
Evergreen Trees
- 1. Remove items that might be in the way of the tree as it falls. If cutting down a large tree, plan two escape routes to safety.
- 2. Cut trees down with a hand saw if they are smaller than 8 inches in diameter. ...
- 3. Saw through a large tree in two steps to ensure it falls the way you want. ...
How do you trim an evergreen tree?
Trimming an Evergreen Tree
- When to Prune. Both conifers with needles and broad-leafed evergreen trees prefer pruning in late winter, typically between December and February.
- Removing Diseased Branches. Before trimming for looks, gardeners should assess damage and disease. ...
- Thinning Evergreens. ...
- Expert Tips. ...
How to straighten an evergreen tree?
- You can get special tree straps at home improvement centers.
- The straps will keep the tree stable so that the roots can re-establish themselves.
- Not all trees can be successfully straightened. ...
- Before you remove the straps, try loosening them a bit to make sure the tree stands firmly on its own.
What is the difference between trimming and pruning a tree?
What Is the Difference Between Tree Trimming and Pruning?
- Tree Trimming. Trimming is done to remove any bushes that have become overgrown. ...
- Pruning Your Tree. Pruning your tree will protect it. ...
- Trimming and Pruning The Major Differences. The major difference between tree trimming and tree pruning is the tools that are used and the purpose for which each is done.
- Take Care of Your Trees. ...
Why do trees need trimming?
- Controls a tree’s overall size
- Encourages flowering, fruiting, and growth of certain parts of a tree
- Prevents larger, dead limbs from falling
- Removes useless parts like suckers and water sprouts that look thin and don’t contribute to a healthy canopy of foliage

What happens if you cut the top off an evergreen tree?
Large evergreen trees do not respond well to topping. The removal of the upper main stem through topping opens the tree to internal decay, disease or damaging insects; it also removes the most productive portion of the tree.
When should overgrown evergreens be pruned?
Late spring is an excellent time to prune evergreen shrubs in the landscape. Pruning just after the emergence of the spring growth will provide a basis for helping to shape the plant while retaining the natural look.
Should evergreen trees be trimmed?
Most evergreen pruning is done for corrective reasons, so seasonal timing is not as important as it is for deciduous species. Pruning during dormancy is the most common practice and will result in a vigorous burst of spring growth. Whenever unexpected damage from vandalism or bad weather occurs, prune immediately.
How can we reduce the height of evergreen trees?
Cutting a branch back by half its length will simply result in a dead branch stub. Often the only tactic for reducing the size of an evergreen tree is to cut the lower branches all the way back to the trunk.
Can you cut a tree back too far?
If too much material is removed in once year, vigorous growth can result. This often occurs when apples are over-zealously pruned. Coral spot may appear on stubs of badly cut branches.
Should evergreens be trimmed from the bottom?
Evergreen trees such as pine, spruce, fir, Douglas-fir, and hemlock require little pruning. These trees typically have a broad, pyramidal form with low branches, and should be left intact. DO NOT remove lower branches as this destroys the natural aesthetic form of the tree.
Can you shape an evergreen tree?
Shape the evergreen using an anvil-style hand shear. These types of shears move allow for faster cutting of evergreen shrubs and usually are less expensive than bypass hand shears. Clean the shears with alcohol or bleach before cutting and before moving between trees to prevent the spread of disease.
How do you trim a pine tree that is too tall?
To prune your pine trees, simply pinch back the new growth, called candles, seen in the spring. It's best to do this by hand. If you use pruning shears to cut the new growth, you could end up cutting into the needles of the trees, leaving them to turn brown. Cut the candle in the middle of the growth.
How can I tell what kind of evergreen tree I have?
It is possible to identify different evergreen trees like pines, spruces, and firs by looking closely at their needles and cones. For example. White pines hold their needles in groups of five. The needles of spruces and firs are usually attached singularly.
Can you stop an evergreen from growing taller?
There is no way to stop a pine tree from growing taller without causing significant harm to the tree. Removing the top portion of a pine robs it of its most important foliage and invites disease.
What do you do when a tree is too tall?
Pruning. If the crown of your tree is stretching too tall or wide, corrective pruning can help rein it in and size it down for the space available. It's crucial to prune a tree before it becomes a problem because taking away too many branches could cause unnecessary stress.
How far back can you cut evergreen bushes?
New growth can be sheared back or thinned close to the dead zone, but you should try not to remove any more than two thirds of new growth.
How do you trim severely overgrown bushes?
Using pruners or a pruning saw, you'll cut each of the heaviest stems as close to the ground as possible. This method of managing large shrubs stimulates the plant to produce new growth just below the pruning cut, close to the ground. If you just trim the tops of the shrubs, they will grow even leggier and taller.
Is it too late to prune evergreen shrubs?
Prune evergreen shrubs, such as juniper and yew, in late March or early April before new growth begins. Light pruning may also be done in mid-summer. Avoid pruning evergreen shrubs in the fall. Fall pruned evergreens are more susceptible to winter injury.
Can you trim evergreens in the winter?
Prune evergreen shrubs (yew, holly, and boxwoods) and evergreen trees (spruce, fir) in late winter or early spring when they are still dormant and before new growth begins. Pines are pruned in early June to early July.
What is an evergreen shrub?
Evergreens are great plants for creating dense, green hedges and landscape shrubs. While they provide reliable color throughout the seasons, their evergreen nature makes dead, brown branches especially obvious. Unhappy evergreens may also appear scraggly and thin and need some shaping and training to fill in nicely.
Do evergreens look scraggly?
Unhappy evergreens may also appear scraggly and thin and need some shaping and training to fill in nicely. Here's how to prune the most common types of evergreens.
How to remove dead branches from a tree?
Any branches that are discolored, bare, or limp need to be removed. Take the branch in 1 hand and use your other hand to cut it off at the base of the stem with your pruners. If the base of a stem is particularly thick or tough, try using larger shears or a small hacksaw.
How to prevent disease from spreading to other branches?
Wipe down the blade of your pruners with rubbing alcohol after you cut off a diseased branch. This will help prevent the disease from spreading to other branches.
How to sharpen pruners?
Sharpen your pruners if necessary. Dull pruners can make the process take longer, and they can lead to ugly, uneven cuts. Secure the pruners into a vise. Then, run a file along the blade of the pruners until the edge becomes sharper and more defined.
How to get rid of yard waste?
Alternatively, work with a bag next to you at all times, so you can simply discard your clippings into the bag as you work. You can purchase bags specifically made for disposing of yard waste from any home improvement store.
How to protect hands while gardening?
Put on gardening gloves. Purchase gloves specifically designed for gardening at any gardening or home improvement store. These protect your hands and keep them relatively clean while you work.
How to make evergreen bush look wider?
Evergreen bushes should taper towards the top and flare out at the bottom. As you move down the bush, allow the branches in each section to be slightly longer than the branches above them . When you’re done, the bottom of the bush should appear wider than the top.
How to shape a bush?
To shape the bush, start at the top and work your way down. In general, the branches at the top should be shorter than the ones at the bottom, and the middle branches should be longest. This will ensure your bush keeps its rounded shape. To learn how to make cleanup easier while trimming, read on!
What happens if a tree falls on your house?
Death, damage, diseased and weak parts of trees may fall on your house or vehicle and cause great property damage. It may even fall on your playing little children or a passerby and cause serious injuries.
Why cut down a tree?
Cutting lower branches of trees will allow sunlight to reach the small plants and make room for the passerby to walk under the tree. Also, your children will get a nice place to play without getting hurt by any tree branches.
Why is it important to plant trees?
Tree planting is a crucial step to keep the environment clean and beautiful. At the same time, it’s also necessary to take care of trees with proper methods. A tree contributes lots of benefits to nature – we get oxygen, shade, fruits, flowers, wood, and a beautiful evergreen surrounding.
Can you trim a large tree without killing it?
Here in this blog, you have seen how to trim a large tree without killing it. But tree trimming is not as simple and easy. A little mistake can damage your trees and deform its structure. Hence, it’s always advisable to hire tree care experts who will help you trim your trees with proper methods and care. You can call our tree care service ...
Where is the final cut of a tree done?
The final cut is to be done on the branch collar area because here As quick healing takes place in the branch collar area, so branch collar is the best part of the branch to make the final cut. Also Read: Best Portland Tree Care Service Provider [Tree Specialist]
Is it better to trim a tree?
It is better to trim those branches that are deforming the structure of the tree. The sooner the better it is to trim those hazardous branches.
Can you trim evergreen trees in spring?
Also, there is very little possibility of getting attacked by insects and diseases. Whereas during summer and spring trees have a high growth period. So, if you trim your trees during these seasons, it may deteriorate the health of your evergreen trees.
