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Our trees have suffered greatly during this drought and the full impact will not be seen for a few years. While many trees died immediately, other trees that have been weakened by the drought will fall victim to pests and disease in the coming years. Careful pruning can help save some of them.
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Proper Pruning
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Specialists note that there are three basic reasons for pruning trees: safety, the health of the tree and finally for aesthetic reasons. Pruning for safety reasons involves removing branches that can fall and cause an injury or damage property. Once you see a number of dead limbs and branches it is only a matter of time before the deadwood snaps. This year we noticed a very large elm tree in our yard that had a lot of large dead limbs and branches and we made sure that before hurricane season we had it pruned. In a high wind the broken limbs and branches become flying weapons.
Pruning for health involves removing diseased or insect-infested wood and thinning the crown to increase airflow and reduce pest issues. Removing branches that cross and rub against each other is another reason for careful pruning.
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Improper Pruning
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Pruning can encourage trees to develop a strong structure and reduce the possibility of damage during severe weather. Also, removing broken or damaged limbs encourages the closure of wounds.
Pruning for aesthetics is basically enhancing the natural form and character of the tree or to stimulate flower production.
Pruning techniques like topping or tipping should NOT be done. Topping, the pruning of large upright branches between nodes and tipping, the practice of cutting lateral branches between nodes, is harmful to the tree. While it is common in Houston to cut back crape myrtles most experts call it "crape murder" for the indiscriminate and crude way it is done.
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