Trimming your trees is a great way to keep them in shape. Trimming allows for healthy branch growth and helps shape your trees into an attractive form that you can enjoy as part of your yard's landscape. Before you break out the clippers, make sure you do these 3 things first for the best results.

Evaluate your need

Don't just start lopping away at your trees without first thinking about what needs to be done and why. Are you trimming your fruit trees because they are too branched out and producing far too much fruit? Are you wanting to trim large branches off your decorative trees so their branching structure looks more attractive? Or are you trimming your trees simply because you want to keep heavy branches from falling on your roof or shed? In evaluating just why you want to trim your trees, you can decide just which branches need to go. This can keep you from over-trimming your branches and potentially harming your trees' future growth.

Know your skills

Tree trimming requires more than a pair of loppers. You will need a chain saw for larger branches and a ladder to reach high branches in addition to a lopping tool. You will need safety glasses and leather gloves to protect yourself from poking limbs and sawdust. Do you have all the tools you need for trimming your trees? You should also be aware of your skill level before you take on any of your trees.

Do you know how to cut your branches at an angle so they can continue growing in a more desirable direction? Do you know how to thin your branches from the inner trunk so your trees get more sunlight? Do you know how low you can begin trimming before you potentially damage your tree? If you only know the basics of tree trimming, you don't want to take on large projects, such as cutting back fruit trees for next season.

Pick the right time to trim

Every type of tree should be trimmed during the right season in order to allow it to grow healthily and give you attractive results. For example, pine trees should be pruned in early spring before they start producing new branch growth. Deciduous trees should never be trimmed in the fall seasons, or else they will be tricked into overgrowth going into winter. Flowering trees should be pruned just after they begin blooming to help lengthen their floral blooming season. If you schedule your tree trimming jobs correctly, you will have a better chance of having the results you want.

Trimming your trees requires skill, perfect timing, and a plan to get the desired results you need. Doing these 3 things will help make your tree maintenance more successful. Contact a company like Kansas City Tree Care, LLC for more information.