There’s a lot more to shaping trees than just aesthetic value and how “nice” a yard looks. It is a question of control. You shape a tree to both manage its growth so it does not turn into a rampant thicket and to allow it to thrive within its designated area. A tree that has been properly shaped certainly enhances curb appeal, but it also improves illumination, minimizes risk, and helps extend the tree’s longevity.
A tree that you let grow wild will grow in whatever way it chooses. Most of the time, that means rubbing branches, limbs growing too low, and erect shoots with no structure at all. None of those scenarios is pleasant to consider as a tree owner and surely is not great for one’s property, either.
Landscapers who love working with yards should also appreciate the art of shaping trees. This is not art at all, but rather science-driven tree pruning.
When to Perform It
It’s easy to see how timing is critical. You don’t just take a saw and start cutting in July just because it’s a boring month. Most shaping is best done in the dormancy period, late fall to early spring. This is when the tree is not growing, and you are able to see the structure clearly. More importantly, during this period, you are less likely to cause any undue stress to the tree.
Normally, this is the period when the tree is not growing, and you are able to see the structure most clearly, and you are far less likely to stress the tree.
This is spot on, assuming the tree is located in the southernmost tip of the continent. If you are growing trees in the southern tip, your shaping time will increase. You will also not want to perform shaping the instant you plant the tree. You will want it to settle in for a (1–2) seasons before you perform any shaping. You also don’t want to perform any shaping just before a freeze. Everything has a time.
If you’re unsure about your area, you can check this guide on the best time to trim trees in Kansas City.
How It’s Done
- Begin with a strategy: Recognizing a tree’s type and natural form. Establish your objective. Will you raise, reduce, or remove the crown, or gain clearance from the building or the footpath?
- Tools should be kept sharp and in a clean condition: Hand pruners for small cuts, loppers for small- to medium-sized cuts, and thicker branches can be cut with a pruning saw. Techniques such as ‘chainsaw pruning’ should be avoided, even if you’re an expert. This type of pruning is compact and should not be executed with any level of aggression.
- Cut correctly: Which means you will cut just outside the branch that’s thicker, the collar, and not flush with the trunk, and not leave a stub. Angle the cut so water doesn’t sit on the wound. And, topping trees is a crime that no tree care practitioner should do. It is not shaping – it’s mutilation. It weakens the tree while ruining its form and camouflaging decay with dangerously invasive regrowth. Learn more about why tree topping is harmful.
- Work slowly: Step back more frequently from the tree. It is a piece of art, so finesse is required, not a race.
The Usual Blunders
The following actions are where things attempt to go haywire:
- Over-pruning foliage: Trees require leaves to generate energy; there’s no getting around it. If you strip away too many leaves, you choke it.
- Bad cuts: Flush cuts, stubs, or rips into branches can leave the tree vulnerable to disease.
- Poor timing: Pruning while the tree is actively growing, or just before a freeze, adds stress.
- Ignoring design: Pruning against the tree’s natural growth pattern results in weak branches with bad angles.
- Topping: In case you’re still in the dark, don’t. It’s not shaping. It’s obliteration.
Besides, don’t shape just because a neighbour mentioned it “seems off.” Become an arborist; know your tree, and your intended purpose.
What Happens If You Do It Wrong
You’ll notice it soon enough. Irregular trees grow out of shape. They tend to become heavier on one side, which destabilizes them, and they throw out limbs during storms more often. You also get weak crotches, crossing branches, and poor airflow, which increases the chances of pests and fungus.
In the long run, the tree’s life expectancy is diminished, and the chances of untoward incidents increase. Also, more money would be spent on fixing issues that could have been avoided if proper pruning methods had been followed.
Not to mention, it looks ugly. A neglected tree not only shows poor maintenance but can also impact property value. If shaping seems overwhelming, it’s always smart to consult a professional trimming and tree health service.
Jose Maldonado
Owner, Omar Tree Service LLC
Located: 3020 Bellaire Ave, Kansas City, MO
Phone: +1 (816) 694-6352
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