Walkways are an essential part of any property, providing a safe and comfortable way for visitors to move from place to place. However, if not properly maintained, walkways can quickly become hazardous. Overgrown vegetation encroaching on the sidewalk can be difficult to navigate and pose a tripping hazard. Here are some tips for pruning vegetation around your walkway to help keep it safe.
Stay on Top of Regular Maintenance
Overgrown shrubs and bushes may create hazardous conditions, especially if they block the view of your walkway. This is why staying on top of regular maintenance and pruning is important. By doing this, you can ensure that your walkway remains visible and free of any obstacles that might cause accidents. It is also important to consider the seasonality of the plants you’re dealing with as some may require more frequent trimming than others.
Use Caution When Trimming Shrubs and Hedges
It’s important to remember to use caution when trimming shrubs and hedges. Sharp tools, such as shears and clippers, can be dangerous if improperly handled. When pruning, wear protective gloves and eyewear, and ensure that children and pets are safely out of the area. This is where professionals come in; they have the correct tools and experience to do the job safely.
Additionally, take note of the growth habits of your shrubs and hedges and prune them accordingly. Overpruning can damage the plant and make it vulnerable to diseases and pests.
Cut the Plants Correctly
In pruning your plants, it is important to use the correct cutting techniques. When removing a large branch, the “three-cut method” helps avoid damaging the plant by splitting its bark due to the weight of the falling limb. The first cut should be about a foot away from the trunk. It should be made by cutting upward from the bottom about a third of the way through the branch. The second cut is made downward several inches beyond the first. As the limb falls away, it will break at the first cut. This prevents damaging the trunk. Finally, cut off the remaining foot of limb flush at the branch collar, the swollen area near its base. It will form a natural barrier.
This produces a clean cut that won’t damage the rest of the plant. However, it’s best to leave the job to the professionals to be sure it’s done correctly and safely.
Check for Diseases
When pruning your plants, checking for diseases or pests before trimming them is important. Diseased and pest-ridden plants can spread infection to other nearby plants, so be sure to inspect the plant before pruning. If you spot any signs of disease or infestation, remove the affected branches and dispose of them responsibly.
Additionally, clean your pruning tools between plants so you don’t spread any infection from one plant to another. For this reason, it is important to call in a professional to handle the job because they can easily identify plant diseases and are trained on the right way to prune to avoid spreading any infection.
Turbo Tree Care provides tree trimming and pruning throughout Sterling Heights, MI, so call us today to learn how we can help you maintain your walkways.
