Tree Growth Training

The most important time to trim a tree is within its first five years of life. Many trees develop growth issues from a young age that will turn into a disaster in 20 years. The falling or splitting of trees during a storm is often due to improper tree growth and a lack of directional training.

We focus on tree trimming within the first five years of a tree’s existence. Then, we offer annual tree inspections where we train limbs in certain directions to ensure proper growth and to prevent codominant stems.

Tree Pruning Methods

There are two basic methods to tree pruning, and the type of tree you are working with will determine which method you should use.

The purpose of Central Leader Training is to reduce co-dominate stems, which when the tree is mature, can cause a split right down the trunk. With most shade trees, starting from the day you plant them, you want to inspect the tree and properly prune out any double, or competing, central leaders that will cause future issues. It is recommended to prune double leaders until the tree is 25% of its total mature height. This normally means you should prune the new tree every winter, for the first 5-7 years of the tree’s life. Maples and oaks are examples of trees that benefit from this practice.

The other approach to tree pruning is referred to as Tree Shaping and Directional Pruning. With most fruit trees, you want to prune out the central leader and train the tree into a “vase” shape. This keeps the fruit bearing branches closer to the ground and spreads them out for better air circulation. Fruit trees produce a tremendous amount of growth every year, and with proper heavy pruning you can direct that growth into more fruit rather than more branches. Often times, the heavier you prune a fruit tree, the more fruit you will see the following year.

Proper Technique

Trees are frequently improperly trimmed, even by professionals. These are important techniques to employ when trimming trees:

  • Trim each tree in the proper season for that particular tree, often winter is the best time because they are dormant. Another benefit of winter pruning is that it is easy to identify unwanted leaders when the leaves are off the tree.
  • Use the proper equipment, and always make sure it is sharp so that the tree is not bruised.
  • Trim with a purpose. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing limbs. Don’t remove healthy limbs just to make your tree look like your neighbor’s tree!
  • Clean your pruning tools with rubbing alcohol to prevent diseases from spreading.

One of the main reasons fruit trees die early, is due to diseases that could have been avoided with preventative maintenance. Fireblight and Gummosis are examples of diseases that fruit trees often get when tools are not cleaned between pruning jobs. Instead of applying a fungicide after an infection has occurred, it is easier and less expensive to prevent the spread in the first place.

Stake and Support Systems

Our stake and support systems temporarily stabilize young trees until their root systems are established. The type of material used in staking trees, and the way in which it is done is important to the future health of the tree. Using flexible stretchy tape allows a tree to move without falling over. This motion is crucial because movement causes a structural response in the tree which strengthens it. Trees which especially benefit from central leader training are red maples, red oaks, hackberries, and ornamental pears. Once a tree has been staked and supported it is recommended that it is annually inspected and its training support is adjusted for the first few years of its life.

Trust Well Rooted Gardens for Reliable Tree Training Techniques!

Proactive tree growth training cultivates healthier trees that endure for generations. At Well Rooted Gardens, we deliver a comprehensive approach to tree care, emphasizing the importance of early interventions in the tree’s life, and extending to tree injections, spraying, and trimming throughout its lifetime.

Reach out to us at 402-800-7389 today!

We are excited to serve the communities of Omaha, Elkhorn, Gretna, Bennington,
Valley, Blair, Fort Calhoun, Ralston, La Vista, Papillion, and Bellevue.

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Tree Growth Training
The most important time to trim a tree is within its first 5 years of life. Many trees develop growth issues from a young age that will turn into disasters in 20 years. Many trees that fall or split during storms are due to improper tree growth and directional training. We offer yearly inspections of trees where we train limbs in certain directions to insure proper growth and to prevent co dominate stems.

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Call Us Today: (402) 800-7389

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