Pruning is one of the most important aspects of tree care, yet when carried out incorrectly, it can create long-lasting and potentially hazardous problems. Many of the dangerous tree conditions found today are the result of past pruning that was done without proper understanding, technique or timing. For homeowners in Billingshurst and the surrounding West Sussex area, recognising the impact of poor pruning is essential for maintaining safe, healthy and structurally sound trees.
Below, we explore why improper pruning creates risks—and why professional care is vital for preventing them.
Weak Branch Unions That Fail Under Pressure
One of the most common issues caused by poor pruning is the formation of weak branch unions. When branches are cut incorrectly—too close, too long, or at the wrong angle—the tree responds by forming weak points where new growth attaches poorly. These weak unions are far more likely to split during storms, strong winds or even under their own weight.
Professional pruning encourages strong, stable unions that support safe, balanced growth.
Excessive or Uneven Canopy Growth
Improper pruning can stimulate excessive regrowth, often called “water shoots” or “epicormic growth.” These fast-growing, weakly attached shoots create a dense, unstable canopy that is much more prone to breakage. Uneven pruning, such as taking too much from one side, can also lead to imbalance, causing trees to lean or place extra strain on the trunk.
This imbalance can increase the risk of branch failure or, in severe cases, destabilise the entire tree.
Decay and Disease Entering Through Poor Cuts
Bad cuts—such as tearing the bark, cutting too close to the trunk, or leaving large stubs—create perfect entry points for decay and disease. Fungal infections, rot and pests can easily take hold in these wounds, spreading into the heartwood and weakening the tree from the inside.
Correct pruning seals naturally and supports healthy wound closure, greatly reducing the risk of internal decay.
Topping: One of the Most Damaging Practices
Topping—removing the upper canopy or cutting back to large, unsupported stubs—is one of the most harmful past practices still seen today. It leaves trees disfigured, stressed and vulnerable. Topping:
- Removes too much foliage
- Reduces the tree’s ability to produce food
- Encourages rapid, weak regrowth
- Increases susceptibility to disease
- Creates long-term structural instability
Many dangerous trees in Billingshurst are the result of topping carried out years earlier.
Reduced Wind Resistance and Structural Integrity
Trees pruned incorrectly lose their natural aerodynamic shape. Instead of allowing wind to pass safely through, poor pruning creates dense, awkward or top-heavy canopies that catch the wind more easily. This significantly raises the risk of limb failure or uprooting during severe weather.
Proper crown thinning and shaping restores balance and reduces wind loading on the tree.
Hidden Risks Become Harder to Detect
Poor pruning often masks developing problems. For example, decay tucked behind a large stub or cracks caused by uneven stress can go unnoticed until failure occurs. Professional tree surgeons know how to identify these subtle risks long before they become dangerous.
Early detection helps avoid sudden, unexpected damage to property or surrounding areas.
Why Professional Tree Surgery Matters
Correct pruning is both an art and a science. It requires knowledge of tree biology, structural integrity, growth patterns and safe working practices. Professional tree surgeons ensure:
- Cuts are made in the correct location
- The tree’s natural shape and health are maintained
- Future growth is guided safely
- Long-term structural problems are avoided
- Issues created by past pruning are corrected where possible
For trees affected by previous poor pruning, timely intervention is essential to prevent further deterioration.
Conclusion
Poor past pruning is one of the leading causes of dangerous tree conditions, from structural instability to internal decay. Understanding the consequences of bad cuts—and taking proactive steps to correct them—helps protect your property, safeguard the public and promote healthy, sustainable tree growth.
If you have concerns about the condition of your trees in Billingshurst, NS Tree Surgery Billingshurst is here to help. Contact us today to arrange a professional assessment and ensure your trees receive the expert care they need.
Call us on: 01403 907 097
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