Trim Your Trees Regularly

Many people put off the hassles of tree trimming because it’s either too expensive, inconvenient or because it may slip their mind. Trimming your trees is a necessity because it helps promote tree growth and it diminishes potential safety hazards. Many advise hiring a professional arborist to shape your tree and cut problematic limbs. If you prefer doing it yourself, make sure you take caution around power lines and large branches. Cutting branches is a three step process that involves:

1. Undercutting the branch about 6 inches away from where the branch joins the tree. The cut should only be about ¼ the diameter of the branch.
2. Making a second cut all the way through the branch about 3 inches even farther away from the trunk. This will ensure a clean break for the branch.
3. Lastly, cut all the way through the remaining branch stub about ½ an inch away from where the branch joins the tree.

For more fall maintenance tips, check out Real Living's Home Maintenance portal.