Tips From Expert Arborists: Uncovering Methods to Encourage New Branch Growth on Trees
Whether you're aiming for a lush, dense, or aesthetically pleasing tree, promoting new branch growth is essential. Here's an expert guide to help your tree flourish like never before:
Master the Art of Growing New Branches
To encourage new branches, timing, technique, and the right tools are crucial. Here's the lowdown:
Select Your Tools Wisely
Pick up the best pruning tools for your job:
- Pruning Shears or Secateurs: Ideal for thin branches and stems. Use them to cut smoothly without causing damage.
- Loppers: Designed for medium-thick branches. Tackle thicker branches with this sturdy tool.
- Pole Pruners: Reach out to hard-to-reach branches on tall trees with these extendable tools.
Pro Tip: Professional assistance is advised for branches near power lines. Never risk climbing a ladder for inaccessible branches or try to cut thick branches with basic tools.
Embrace the Power of Pruning
Follow these pruning principles for promoting new growth:
- Prune during the growing season when your plant is full of energy.
- Make sure your plant is healthy and pest-free.
- Remove crossing or overlapping branches for balanced sunlight exposure and an optimal shape.
- Remove water sprouts, root suckers, and double leading branches for a healthy and efficient tree structure.
- Cut branches smoothly at the branch collar without damaging the tree.
- Prune secondary branches to stimulate new growth.
Notch to Encourage Branching
Notching is a technique that promotes new branches by removing small segments of the bark:
- Notch newly planted trees to encourage growth.
- Notch 30-60 inches above the soil surface.
- Notching stimulates the tree to produce an excess of auxin, which encourages new branches and discourages lateral shoots.
Secret Tips for a Greener Tree
Besides pruning and notching, here are a few additional techniques for a thriving tree:
- Weigh down vertical branches to reduce auxin concentration at the tips and stimulate lateral bud growth.
- Train young trees with frameworks such as central leader and open center pruning to guide growth towards a defined structure.
- Maintain proper nutrition with regular application of chemical or organic fertilizers during the spring and summer growth phases.
To further enhance your home-and-garden lifestyle, apply the art of gardening to your trees for a more vibrant and healthy appearance. Alongside mastering pruning techniques, consider incorporating home-and-garden practices such as notching for encouraging new branches and branching out to secret tips like weighing down vertical branches and training trees with frameworks for a greener, lush tree.
