Why perform structural pruning: an essential step for a healthy tree
Structural pruning is a fundamental pillar of tree care. It is crucial to preserve a tree’s health and structure, especially in urban settings like Montreal or Laval. Yet, many people still overlook this essential step. In this article, we delve into the reasons why structural pruning is so important. We’ll also look at when to perform it, the best techniques to use, and how it fits into modern pruning and trimming practices.
What is structural pruning?
Structural pruning (main target keyword) involves intervening early, often within the first ten years of a tree’s life. Its goal is to shape the tree’s framework, strengthen the trunk, and position the branches in a balanced way. This helps prevent structural defects before they become serious. This approach differs from corrective or reduction pruning, which is typically applied to already existing issues (broken branches, dead wood, excessive height, etc.).
In practice, this intervention involves:
- Select a central leader: This eliminates competition between multiple dominant stems and prevents the formation of weak crotches.
- Maintain regular spacing between scaffold branches: This reduces friction and overly sharp branch angles.
- Remove poorly oriented branches: Suckers or conflicting branches are eliminated before they become a hazard.
- Preserve overall balance: The tree grows harmoniously while taking surrounding constraints into account.
Thanks to these principles, a tree is better able to withstand storms, diseases, and mechanical damage. Moreover, in areas like Terrebonne or Mascouche where space is limited, structural pruning remains an essential advantage.
When should structural pruning be performed?
Structural pruning takes place over several years, depending on the growth rate and local context. It mainly applies during the first ten years of a tree’s life.
- Between 1 and 5 years: Weak crotches are removed early, and a coherent shape begins to take form.
- Between 6 and 10 years: The structure is refined by removing competing branches and correcting growth direction.
The best time of year also depends on the species:
- Deciduous trees (maple, oak, etc.): Ideally in late winter or very early spring, before bud break. This reduces stress and allows for faster healing.
- Conifers: Structural pruning is less common, but it can be done during dormancy or just after the candle growth phase.
In urban settings, planning structural pruning also means complying with local regulations and being mindful of nearby buildings or power lines.
The goals of structural pruning
- Strengthen the tree’s structure: A strong trunk and well-positioned scaffold branches reduce the risk of breakage, especially during high winds.
- Reduce future problems: By avoiding multiple dominant stems or weak crotches, the likelihood of emergency pruning is significantly reduced.
- Improve overall health: A well-structured tree has better sap circulation and greater resistance to fungi and insects.
- Reduce long-term costs: Minor pruning on a young tree helps avoid heavy and costly interventions once the tree matures.
- Optimize aesthetics: In residential or commercial areas like Repentigny, Lorraine, or Sainte-Thérèse, a well-balanced tree enhances the landscape without causing nuisances.
Benefits for the tree’s health and longevity
A tree’s health also depends on its structure. Even with good soil and sufficient resources, its strength is essential to withstand external stressors.
- Fewer open wounds: Cuts are made on small branches, which limits injuries and reduces the risk of infection.
- Balanced distribution of forces: A well-structured tree withstands wind, snow, and ice with greater stability.
- Better light distribution: By removing branches that block each other, photosynthesis and growth are enhanced.
- Less stress: Reduced internal competition allows resources to be better distributed, thereby lowering the risk of disease.
In cities like Ahuntsic or Boisbriand, where the canopy is already dense, each healthy tree helps create a better living environment. As a result, structural pruning improves not only the tree’s health but also the surrounding ecosystem.
Techniques and best practices
To carry out structural pruning successfully, it’s best to call on professionals in tree pruning. They are skilled in techniques that prevent irreversible damage. Here are a few key principles:
- Maintain apical dominance: A single main trunk is selected to prevent competition between multiple tops.
- Cut just above the branch collar: This ensures quick and clean healing.
- Ensure proper spacing between scaffold branches: Main branches are vertically spaced based on the tree species.
- Control vigor: No more than 20 to 25% of the foliage should be removed in a single season to avoid weakening the tree.
- Use proper tools: Clean, disinfected pruners or saws help prevent the spread of disease.
- Adjust the timing: Schedule the intervention at the right moment, taking the local climate into account.
Regular follow-up allows for monitoring regrowth and quickly correcting any minor deviations.
Structural pruning vs. topping: beware of harmful practices
Many misconceptions exist in the field of tree pruning. For example, tree topping involves cutting off the top of the tree or large branches to control its height. This practice:
- Greatly weakens the tree’s structure.
- Encourages the growth of weak, poorly attached shoots.
- Makes the tree vulnerable to diseases and insects.
- Ruins the overall appearance of the tree.
Structural pruning, on the other hand, is a thoughtful and gradual method. It respects the tree’s physiology by guiding its growth to prevent major issues rather than correcting them afterward.
Why hire a certified professional?
In an urban environment like Montreal, Laval, Rosemère, or Sainte-Thérèse, trees face various constraints: proximity to buildings, overhead utility lines, and pedestrian traffic. However, a single pruning mistake can cause costly or dangerous damage.
A certified arborist therefore offers several guarantees:
- Accurate structural assessment: They quickly identify potential defects and develop an appropriate pruning plan.
- Respect for each species’ physiology: Conifers, fruit trees, and large deciduous trees (like oaks and maples) each require distinct approaches.
- Optimal safety: With proper equipment (harness, lift, etc.) and adequate training, the risk of accidents is minimized.
- Maintenance recommendations: The expert provides guidance on watering, fertilization, and even winter protection.
Moreover, their expertise helps avoid harsh cuts that could worsen problems instead of solving them.
Cities served for structural pruning
Our structural pruning services cover several areas in Quebec, including
- Montreal: Services available in all boroughs, including Ahuntsic.
- Laval: Significant tree coverage, especially in residential neighborhoods.
- Terrebonne & Mascouche: A suitable environment for the growth of young deciduous and coniferous trees.
- Repentigny: A rapidly growing area where many property owners are planting new trees.
- Lorraine, Rosemère & Boisbriand: Areas known for their rich forest heritage.
- Sainte-Thérèse: An ideal setting to begin structural pruning right from planting.
Whether you are a homeowner, property manager, or municipality, an on-site assessment will determine the exact needs of your trees.
Request an expert report / arboriculture report
Have you recently planted new trees on your property or in front of your business? Are you noticing branches growing in opposite directions? In this case, before the tree grows too large, it’s wise to request an arboriculture report. This evaluation provides an accurate assessment of the condition of your trees and determines the potential need for structural pruning.
- Targeted advice: A certified arborist can then identify the strengths and weaknesses of your trees.
- Long-term vision: You reduce the risk of heavy pruning or tree removal in the future.
- Better landscape integration: Your trees grow harmoniously and easily blend into their surroundings.
N’hésitez pas à nous contacter pour obtenir un rendez-vous et des recommandations personnalisées.
Check out our other resources
For more information, visit:
- Our pruning service: Discover our maintenance and sanitation cutting techniques.
- Our page on trimming: Learn about gentle interventions in urban environments.
- Topping: Risks and alternatives: Avoid harmful practices.
In addition, get informed from reliable organizations. For example, the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) offers detailed resources in both English and French. You can also visit the SIAQ, an organization that provides relevant information on tree health and the importance of good practices in arboriculture.
