Trees provide shade and beauty, create oxygen, reduce greenhouse gases, help prevent erosion, and even increase property values. However, without proper care, trees can succumb to disease, pests, and structural defects that can cause them to fail (fall). One crucial aspect of tree care is pruning. Professional arborists use CODIT (Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees) pruning techniques to improve tree structure and stability. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of CODIT tree pruning, how it works, and why it is essential for maintaining healthy and stable trees.
What is CODIT Pruning?
CODIT pruning removes the branches that are negatively affecting the tree, to prevent decay, and to remove decayed growth. This is essential to maintaining the health of a tree, especially one that is experiencing any of the above structural issues. With CODIT pruning techniques trees can be kept strong and healthy by:
- Removing one stem to address co-dominant stems
- Preventing entanglement by addressing lateral growth within the crown
- Correcting entanglement by removing one branch to free the other
- Removing water sprouts that rob resources from the main branches and threaten its structure
- Removing suckers that sap nutrients away from the tree, and could crowd the tree
- Thinning the canopy to let light in for photosynthesis, and prevent entanglement
- Removing dead or dying limbs to prevent further die out and stimulate new growth
Understanding Tree Growth and Structural Dangers
To learn about CODIT pruning, it’s best to understand the nature of how a tree develops and some of the common structural problems that could put the tree at risk. When a tree develops structural issues, it can become hazardous and pose a risk to people and property. A well-structured tree will better endure high winds and be less likely to topple or lose limbs.
With proper CODIT tree pruning many common structural issues that can be prevented or addressed include:
- Co-dominant stems – two stems competing for dominance
- Entangled branches – branches that have crossed each other or twisted around another branch
- Water sprouts – branches that shoot straight up and drain resources
- Suckers – new growth shooting out from low on the trunk or from the roots
- Overcrowding – too many interior branches in the crown, preventing light to reach through
- Bark inclusion – when two branches grow into each other, trapping bark between them
Importance of Professional Pruning
Tree pruning by a certified arborist using CODIT techniques is an integral component of tree maintenance. While some tree trimming can be accomplished by homeowners, improper pruning can actually do more harm than good to a tree. In addition, not pruning a tree when needed can leave it vulnerable to structural problems, disease, and pests. A tree suffering from a pest infestation or disease can fail, which could result in injury or property damage.
A regular tree trimming and pruning schedule is essential to maintaining healthy, beautiful trees and the value of your property. In addition, tree pruning is a crucial element of wildfire defense. A certified arborist can help with vegetation management to reduce fire risk for you and your neighbors. In Sonoma County, where wildfires have been caused by electrical lines, the utility company may come in and remove limbs that interfere with power lines. That might seem like a gift, that they’re doing it for you. However, their aim is the safety of the lines, not the health of the tree. Having your trees professionally pruned before they become a hazard to any utilities could save your tree from potential damage caused by unilateral limb removal.
Vintage Tree Care Arborists Are CODIT Experts
The techniques used by a certified arborist performing CODIT pruning can ensure the continued health and beauty of your trees. By avoiding and addressing structural issues, your trees will thrive and provide shade, oxygen, beauty, and value for your property for years to come.