Tree Pruning is the process that maintains plant’s health and safety.
Tree cleaning or tree thinning, the removal of live branches to reduce density, helps by reducing wind resistance and storm damage of our last hurricanes in West Cork. Hence, thinning is done on trees where the crown is too dense, on the outer portions of the canopy, leaving as many branches on the interior crown as possible.
In some instances, the crown or individual branches require reduction in length.
First, in order to improve the form and shape of the plant.
Second, in order to eliminate interference with objects and structures.
Third, in order to compensate for structural weaknesses.
Ultimately, lower branches may require pruning for similar reasons. In addition, the raising process increases the amount of light for turf grass and ground covers beneath the crown of a tree.
This procedure ensures a strong framework for future growth.
Therefore, lower branches tend to grow at the same rate as the terminal leader.
However, this results in weak attachments which will likely fail later in the life of the plant.
For this reason, tree pruning focuses on maintaining a single dominant stem unless multiple stem clumps are specifically desired.
In conclusion, the tree specialist is pruning the branches so their size remains proportional to the stem diameter at their point of attachment.
At this point, as trees grow, the tree surgeon removes some branches to ensure adequate spacing between permanent scaffold limbs.
Similarly, tree pruning is required for those who desire a proper fruit production from their planted apples, pears, and other fruit bearing plants in their gardens.
In addition, a tree pruning procedure for those who need a specific view from a defined location.