When it comes to trimming your trees, you can’t just start cutting branches and expect the tree to be healthy and grow strong. You have to be careful with how you prune it so you don’t accidentally stress or damage the tree’s overall structure. But with the right tools and techniques, you can easily shape your trees into just about any form you want. Here’s how.
Natural Shape
This shape is the easiest to achieve because it requires minimal trimming. Rather than clipping away large sections and reshaping the canopy, you just focus on the branches that are sticking out further than others. If you love the wild, free look of a tree, this is the technique to use.
Rounded Canopy
When you want your trees to bring a soft, balanced look to the yard, you should round the canopies. To achieve this, picture what it would look like if each tree were dome-shaped; any branches that are outside of this outline should be trimmed back. Rounded canopies are especially beautiful in yards with formal landscaping and curved garden beds. Just make sure the trees you use this technique on respond well to pruning. Some species, like oak trees, don’t tolerate heavy shaping very well.
Lollipop Shape
Aside from attracting awed gawks from all the kids in the neighborhood, the lollipop trim is a charming choice for smaller decorative trees and evergreens near walkways and patio spaces. You must first decide how large you want the canopy to be at the top of the tree. From there, you simply remove all of the lower branches to completely reveal the trunk. Once you have the canopy left at the top, picture it as a sphere. Any branches outside of the outline need to be removed.
Umbrella Shape
The umbrella is the classic U shape that adds another level of opulence to any yard. Furthermore, just like a real umbrella, it creates the ultimate shady spots for relaxation underneath. The proper shape is achieved by cutting all branches at least 7 feet from the ground so that there’s plenty of room for walking underneath. For a proper round top, cut outer edges of the canopy while making sure to leave more growth the closer you get toward the top to create the umbrella shape.
Tiered Shape
The tiered shape is much like the umbrella shape, but you don’t completely remove the branches close to the ground. Instead, you systematically separate the canopy into defined, horizontal segments, making sure to leave each tier slightly smaller the closer you get toward the top.
We recommend researching different shapes, looking at photos, and simply imagining how different tree trimming approaches will look in your yard. Of course, professional tree trimmers are also helpful resources that can explain the different techniques that could potentially enhance a home. Experts know the ins and outs of tree shaping and how to avoid removing branches that are essential to the tree’s health. If you live in Birmingham, AL or a surrounding area and need tree trimming services, make your first call to Gray’s Tree Service.
