Perfect time to prune trees

MANILA, Philippines - Pruning trees is a necessity especially in the urban areas where higher level in care and maintenance is required to maintain safety for people, health for trees and the beauty of the surroundings.

For the last two decades, Manila Seedling Bank Foundation or MSBF has been providing pruning services to about 354 institutions like Manila Memorial Park, to more than 400 homeowners, and several subdivisions such as Ayala-Alabang Village.

MSBF is registered and certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) based in the United States of America. MSBF is a “pioneer member” of ISA outside USA and Canada. As a member, MSBF receives regularly publications and journals on the new “state of art” of tree care and maintenance particularly tree pruning.

Pruning involves the removal of dead trees or dying branches, pruning branches that grow toward the center of the tree, branches that rub each other, that interfere with wires, streetlights, create traffic hazards, and that create traffic hazards.

 Improper pruning can cause damage that will last for the life of the tree or, worse, shorten the tree’s life. That’s why MSBF arborists are properly and strictly supervised by a professional forester also a known “tree surgeon.” Moreover, MSBF tree pruners are properly uniformed and provided with proper equipment including a truck with boom.

MSBF recommends that it is best to conduct tree pruning during the dry season. However, it may be done anytime of the year as the need arises, but for faster wound closures, it is recommended during the dry months or before the growing season. If pruning is done properly at the proper time, it can easily correct defects that, if delayed would require major surgery. After a strong wind or typhoon many branches are broken from trees. These broken branches need to be removed for safety and aesthetics. They occasionally need to be pruned. Pruning will improve the appearance, guards a tree’s health and make it stronger.

Pruned branches are properly disposed immediately after pruning to avoid vehicular interruption.

MSBF follows the so called “five-step plan” before tree pruning activity is conducted. A tree pruning plan is nothing more than taking information about the tree to be pruned, the site and any surrounding hazards and obstacles and then applies pruning skills and other tools (e.g. chainsaw, rope, safety belt, protective hat and goggles) to avoid accidents.

Step one is to check for hazards in, on and around the tree. A “hazard” may result to personal injury, property damage or disruption of human activities. Hazards can include power lines, deadwood, hangers, decayed wood, vines and other obstacles. Obstacles are considered to be anything you can hurt or damage in the process of pruning a tree. Obstacles may include other trees, people, houses, parked cars, or other personal property.

Step two is to determine lean of the tree. The lean or weight of the tree is important to put the tree pruner in the correct position or whether additional rope is needed to hold branches. It is also important to the species to be pruned.

Step three is to establish a “danger zone.” When tree pruning is done in busy thoroughfares, signs are put strategically at least 50 meters from the working area to warn motorists and pedestrians.

Step four is to apply proper pruning techniques. MSBF tree pruners take special care when branches are removed. Small branches up to five centimeters in diameter can easily be removed by sawing (never use bolo). Branches more than five centimeters in diameter have an undercut to prevent bark stripping below the cut. The pruning cut is made just beyond the collar ridge to promote maximum wound closure. However, when removing damage branches and perform pruning or trimming, they should be climbed with ropes or ladder and never with spurs. Spur wounds may attract bark beetles and may be suitable for entrance of heart rot fungi. After pruning, the cut or wound is dressed with light paint to prevent wood decay and to discourage attacks by beetles and insects that transmit the disease. Wound dressing also prevents infection from certain disease.

Step 5 is to clean the area immediately after pruning a tree. After pruning a tree, all pruned branches including leaves and other debris are properly disposed to make the surrounding area clean and free from obstructions.

Visit the MSBF website at www.msbfi.com or call 924-0166 or 9247001/02.