The Dos and Don’ts of Tree Pruning: Best Practices

As a premier tree service company serving the Orlando area for almost 20 years, we know firsthand how critical proper tree pruning best practices are for maintaining healthy trees. While pruning seems straightforward on the surface, there’s a defined art and science to executing quality cuts that preserve plant health.

Without adhering to industry best practices, even well-intentioned pruning efforts can leave trees stressed, permanently disfigured, or vulnerable to diseases and decay.

That’s why partnering with an experienced Orlando tree pruning company is essential for preserving and maximizing the value of your property’s trees and landscaping. Certified Arborists undergo rigorous training in pruning methods and understand the ideal techniques for different tree species and their unique growth habits.

In this guide to tree pruning in Orlando, we’ll cover key dos and don’ts from techniques to timing—helping you make informed decisions for your trees’ care. While some types of minor pruning can be handled by homeowners, major tree work should be left to skilled professionals.

Let’s start by defining what exactly tree pruning entails:

Tree Pruning Defined

Pruning encompasses the targeted removal of diseased, dead, dying, or structurally problematic branches and limbs. Done judiciously, pruning improves trees’ structural integrity, health, and visual appeal while stimulating new growth.

The Importance of Professional Tree Pruning Best Practices in Orlando

Orlando’s humid subtropical climate helps create lush landscapes but also presents challenges for many cultivated tree species. Hot, rainy conditions amplify insect and disease pressures, potentially stressing trees and limiting their lifespans if not maintained.

Regular professional pruning provides a measure of prevention from these issues by:

• Removing dead or diseased branches before decay spreads into the trunk
• Improving air circulation throughout interior branches to discourage pests and pathogens
• Thinning dense growth to reduce wind resistance and inhibit branch failures
• Enhancing structural form by addressing defects early on
• Stimulating flower/fruit output

Now that you understand the essentials, let’s delve into some key dos and don’ts for Orlando tree pruning best practices:

Tree Pruning Best Practices Dos:

• DO Make Proper Pruning Cuts: Using the right cutting techniques is essential for tree health. Always cut just above an outward-facing lateral bud or branch, angled away from the stem with sharp pruners. This allows the plant to seal over the cut efficiently.
• DO Remove Crossing/Rubbing Branches: As trees grow, it’s common for certain branches to cross or rub together. Remove these conflicting limbs before they damage each other, create hollow areas, or allow insect/disease entry.
• DO Thin Out Dense Canopies: Periodically thinning out dense interior foliage and crossed branches increases light penetration and airflow within tree crowns. This reduces stress and fungal issues common in humid climates.
• DO Establish Strong Structure Early: Proper pruning at a young age helps trees establish proper form and branching habits. Minor corrections at nursery ages prevent larger defects or weak joints later on.
• DO Prioritize Safety: Remove any low-hanging limbs obstructing walkways, driveways, or buildings, as well as dead branches over outdoor living spaces. This reduces hazards from falling limbs or impacts.

Tree Pruning Best Practices Don’ts:

• DON’T Prune Without a Reason: Indiscriminate pruning is never advisable. Only remove what’s truly necessary, avoiding aggressive over-pruning, which stresses trees. Live with reasonable slight defects.
• DON’T Use Pruning Sealants or Dressings: Let trees self-seal their pruning cuts naturally. Sealants don’t aid recovery but can trap moisture and pathogens, worsening wounds instead.
• DON’T Prune Too Close to the Trunk: Leaving a small branch collar when pruning near trunks helps expedite the sealing process. Flush cuts into trunks leave unnecessarily large wounds.
• DON’T Top or Lionshead Trees: Topping trees by indiscriminately cutting leaders and branches leaves unhealthy, disfiguring stubs. Instead, selectively thin branches or hire a professional for proper crown reduction.
• DON’T Remove Too Much Interior Foliage: Over-thinning interiors expose trees to sunscald and compromises their ability to feed through photosynthesis. Only thin moderately based on species.
• DON’T Use Pruning Tools Improperly: Dull pruners and saws shred barks instead of making clean cuts. Sanitize tools properly between trees. Consider upgrading tools if you’re having difficulties making smooth cuts.

When to Hire an Orlando Tree Pruning Company

While minor pruning of young or small trees can be fine for homeowners, many situations warrant hiring pros:

• Pruning mature trees over 20' tall from the ground
• Pruning near utility lines or buildings/roofs requiring specialized equipment
• Extensively thinning out overgrown or neglected trees
• Structural pruning to address potentially hazardous defects
• Precision pruning for crown raisings, reductions, or ornamental shaping

Our team of ISA Certified Arborists have the knowledge, experience, and tools to safely tackle even challenging pruning scenarios. We can make the necessary cuts and trims while preserving your trees’ lasting health and beauty.

Hiring our professional tree pruning company also ensures you aren’t inadvertently harming your trees through incorrect pruning techniques. Our experts recognize species-specific pruning needs and methods to use based on growth habits.

Tree Pruning Tools & Safety Equipment

At Tree Work Now, our climbers and ground crews utilize a full arsenal of specialized pruning equipment tailored to various tasks:

• Pruning Shears/Loppers
• Hand Pruning Saws
• Pole Pruners/Pruning Poles
• Chainsaws
• Professional Tree-Climbing Saddles
• Rigging Lines/Pulleys

More importantly, all members of our pruning teams receive ongoing training on ANSI Z133 Standards for safely using this equipment correctly. From proper tie-in techniques to avoiding electrical hazards, our number one priority is worksite and property safety.

Professional Tree Pruning Best Practices Used in Orlando

In addition to standard clean pruning techniques, here are some common pruning practices our certified arborists perform for Orlando trees:

• Crown Thinning: Interior branches are methodically pruned out to increase light penetration and air circulation without drastically altering the tree’s form.
• Crown Raising: Lower branching is removed to provide clearance underneath canopies for buildings, signage, walkways, etc. Canopies can be systematically raised over time.
• Crown Reduction: We use tactical pruning cuts throughout canopies to reduce overall tree height while preserving natural form and branching habits—often for utility line clearances.
• Cleaning/Deadwood Removal: Dead, dying, diseased, or damaged branch removal keeps trees looking vibrant and eliminates safety hazards from hanging deadwood.
• Palm Tree Pruning: Many Orlando residents underestimate the specialized pruning palms require to remain lush. We provide annual crown cleaning, boot sheath removal, stalk pruning, and hurricane pruning for palms.
• Fruit Tree Pruning: For citrus trees, specific pruning methods encourage solid branching structure, airflow, and a balance between flowering/fruiting wood to maximize yields.

It’s also essential to prune the right way for the right reasons. But what about when tree pruning actually should be avoided?

Times Not to Prune Trees in Orlando

While most trees benefit from periodic pruning, there are certain times when pruning is discouraged:

• During active spring/summer growth flushes
• Immediately after transplanting, as trees are already stressed
• During the fall before winter, leaving fresh pruning cuts open into the cold weather
• On drought-stressed or weakened trees not ready to handle

In addition to not pruning during the wrong times of year, there are also certain species that generally require minimal pruning or careful pruning approaches:

• Oak Trees: Pruning oaks during active spring season can make them susceptible to oak wilt disease transmission. Major pruning is best done in late fall/winter.
• Crape Myrtles: These popular small trees respond best to light, selective thinning and deadwood removal versus aggressive interior pruning that can stimulate excessive knob growth.
• Pines: Pine trees naturally self-prune lower branches through shading. Only light pruning is recommended to thin dense growth or raise lower branches when small.
• Mahogany & Eucalyptus: These trees develop heavy branches and don’t always seal over pruning cuts effectively. Conservative pruning is advised to limit decay potential.

Whenever you have trees requiring specialized pruning approaches, it’s wise to consult a professional tree pruning company in Orlando like Tree Work Now. Our certified arborists can evaluate your trees and make pruning recommendations specific to the species, size, and situation.

Why Hire Professional Orlando Tree Pruning Services?

While basic pruning may seem straightforward, there are many nuances and precautions necessary for preserving tree health and structural integrity long-term. Improper pruning can set trees up for future insect/disease issues, disfigurement, and even structural failure down the road.

Certified arborists undergo extensive health, safety, biology, and pruning technique training to earn their credentials. We operate based on industry Best Management Practices (BMPs) for pruning every ornamental tree, shrub, palm, and edible species.

Working with Tree Work Now for tree pruning in Orlando ensures:

• 1. Safety as the Top Priority Our crews are thoroughly trained in ANSI Z133 safety standards and equipped with proper arborist saddles, ropes, and rigging equipment for working at heights. We also maintain ample liability insurance coverage for pruning services.
• 2. Disease Prevention: We sanitize our pruning equipment between trees and jobs to prevent potentially spreading pathogens. Our ArborSafe methods minimize unnecessary wounding and decay risks.
• 3. Pruning Schedule Optimization: Based on species and growth rates, we can develop optimal pruning cycle timelines and forecasts to keep your trees on track—not overpruning or letting them become overgrown.
• 4. Long-Term Tree Health & Structure: With expert techniques and an understanding of tree biology, our pruning methods aim to establish ideal form and structure from an early age in your trees. This proactive approach allows your trees to reach their full potential and maturity.
• 5. Resource for Professional Advice: In addition to performing the physical pruning services, our team is a resource for professional advice on managing your trees, addressing concerns, or planning future tree care.
• 6. Prevention of Unnecessary Tree Removals: Often, proper pruning and structural maintenance can correct defects or mitigate issues safely, preventing the need for premature tree removals to eliminate perceived hazards. Our pruning services aim to maximize tree preservation.

Skilled pruning from Tree Work Now promotes lush, safe, and sustainable growth for your ornamental trees and landscape. We take pride in preserving and enhancing the beauty of our clients’ properties through expert tree care.

Let Us Develop a Pruning Plan for Your Orlando Trees

If you’re ready to experience the benefits of professional pruning services in Orlando and surrounding communities, reach out to Tree Work Now. We’ll be glad to schedule an onsite consultation and inspection of your landscape.

One of our Certified Arborists will evaluate the trees on your property, noting any pruning needs, structural defects, or upcoming maintenance to budget for. From there, we can provide free proposals for one-time pruning services or develop a recurring tree care program customized for your needs and budget.

Tree Work Now offers comprehensive tree pruning services, including:

• Standard pruning/structural pruning
• Crown thinning, raising, reductions
• Hazard tree pruning/shaping
• Ornamental pruning for aesthetics
• Flowering tree/shrub pruning
• Fruit tree pruning
• Hedge trimming services
• Palm pruning/palm tree services
• Tree bracing and cabling installations
• Tree removal services if needed

With our team’s specialized training, advanced climbing techniques, and proper cutting methods, we can properly prune any size tree on your property—even challenging large oaks or removing hazardous dangling branches.

Our affordable tree pruning costs are based on tree size, pruning scope, access, and techniques needed. We strive to provide unmatched value through quality pruning practices that enhance the long-term beauty and value of your landscape.

Take the guesswork out of tree pruning and let us develop and execute a pruning plan optimized for your trees and goals. Proper pruning is an investment in their lasting vitality, structure, and your property’s curb appeal.

Based in Orlando, we provide tree pruning and plant health care services throughout the metro area and surrounding communities like Apopka, Oviedo, Winter Park, Windermere, Kissimmee, and beyond.

For a free pruning estimate or to schedule a consultation with one of our Certified Arborists, call our office today at 407-416-2704. Let’s ensure pruning is done right for the maximum benefits to your valuable landscape!