then spread disease throughout the tree or take it to other trees. This can also cause the bloom of fruit or foliage to be impeded or stopped completely. Late winter is often the best time for trimming for trees to do not bloom. For those that do bloom, it is best practice to wait until the tree has stopped blooming to prune. Throughout the year, dead limbs can be removed whenever they might occur.
If you have any questions about taking care of trees the right way, make sure to call our licensed arborist for all of your tree care questions. We have the proper knowledge of Colorado native trees and can consult and advice in tree care practices.
Oak trees are a majestic and valuable part of our landscape. With their sprawling canopies and sturdy trunks, they provide shade, beauty, and a sense of permanence. To keep these magnificent trees healthy, safe, and beautiful, they require proper care, and one of the most critical aspects of that care is timely trimming. However, trimming an oak tree isn't as simple as grabbing a saw; the "when" is just as important as the "how." At Aurora Tree Service, we understand the unique needs of oak trees. Our certified arborists have the expertise to help homeowners make the right decisions to ensure the health and longevity of their trees. Incorrect or poorly timed trimming can expose oaks to serious diseases and cause lasting damage. This guide will walk you through the essential factors in deciding when to trim your oak tree and explain why professional guidance is your best investment. The Most Important Rule: Avoid Oak Wilt Season If you learn only one thing about trimming oaks, let it be this: timing is critical to prevent oak wilt. Oak wilt is a deadly fungal disease that can kill a healthy oak tree in a single season. The fungus is spread by tiny sap beetles that are attracted to the fresh wounds on a tree. The highest risk period for spreading oak wilt is during the spring and early summer (typically April through July). During this time, the beetles are most active, and the trees are most susceptible to infection. Therefore, the number one rule of oak tree care is to avoid trimming oak trees during the high-risk season. Making a pruning cut during this window is like sending an open invitation to these disease-carrying pests. A single mistake can have devastating consequences, not just for your tree, but for other oaks in the neighborhood. This is why professional consultation is so important. An expert from Aurora Tree Service can confirm the safest trimming window for our specific region. The Best Time to Trim Oak Trees So, if spring and early summer are off-limits, when is the best time to prune? The ideal time to trim oak trees is during their dormant season. Dormant Season (Late Fall and Winter): From November through March is generally the safest and most beneficial time to prune your oaks. Here’s why dormancy is the golden rule for oak trimming: Disease Prevention: The sap beetles that spread oak wilt are inactive in the cold weather, making the risk of infection extremely low. Better Visibility: Without leaves, the arborist has a clear view of the tree's entire structure. This allows them to easily identify dead, damaged, or crossing branches and make more precise cuts. Reduced Stress on the Tree: Pruning during dormancy is less stressful for the tree. It is not actively growing, so it can dedicate its energy reserves to healing the pruning wounds once spring arrives, leading to a vigorous burst of new growth. Signs Your Oak Tree Needs Trimming Even outside of a regular maintenance schedule, your oak tree will give you signs that it needs attention. Knowing what to look for can help you identify potential issues before they become serious hazards. Contact a professional arborist if you notice any of the following: 1. Dead, Dying, or Broken Branches This is the most common and urgent reason for trimming. Deadwood is not only unattractive but also a significant safety risk. These branches can break and fall unexpectedly, posing a danger to people, your home, or your vehicles. How to Spot It: Look for branches that have no leaves in the growing season, have peeling bark, or are clearly broken. Our arborists can easily identify deadwood even in winter. 2. Overgrowth and Lack of Airflow A canopy that is too dense can cause problems. It blocks sunlight from reaching the lawn and plants below, but more importantly, it restricts airflow through the branches. Poor circulation can create a damp environment that encourages fungal growth and disease. What It Looks Like: The tree's canopy looks overly thick and congested. Selective thinning of branches can improve the tree's health and structure. 3. Branches Posing a Hazard Your tree's growth can sometimes conflict with its surroundings. It’s crucial to address these issues proactively. Common Hazards: Low-hanging branches that obstruct walkways, driveways, or your view of the street. Branches that are rubbing against your roof or siding, which can cause damage to both the tree and your home. Limbs growing too close to power lines, which is a serious electrical hazard that must be handled by professionals. 4. Crossing or Rubbing Branches When two branches grow in a way that they cross and rub against each other, the friction wears away the bark. This creates a wound that serves as an entry point for pests and diseases. Trimming one of these branches is essential to protect the tree's long-term health. Why Professional Trimming is a Must for Oaks While it might be tempting to handle a few small branches yourself, trimming large, mature oak trees is a job best left to the experts at Aurora Tree Service. 1. Expertise in Proper Technique: A certified arborist knows exactly how to make the right cuts. Proper pruning cuts are made just outside the branch collar, which allows the tree to heal correctly. A "flush cut" (cutting too close to the trunk) or leaving a "stub" (cutting too far out) can both lead to decay and disease. 2. Safety and Equipment: Trimming large trees involves working at height and handling heavy branches. Our professionals have the training, safety gear, and specialized equipment to do the job safely, protecting both our team and your property. 3. Health Assessment: When we come to trim your tree, we do more than just remove branches. We perform a full health assessment, looking for early signs of disease, pest infestations, or structural weaknesses that an untrained eye might miss. 4. Peace of Mind: Knowing your majestic oak is being cared for correctly, at the right time of year, provides invaluable peace of mind. You can be confident that your tree will remain a safe and beautiful asset for years to come. Let Aurora Tree Service Protect Your Oaks Your oak trees are a significant investment in your property's value and beauty. Protecting them requires knowledge, proper timing, and expert care. Don't risk the health of your trees by guessing when or how to prune them. The team at Aurora Tree Service is here to provide the professional guidance you need. We can help you determine the perfect time to trim, identify potential hazards, and ensure your oaks thrive for generations. Is it time for a professional check-up for your oak tree? Contact Aurora Tree Service today for a consultation and a free estimate on our expert tree trimming services. Meta Information Meta Title: When to Trim Oak Trees | Aurora Tree Service Tips Meta Description: Learn the best time to trim your oak trees to prevent disease and ensure safety. Contact Aurora Tree Service for expert oak tree care and trimming.
After a tree is removed, the work isn't quite finished. You're left with an unsightly and potentially hazardous stump, an obstacle that can ruin the look of your landscape and get in the way of your future plans for the space. The question then becomes: what’s the best way to get rid of it? The two primary professional methods are stump grinding and complete stump removal . While they might sound similar, they are fundamentally different processes with distinct outcomes, costs, and impacts on your property. At Aurora Tree Service, we help homeowners navigate this choice every day. Understanding the pros and cons of each method is key to making an informed decision that aligns with your budget, timeline, and goals for your yard. This guide will break down the differences between stump grinding and stump removal to help you determine the best solution for your property. What is Stump Grinding? Stump grinding is the most common method for dealing with unwanted tree stumps. The process involves using a powerful machine called a stump grinder, which is equipped with a high-speed rotating cutting wheel that has sharp carbide teeth. The grinder systematically chips away at the stump, turning it into small wood chips and mulch. The process grinds the stump down to a specified depth below the ground, typically between 6 and 12 inches. This effectively removes the visible part of the stump and the main stump body just below the soil line, allowing you to cover the area with topsoil and plant grass or a shallow-rooted garden. The extensive root system of the tree, however, is left in the ground to decay naturally over time. Pros of Stump Grinding Cost-Effective: Stump grinding is significantly less expensive than full removal. The machinery is smaller, the process is faster, and it requires less intensive labor, all of which contribute to a lower price point. Less Invasive: Because only the stump itself is targeted, the surrounding landscape experiences minimal disturbance. There's no large hole left behind, and the impact on your lawn, nearby garden beds, and other landscaping is kept to a minimum. Faster Process: A typical stump grinding job can be completed relatively quickly, often in an hour or two, depending on the size and type of the stump. This means less disruption to your day and property. Creates Useful Mulch: The grinding process produces a pile of wood chips. This mulch can be used in your garden beds, around trees, or as a natural compost material, turning a problem into a valuable resource for your yard. Cons of Stump Grinding Roots Remain: The primary drawback is that the tree's root system is left underground. While these roots will eventually decompose, this can take many years. They can continue to be an obstacle for future construction or deep planting. Potential for Regrowth: In some persistent tree species, new sprouts can emerge from the remaining roots. While not common, it can be a nuisance that requires ongoing management. Not Suitable for Construction: If you plan to build a foundation, patio, driveway, or other structure where the stump was, grinding is not the right choice. The remaining roots will decompose, creating voids in the soil that can cause the new structure to sink and crack over time. What is Stump Removal? Stump removal is a far more intensive and comprehensive process. It involves pulling the entire stump and its major root ball out of the ground. This is typically accomplished using heavy machinery like backhoes, excavators, or tractors equipped with chains and levers to forcefully extract the entire root structure. This method leaves a large hole in your yard that will need to be filled with topsoil or other material. While it is a much more disruptive process, it provides a completely clear slate for any future projects. Pros of Stump Removal Complete Elimination: Stump removal eradicates the entire stump and the main root ball from the property. This eliminates any chance of regrowth and removes all underground obstructions. Ready for Construction: This is the only suitable method if you plan to build a structure, pour a concrete slab, or plant a new, large tree in the same spot. It provides a stable ground free of decaying organic matter. No Lingering Roots: You won't have to worry about old roots interfering with future landscaping, plumbing, or utility line work. The space is completely clear, both above and below the ground. Cons of Stump Removal High Cost: Stump removal is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process that requires heavy equipment. As a result, it is significantly more expensive than stump grinding. Major Landscape Disruption: This process will leave a large crater in your yard where the stump and roots were. The heavy machinery can also cause damage to the surrounding lawn. The cost and effort of filling the hole and repairing the landscape should be factored in. Time-Consuming: Extracting a large root ball can take several hours and is a much more involved project than grinding. Disposal is an Issue: Once removed, you are left with a massive, heavy stump and root ball that must be disposed of. This can be difficult and often incurs additional costs. How to Choose: Guidance from Aurora Tree Service As you can see, the right choice depends entirely on your specific circumstances. At Aurora Tree Service, our experts will ask you a few key questions to guide you to the best solution: What are your future plans for the area? This is the most important question. If you plan to build anything (a deck, foundation, shed, or patio) or plant a new tree, complete stump removal is necessary. For simply planting grass or a shallow flower bed, stump grinding is the perfect solution. What is your budget? For most homeowners who just want to get rid of an eyesore and reclaim their lawn, the cost-effectiveness of stump grinding makes it the clear winner. If your budget is tight, grinding provides an excellent result for a fraction of the cost of removal. How quickly do you need it done? If you're on a tight schedule, stump grinding is a much faster process with less subsequent cleanup and landscaping work required. Are you concerned about environmental impact? Stump grinding is generally considered more environmentally friendly. It uses less powerful machinery, causes less soil disruption, and repurposes the stump into useful mulch right on-site. Trust the Experts at Aurora Tree Service Whether stump grinding or full removal is the right path for you, both jobs require professional expertise and equipment to be done safely and effectively. The team at Aurora Tree Service has the skills and machinery to handle any stump, no matter the size or location. We pride ourselves on providing clear, honest advice to help our clients make choices that best suit their needs and budget. We don't just get rid of the stump; we ensure the job is done right, with minimal impact on your property and a clean, tidy finish. Don't let that old tree stump dictate your landscape's potential. Contact Aurora Tree Service today for a free consultation and let our experts help you decide between stump grinding and removal. Meta Information Meta Title: Stump Grinding vs. Removal | Aurora Tree Service Meta Description: Unsure whether to grind or remove a tree stump? Aurora Tree Service explains the pros, cons, and costs of each method to help you choose the best option.
Pine trees are a majestic and iconic part of the Aurora landscape, adding year-round color, providing shade, and creating a natural screen for privacy. While they are often seen as low-maintenance, proper trimming is essential to their long-term health, safety, and beauty. However, trimming a pine tree is not like pruning a deciduous shrub; it requires specific knowledge and precise timing to avoid causing permanent damage. At Aurora Tree Service, we specialize in the professional care of pine trees. Our certified arborists understand the unique biology of conifers and know exactly how to trim them to promote healthy growth, prevent disease, and enhance their natural form. This guide will explain why and when you should trim your pine trees and how our expert services can protect your valuable green assets. Why Proper Pine Tree Trimming is Crucial Unlike many other trees, pines have a specific growth pattern. They grow from the tips of their branches, a process known as "candling" in the spring. If you cut a pine branch back to old wood (where there are no needles), it will not regrow. This is why improper trimming can leave permanent bald spots and ruin the tree's shape. Professional trimming focuses on strategic cuts that work with the tree's natural growth habits. 1. Enhancing Health and Preventing Disease Proper trimming is a vital part of proactive tree healthcare. By removing dead, dying, or diseased branches, we improve air circulation and sunlight penetration throughout the canopy. This creates an environment that is less hospitable to fungal diseases like tip blight and pests such as the pine beetle, which can devastate pine populations. A well-pruned tree is a healthier, more resilient tree. 2. Improving Structural Integrity and Safety Over time, pine trees can develop weak or competing branches, especially after storms or heavy snowfall. These compromised limbs pose a significant risk to your property and safety. Our arborists at Aurora Tree Service can identify and carefully remove these hazards. We also specialize in "crown thinning," a technique that selectively removes branches to reduce the tree's weight and wind resistance, making it less likely to fail during a storm. 3. Controlling Size and Maintaining Shape While it's best to plant a tree that fits its space at maturity, sometimes pines can outgrow their intended area, encroaching on buildings, power lines, or walkways. We use specialized techniques to carefully manage a pine's size without harming its health. Trimming also allows us to enhance the tree’s natural, beautiful form, ensuring it remains a stunning feature of your landscape. The Best Time to Trim Your Pine Trees Timing is everything when it comes to pine tree care. Pruning at the wrong time of year can stress the tree, make it vulnerable to pests and disease, or inhibit its growth for the following season. There are two main periods when trimming is recommended, depending on the goal. Late Winter to Early Spring (Dormant Season) The ideal time for most major pine tree trimming is during the dormant season, typically from late winter to early spring. Why it's ideal: During dormancy, the tree's sap flow is minimal. This reduces the "bleeding" of sticky sap from pruning cuts, which can attract harmful insects. More importantly, pests like the pine beetle are inactive in the cold, so there is a much lower risk of an infestation taking hold at the wound sites. What we do: This is the perfect time for structural pruning, removing large dead or hazardous limbs, and significant crown thinning. The absence of leaves on surrounding deciduous trees also gives our arborists a clearer view of the pine's structure, allowing for more precise and effective cuts. Late Spring to Early Summer (Candling Season) For controlling the size and density of a pine tree, the "candling" period in late spring is the target window. Pines produce new growth in the form of soft, upward-pointing shoots that look like candles. Why it's ideal: Pruning these "candles" before their needles fully expand is the best way to manage a pine's size. By pinching or cutting the candles back by about half their length, you can slow the tree's growth for the year without leaving a noticeable stub. This encourages the tree to become denser and more compact. What we do: This technique is used for shaping and maintaining the size of ornamental pines, such as Mugo pines, or for keeping larger pines from encroaching on structures. This must be done carefully to avoid stunting the tree's growth entirely. When to Avoid Trimming Pine Trees Unless you are removing a limb that poses an immediate safety hazard, you should generally avoid trimming pine trees in the summer and fall. Summer Pruning Risks: Pruning during the active growing season (after the candles have hardened) can expose the tree to heat stress and, most critically, to active populations of boring insects. The fresh scent of pine sap from a pruning cut can act as a beacon for destructive pests. Fall Pruning Risks: Making cuts in the fall can encourage a late-season flush of new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This tender new growth is highly susceptible to winter damage, which can stress the tree. The Aurora Tree Service Approach to Pine Trimming When you partner with Aurora Tree Service, you are hiring certified arborists who combine scientific knowledge with years of hands-on experience. Our process ensures your pine trees receive the best possible care. 1. Detailed Assessment Our process starts with a thorough inspection. An arborist will evaluate your pine tree's health, structure, and location. We listen to your goals—whether they involve safety, aesthetics, or size management—and develop a customized trimming plan that aligns with the tree's specific needs. 2. Precise and Strategic Pruning Our team uses state-of-the-art equipment and follows industry best practices (ANSI A300 standards) for every cut. We understand the biology of pine trees and make only the necessary cuts to achieve your goals while protecting the tree's health. We never use harmful techniques like "topping," which can permanently disfigure and weaken a pine tree. 3. Meticulous Cleanup We treat your property with respect. After the trimming is complete, our crew conducts a thorough cleanup, removing all branches and debris. We leave your yard looking clean and tidy, with nothing left behind but a beautifully pruned tree. Trust the Professionals at Aurora Tree Service Trimming a pine tree is a delicate task that requires a deep understanding of tree biology and a commitment to safety. A wrong cut can cause irreversible damage, while a proper trim can ensure your tree thrives for decades to come. Don’t risk the health and beauty of your valuable pine trees with DIY guesswork. The team at Aurora Tree Service has the expertise, equipment, and passion to care for your pines correctly. We are dedicated to providing safe, effective, and professional tree care that protects your investment and enhances the beauty of your landscape. Is it time to have your pine trees inspected or trimmed? Contact Aurora Tree Service today for a professional consultation and a free estimate from our certified arborists. Meta Information Meta Title: Pine Tree Trimming Guide | Aurora Tree Service Meta Description: When is the best time to trim pine trees? Learn from the experts at Aurora Tree Service how proper trimming protects tree health, safety, and beauty.