Pruning away deadwood
Pruning away deadwood will contribute to the overall health and well-being of your trees.
Pruning away deadwood will contribute to the overall health and well-being of your trees. Trees that have experienced previous stress, incurred damage, or have been infested by pests may exhibit indications of deadwood within their canopy. Dead wood refers to branches that have died and are visible in the tree. These branches can range from small 1/2″ twigs to substantial limbs measuring 10-15″ in diameter, posing a potential threat to anything or anyone beneath the tree.
Trees can sometimes develop dead wood due to environmental factors such as droughts or excessively hot summers. This can result in dead limbs appearing throughout the upper canopy. The presence of dead wood becomes more noticeable when the tree is in full leaf, as the lifeless limbs contrast with the vibrant green of the healthy ones. Trees with stressed branches can be identified when a branch turns yellow prematurely. These limbs are easily distinguishable, it is advisable to contact a Certified Arborist for proper tree care.
On certain occasions, we have observed considerable deadwood resulting from events such as ice storms or wind damage. This often results in the breakage of substantial branches, which then become lodged onto lower limbs. These hazardous branches are commonly referred to as “widow makers” due to the immense danger they pose when hanging over one’s head or property. It is strongly advised to promptly remove these “widow makers” upon becoming aware of their presence in order to mitigate associated risks.
Eliminating dead wood from your tree’s canopy can aid in preventing decay and promoting the healing process by sealing off the area where the dead limb once was. Remember, trees are unable to heal over until the dead limb is taken out. Be cautious of large cavities that may form from dead wood breaking off, creating jagged wounds that trap water and encourage rot and decay.This Maple had multiple cavities from poor pruning maintenance.
At times, tree branches may wither due to infection caused by a disease or insect, which can potentially affect the entire tree. By eliminating dead wood, you can effectively minimize the transmission of diseases within the tree’s canopy.
It is crucial to remember the significance of preserving beneficial deadwood in trees that do not pose any danger to you or your dear ones. Numerous beneficial creatures, such as honey bees, utilize trees with spacious hollows for their nests, while birds rely on the insects residing in the dead branches as a source of food.
Contact Johnson Ops Tree Care at 608 526-6297 to schedule an assessment of your tree (s). Our main goal is to guarantee the optimal well-being of your tree while giving utmost importance to the safety of you and your loved ones.
