Pruning is one of the most essential aspects of oak tree maintenance. It helps a young oak tree to grow and an established one to stay healthy and stable. However, you have to do it right.
Oak tree pruning is a delicate process. Over-pruning is almost as dangerous as under-pruning. Technique and timing are also crucial.
So, keep reading to learn how to prune one of the UK’s favourite trees. Let’s discuss how and when to prune an oak tree.
Why should you prune an oak tree?
Here are four reasons for pruning oak trees:
To remove dead, damaged and diseased limbs
Dead, damaged and diseased branches endanger the tree. They also endanger life and property. A diseased branch can infect healthy ones. Likewise, a damaged branch can break off and possibly injure someone or damage something.
To encourage new growth
Oak tree pruning encourages new growth, especially with young plants. Pruning also encourages the tree to grow in the direction you want.
To remove excess limbs and foliage
This is another excellent reason for pruning oak trees. Pruning reduces branches and foliage, removing excess. Therefore, the tree can focus on its remaining branches and foliage. Also, branches that are too big can become nuisances and hazards.
To improve the circulation of air and sunlight
Oak trees usually develop dense canopies and inward-growing branches. Dense canopies and crossing branches reduce the amount of airflow and sunlight reaching inner branches. As a result, pests and diseases can fester.
When should you prune an oak tree?
Winter is the right time to prune oak trees. There are two reasons for these: foliage density and diseases.
Oak trees have less foliage in winter. Therefore, it is easier to see what you are pruning and to make clean cuts. Clean cuts are crucial because pruning is stressful for oak trees.
Now, let’s talk about diseases. Some pests are drawn to the sap that comes out of the wounds of an oak tree. These pests often bring around diseases that affect and can even kill oak trees. Such pests usually die off or become dormant in winter.
So, when should you prune an oak tree? Prune oak trees in winter, when the tree has less foliage and disease-bearing pests are dormant.
However, you shouldn’t be pruning oak trees in cold and frosty winters. Pruning encourages new growth. Your oak tree shouldn’t be trying to sprout new growth during frosts. It should be conserving its energy and staying dormant. That’s how plants survive cold months.
Best oak tree pruning practices
Now you know when to prune an oak tree. Let’s move on to the dos and don’ts of oak tree pruning.
Prune the following branches
Here are the branches you need to cut when pruning an oak tree.
- Dead, damaged and diseased branches
- Branches that are obstructing the supply of sunlight and airflow to the centre of the tree
- Some healthy limbs. It will encourage new growth.
Make clean cuts
Choose a spot 1-2 inches from the branch’s collar. The collar is where the branch joins the tree trunk. Start the cutting with a shallow cut to the underside of the branch. Then, complete the cut from the upper side.
Don’t trim an oak tree by more than 15% of its total mass
Over-pruning is dangerous. It’s one of the biggest don’ts of oak tree pruning. So, don’t over-prune.
Don’t cut indiscriminately, too
If you head the tree (aka cut branches at indiscriminate spots), the regrowth will sprout disjointedly in various directions. If you over-prune the inner branches (aka lion taming), the weight will tilt to the edges. As a result, branches can break or tear.
Don’t cut too close or too far to the branch collar
If the cut is too far from the branch collar, it is called a stub cut. The wound will take longer to heal. If the cut is too close, it is called a flush cut. You could damage the branch collar.
Both mistakes make the tree vulnerable to pests and diseases. If you cut too far from the branch collar, trim the stub.
What should you do after pruning an oak tree?
Here are the two things you should do after pruning an oak tree.
Apply tree sealant to the wounds
The sealant hastens healing and protects the wound from pests. Remember that these pests can infect the wound with diseases.
Disposed of the cuttings
Even after being pruned, diseased branches are still dangerous. They can spread the infection to oak trees and nearby plants. So, you must dispose of the cuttings properly, especially if they are diseased and pest-infested.
Can trimming kill an oak tree?
Yes, trimming can kill an oak tree. It could happen because of over-pruning and poor timing or technique. Here are three tips to address these.
- Never prune an oak tree by more than 15% of its mass
- You already know when to prune an oak tree. Winter!
- As for technique, follow the oak tree pruning practices we discussed.
Summary
Winter is the best time to prune oak trees. There is less foliage to disrupt the job and fewer bugs that can infect the cuts with diseases. If you plan to do the job yourself, don’t forget to follow our tips for oak tree pruning.
If you’d prefer to hire a professional (which we highly recommend), contact us today. We can help you find competitive quotes for oak tree pruning and other tree surgeon or gardening services in your area.
