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From the Desk of
Certified Arborist
T. Brown, Sr.
Why Prune?
"Why should we prune our trees?" is a question
we get asked often. When done correctly, pruning trees is
healthy. Broken, dead, or diseased branches are pruned to
prevent pathogenic organisms from penetrating into adjacent
parts of the tree and to reduce spreading to other trees.
Pruning is an important control measure for fire blight,
black knot, several twig blights, some cankers, and crown
gall. Live branches are removed to permit penetration of
sunlight and circulation of air through the canopy. An open
canopy makes a less favorable site for fungus and bacteria.
Proper pruning of the tree crown can reduce wind resistance
and help prevent breakage. Branches that form an acute angle
of attachment are removed because they are especially prone
to breakage.
When branches having narrow crotch angles enlarge stress
on the crotch increases. Also, acutely angled braches often
have bark embedded (we call this included bark) in the branch
attachment, which causes a weak joint. These weak attachments
are prone to splitting and breaking out during ice storms
or high winds. Thus pruning can increase the structural
stability of trees.
About Mistletoe?
Mistletoes are parasitic plants that grow on woody plants
taking nutrients and moisture from their host. They infect
many host. They infest many trees especially Hackberry,
Ash and Maple in Texas. Mistletoes have green or gray-green
stems and leaves. The leaves are oval shaped, thick and
firm in texture.
After mistletoe plants are 2 years old, they begin to grow
small white or pinkish berries that build up a pressure
inside and explode shooting sticky spores sticking to other
parts of the tree to reproduce. Humans and birds also spread
Mistletoe. If not removed, Mistletoe can seriously weaken
trees.
Special Note: Mistletoe plants are poisonous to humans.
Tyrone Brown Sr.
Certified Arborist
Brown's Tree Care
Browns Tree Care, the experts in Texas Arboriculture
serving the Dallas Houston Texas areas for over 25 years.
Houston Office:
713-585-5412
Dallas Office:
214-832-5309
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