DIY Pruning Essentials
Pruning can be a relaxing and gratifying activity. With proper pruning, you can beautify and improve your landscape and the health and productivity of your plants.
However, pruning is also easy to over-do, and actions you take can have consequences that persist for many years - the lifetime of the shrub or tree.
Pruning on Maui, or anywhere in the tropics, also offers additional unique challenges compared to the continental US.
Here are some essential things to know when pruning a tree:
Purpose: Understand why you are pruning the tree. Common reasons include improving tree structure, promoting growth, removing dead or diseased branches, enhancing aesthetics, or ensuring safety.
Timing: Different trees have different optimal times for pruning. Generally, it's best to prune during the tree’s dormant or off-season to minimize stress and promote healing. However, some trees may require specific timing based on their growth patterns or susceptibility to diseases. In the tropics, many of the typical rules go out the window, and a more generalized approach is warranted: after you prune, make sure the tree will be getting a healthy amount of water. Ideally you don’t prune right at the start of the dry season unless you can count on regular irrigation watering.
Tools: Use the proper tools for the job, including hand pruners, loppers, pruning saws, and pole pruners. Ensure they are sharp and clean to make clean cuts and minimize damage to the tree. Dull or poorly maintained tools increase the risk of accidents for you and for the tree.
Technique: Learn proper pruning techniques to avoid damaging the tree. Cutting too close to the trunk leaves an unsightly wound that the tree will have trouble healing. Cutting too far out leaves an unsightly nub of material that can rot or attract disease. Make cuts just outside the branch collar (the swollen area where the branch meets the trunk or larger branch), and at an angle bisecting the branch collar and the angle of the branch being pruned. Cutting in the right place means the tree will heal quickly without compromising its long term form or function. For larger branches cut with hand saw, learn how to perform a “step cut". This prevents bark from tearing down the tree as the pruned branch falls.
Safety: Prioritize safety when pruning trees. Ladders and power tools should be avoided - leave anything higher than you can reach or cut with a manual saw to a professional. Wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection and cut resistant gloves.
Consideration of Tree Type: Different tree species have vastly different growth habits and requirements for pruning. Make sure you know how the species you are working with will respond to your efforts. Research or consult with an arborist to understand the specific needs of the tree you're pruning.
Amount of Pruning: Avoid over-pruning, as removing too many branches can stress the tree and impact its health. Aim to maintain the natural shape and structure of the tree while removing only necessary branches. If in doubt, do not remove more than 25% of the plant’s foliage during a season. Some plants will tolerate being coppiced or pollarded, cut back severely, and some will not. In general, avoid ever “topping” a tree, as this can permanently damage and weaken many tree’s growth structure.
Disease Prevention: When dealing with diseased branches or specimens, take caution to prevent the spread of pathogens. Some are more of a concern than others. A branch that has broken and is decaying on the tree is typically only of minor concern for cross-contamination; however, Banana Bunchy Top Virus, for a different example, is far more serious. Clean your cutting implement after working with trees that may be vectors, and properly dispose of infected material.
Environmental Factors: Consider environmental factors such as weather conditions and the tree's surroundings when planning pruning activities. Avoid pruning during extreme weather conditions or when the tree is under stress. Similarly, be aware of the debris you create when pruning, and utilize it in the landscape properly by chipping or mulching. Leaving pruning debris whole on the ground can cause a buildup of fuel material and contribute to your risk in a wildfire.
Consultation: If you want some help with any of your tree trimming, tree removal, or tree pruning projects on Maui, consider consulting with a qualified Maui Roots arborist for guidance and assistance.