Pruning is a crucial part of plant maintenance here in Michigan, but it's important to do it correctly. If you make common mistakes like pruning at the wrong time for your specific plants or making improper cuts, you can cause harm to them! You should also avoid using dull tools because they will tear rather than cut branches and stems clean, which can result in ragged edges that take longer to heal. The best way to ensure proper pruning is to hire professionals who have the knowledge and skills to get the job done right.

Pruning at the Wrong Time for Your Specific Plants

A mulch landscape bed in Macomb, MI, with pruned shrubs and white flowers.

Timing is everything when it comes to pruning your plants. You need to know what times are ideal for each type so you don't stress them out by cutting away too much growth or doing it too early before they've had a chance to recover from winter dormancy. For example, deciduous trees and shrubs should be pruned in the late winter/early spring once they have emerged from their dormant state and started growing again. Coniferous trees should be trimmed in mid-spring, while evergreen trees and shrubs should be pruned during their peak growing season, typically in late spring or early summer.

If you prune your plants too much, you could leave them vulnerable to diseases and pests!

Making Improper Pruning Cuts

A mistake people commonly make when pruning their plants is making improper cuts. It's essential to follow proper techniques to ensure you aren't damaging the branch collar. When you cut too close to the base of a stem or branch, you risk removing this protective layer, which hinders healing and makes it easier for diseases and pests to enter. Additionally, making an angled cut versus a straight one can affect how quickly it heals, plus impact the shape of your plant.

Using Dull Tools to Prune Your Plants

A very common mistake people make when pruning their plants is using dull tools. Sharp tools minimize damage and promote healthier regrowth, so it's crucial to invest in quality equipment and sharpen them often. Dull blades won't cleanly slice through stems and branches, causing jagged wounds that leave room for fungal infections and pests to infest. Not only that, but it'll also make the process more difficult and tedious. Sharpening your tools regularly will help keep them in optimal condition and give you the best results when pruning your plants.

Always Hire Pros to Ensure Pruning Is Done Right

If you want to ensure that pruning is done right, you should always hire pros to do it! Hiring professionals is highly recommended because they have extensive training and experience with different types of plants, and they know when and how to prune them without causing unnecessary stress or harm. They'll exercise caution and precision to avoid making common mistakes that can lead to problems down the line. By hiring experts, you can rest assured that your plants receive the care and attention they deserve.

Pruning and trimming are not the same! Pruning is to benefit the health of your plants while trimming is to maintain the aesthetics!

Call Us Today to Sign Up for Our Plant Pruning Service

Do you want expert pruning services? If so, look no further than our team at Big Lakes Lawncare! We offer a professional tree and shrub pruning service to residential and commercial properties, as well as HOAs, in Macomb, Shelby, Chesterfield, MI, and surrounding areas. With us, you can trust that we have the skills and knowledge to prune your plants properly, avoiding common mistakes and potential harm. Call us today at (586) 200-0855 to sign up for our pruning service