When it comes to pruning your trees, you may encounter challenges. When you face these challenges, it is essential to know what to do so that you can keep your trees as healthy as possible.  

1. Suckering 

Suckering occurs when new trees shoot up at the base of already existing trees. They look like mini trees or branches coming up from the ground or base of an existing tree. Suckers grow fast, and they are damaging to the health of the tree they are growing out of. You can prune suckers away as soon as you can before they get tall and start sucking the nutrients away from your primary tree.  

Keep an eye on your trees, especially when suckers are likely to pop up, especially in the spring. As soon as you see them, cut the sucker right at the base connecting to the primary tree.  

2. Forked Trunks 

Sometimes, when a tree grows, two trees grow right next to each other or grow off the same trunk, creating a forked trunk. You want to avoid forked trunks, as a forked trunk often leaves a hollow cavity between the two different trunks. That cavity makes the tree vulnerable to rot and insects. 

It is best to get rid of a forked trunk right away when the tree is young. Don't let a forked tree grow large, as the tree will always be at risk.  

3. Cluster Branch 

Another thing to watch out for is clustered branches. Clustered branches are when too many branches grow together. When too many branches grow closely together, this can weaken the overall structure and limit the tree's ability to grow a larger branch.  

Watch how branches develop on your trees, and if you see a lot of new branches growing closely together, prune away most of the branches so that there is only one branch left. 

4. Stub 

Sometimes, a branch breaks off during a storm, leaving behind a stub. A stub is where the end of a branch is left after the main branch falls off. If you see that a branch fell off and left behind a stub, you will want to cut it closer to the tree's trunk so that the area can adequately heal. You need a clean cut so that insects don't infect the tree. 

If you encounter a tree with a challenging condition, such as a suckering, forked trunk, clustered branches, or a stub, A professional tree pruning service can prune your trees and keep them healthy. They can ensure that your trees continue to thrive.