You’ve no doubt had the experience of seeing something amiss with a tree you’re inspecting. Pruning it is one thing, as this is a very delicate task that no tree owner should take lightly. However, pruning a diseased tree is an entirely separate ordeal that has implications far beyond just the health of one tree in your garden. There’s no reason to panic if you’re not well-versed in pruning techniques or tree diseases because teams like Southeast Tree, a leading emergency tree removal contractor in Dunwoody, GA, can handle it. Still, if you’d like to know more about pruning infected trees or tree health maintenance, these local experts are also a great source of knowledge. Read on for more about how to safely tackle tree pruning for disease issues. It may not offer a complete cure for an ailing tree, but pruning is often a great start.
Do Pruning Techniques for Diseased Trees Help?
Tree decay from a tree disease is always a reason to consult an expert in diseased tree care. A professional with arborist training can address and combat tree diseases, providing several options. Professional tree pruning services can also mitigate the damage before that disease covers every inch of your tree or, worse, spreads to other trees nearby. While there’s much research into how habitat destruction spreads diseases, it is clear that you can isolate some pathogens through pruning. In fact, pruning a diseased tree section could isolate the problem to halt the spread, whether that’s in the bark or outer branches. Containment is great for the tree’s long-term health, but choosing which limbs to remove requires some careful assessment, so be sure to get some professional help.
How to Prune Diseased Trees (and When To Call a Tree Professional)
When experts prune diseased trees, certain practices keep them safe throughout the entire process. Pruning incorrectly is never a good idea, both from the perspective of the tree’s long-term health and for the sake of accidents or injuries to the person doing the pruning. Tree professionals like Southeast Tree take the following approach:
#1 Only Cut Diseased Branches
When starting the pruning process, experts will mark the branches to cut ahead of time. In a diseased tree, it is often best to only cut the branches that show outward signs of disease – such as black spots on maple tree leaves caused by tar spot or anthracnose. Evaluating your tree involves looking at the bark and peeling a little bit back.
#2 Use the Three-Cut Method
The Three-Cut method involves pruning the bottom side of the branch first, followed by the top side, and one final, third cut, all the way through. This method allows you to cut a branch safely, even a big one. Doing so can keep the entire ordeal safer.
#3 Cut Sparingly
As an arborist works on pruning a diseased tree, even an experienced hand will be as careful and sparing as possible with the cutting. Over-pruning could kill the tree. If your tree already has a disease and you cut off too much, the tree’s recovery will be far more complicated–if it doesn’t result in eventual tree removal.
Rely on Southeast Tree For All Your Pruning Needs
Pruning a diseased tree is a lot easier with the help of local tree professionals who have an eye for detail. This delicate process can easily go awry, which is why, for the sake of your tree, it is always a good idea to schedule professional services. Whether you have questions about bumps on tree leaves or want to know how to tell if your tree is dying, Southeast Tree’s team has the answers–call 770-977-8733 to learn more.