Tree Trimming

How to Prune a Live Oak Tree

The Live Oak adds value to a homeowner’s property. It fact it is the most valuable tree on your property because it's drought tolerant and conserves water, it is very large and provides shade, and with proper tree care it lives to over 100-years old. Some live to be 500-years old.

Tree service man examining a tree with two main trucks called leaders

The photo below shows a Live Oak with a U-shaped Co-dominant leader

Example of live oak tree with two main leaders called co-dominant leaders

When you have a Live Oak with Co-dominant leaders a U-shape is better and the wider the U-shape the stronger

Close up view of co-dominant leaders with U-shaped joint which is stronger than a narrow V-shaped joint

A narrow V-shape Co-dominant leader is weaker than a U-shaped Co-dominant leader

Close up view of narrow and weaker V-shape joint between co-dominant leaders

Narrow V-shape Co-dominant leaders have bark inclusion which means hidden bark between two trunks or leaders, and included bark prevents strong branch attachments.

Photo of Co-dominant leaders failure due to bark inclusion. Bark inclusion is ingrown bark under bark that makes a tree joint weaker

How to correctly prune or trim a Live Oak tree. Start by removing crossing branches. When branches rub together from the wind it creates wounds that make the tree susceptible to pests, disease, and rot.

Tree service man removing branches that cross and touch each other to prevent rubbing that creates wounds

Remove branches that are pointing down

Tree service man removing downward hanging branches so they do not rub against each other

Always make a bottom cut and a top cut so the cut does not tear into the tree trunk

Tree service man making a bottom and then top cut on branches when pruning so the cut doesn't tear into the trunk causing a tree wound

When we prune the Live Oak we want to promote the growth of the dominant leader

Call Pflugerville Tree Service for all of your tree care services.
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