Pruning and trimming of trees on your property

Let's delve into the enchanting realm of gardening. Specifically, exploring the art of trimming trees and shrubs in your backyard. So, grab your gardening shears, axes, saws, or other tools, and let's get started!

Trimming trees and shrubs is vital for a healthy backyard. By selectively pruning and shaping their growth, we can improve sunlight penetration, get better air circulation, and prevent hazards like falling and flying branches. Regular pruning also promotes new growth and enables plants to use energy efficiently.

Birch trees are well known for their stunning white bark. The ideal time to trim birch trees is during late summer or early fall, right after their leaves have fully developed. By removing damaged or diseased branches, you'll help prevent the spread of pests, diseases, and rot. Remember to use sharp and sterilized pruning equipment to minimize the risk of infection. Avoid trimming birch trees in spring when they are susceptible to bleeding sap. When you look up and see leaves eaten at the top, that’s normal “leaf miner” activity and not a warning sign of tree infection.

Spruce trees can be magnificent (if it isn’t a Black Spruce) and are prevalent everywhere in Alaska. Pruning these trees should be done during the drier months of late winter or early spring to ensure minimal sap bleeding. Focus on removing dead branches and any other branches that obstruct sightlines or might be a safety hazard. Trim selectively to maintain their natural conical shape, ensuring you don't remove more than one-third of the living crown in a single season.

As a first responder, it is crucial I share the fire safety risks posed by black spruce. They are the most dangerous tree in our state for the spread of wildfires and are the bane of every wildland firefighter. Black spruce trees have highly flammable needles, making them a potential fire hazard year-round – but especially in dry and hot conditions. I must prioritize fire safety by recommending the complete removal of these trees from your property. They have no value to land. Their roots aren’t even strong enough to bind soi, which is why they are often found growing in peat moss. Contact a tree removal company or a local arborist experienced in tree removal for guidance on the safest methods. Once removed, black spruce trunks can be repurposed in various useful ways. The trunks can contribute to firewood supplies for campfires or wood stoves, or they can be used for building small structures like fences, dog houses, or outdoor storage sheds.

Cottonwood trees, known for their beautiful foliage and towering presence, require regular and rigorous pruning. The ideal time to trim them is late winter before the sap starts flowing. Aim to remove dead, broken, or rubbing branches, keeping in mind that cottonwoods are resilient and can tolerate heavy pruning. Thin out crowded limbs to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of wind damage. However, avoid over-pruning because removal of too much can negatively impact their health.

Then there are the versatile alder shrubs that thrive in our landscapes. Prune these hardy shrubs annually in early spring, just before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches and thin out overcrowded sections to stimulate new growth. Alder shrubs benefit profoundly from rejuvenation pruning, which involves cutting back a third of the oldest branches to promote fresh, strong growth in subsequent years. This method ensures that your alder shrubs remain dense and vibrant. The more active they are in their growth, the less at risk they are of drying out, getting sick, or dying.

Trimming trees and shrubs is a rewarding endeavor that not only enhances the beauty of your backyard but also promotes plant health and safety. By understanding the ideal timing and techniques for pruning whatever woods you have on your property, you can achieve magnificent results while fostering the growth and vitality of our cherished Alaskan forest.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.