This isn’t us. We just used a large pair of tree sized pruning shears.

The weather got nice enough to actually do a little gardening today.  It was really nice to get out into the garden after so many weeks of cold, cold, cold. 

There wasn’t much we could do.  The ground is still pretty hard, after all, but we could do a little tree trimming.  This is the perfect time for it.  You don’t want to be cutting on your trees during the warm months.  It’s best to cut off that unwanted branch between when the tree has just gone dormant or just before it starts waking up again.  “When the sap’s not running”, as they used to say.  Of course, you CAN trim trees during the growing season, but when and how depends partly on the type of tree.  There are even some good reasons for trimming, say, a flowering tree right after the blooms have passed (you’ll be able to see where the buds are for next year and avoid cutting them off).  But for the most part, trimming during winter is best. 

We toured the whole yard looking for things to trim, and we found quite a bit.  One thing to watch for is a branch that will eventually rub another branch as it grows.   When branches cross (and touch) the motion of the wind can make them rub the bark off of the branches.   Not good. 

We also trimmed those branches that were going to start hanging too low, blocking either views or paths.  And we nipped (in the bud, so to speak) any branches heading toward power lines.   It’s much safer if you get there before they get to the lines.  The same applies to trees near houses.  Get to them before they start touching the house.  It’s bad for the tree and bad for the house (but good for varmits that want a bridge to your attic).

And of course we trimmed for looks.  We want our trees to be attractive, provide the right amount of shade in the right places and be symetrical.

For more information about how to trim your trees, click HERE  and HERE and HERE.

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