Tree – Pruning Gutters & Lifters<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n\nMany tree pruners are gutters and lifters. Some homeowners are too \u2013 especially men. It\u2019s genetic, manly stuff to cut up and hack up stuff. I know \u2013 I\u2019ve been there. Let\u2019s talk about the good, the bad and the ugly pruning techniques.<\/span><\/p>\nTo trim a tree properly, stand back and look at the overall form of the plant. Do this before you make a single cut. The overall shape and character that you see before you start is what you should still see when the pruning is finished.<\/p>\n\tRemember that every cut hurts the tree. I know \u2013 you\u2019ve heard that thinning trees is good for them, but it\u2019s not. Thinning may be good for the grass and other plantings under the tree, but it is not good for the tree. Heavy thinning is called gutting and is severely damaging. Cutting off lower limbs, lifting, is in the same category. If limbs are in the way \u2013 hanging too low over the driveway or hitting you between the eyes or scraping your head when you mow the lawn, cut them off \u2013 just don\u2019t be fooled that it is good for the tree. It\u2019s not. It only benefits you. No pruning paint either. Nature doesn\u2019t use it so why should we? <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
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