Landscaping trees not only add curb appeal to your property but also adds environmental value. Just like any other part of your home, the trees on your property also require regular maintenance. This will help ensure the trees continued health in addition to making sure you protect their value. If you are thinking about skipping out on pruning your trees, there are several things that may cause you to reconsider.
Pruning your trees offers a wide range of benefits. The main reason to prune your trees is to keep your family and your property safe. Dead or weak branches can fall and cause damage to property or people at any time. Pruning helps to ensure that the branches on the tree that are at risk of breaking or falling are removed in a safe manner.
Pruning For Structure & Growth
Proper pruning can help your tree grow in a healthy manner, at the same time, lack of pruning or improper pruning can hinder its growth. Healthy pruning will allow the tree to grow in a way that allows its limbs, crown, and branches to contribute to its structural integrity. It will also help to reduce the chances of falling branched, broken limbs, and even pest infestations. Structural pruning is very important for aesthetics as well. If you want your tree to grow in a certain shape, or if you just want to make sure it has a look that is uniform, pruning is essential.
If a tree is allowed to grow out of control, it may lead to improper weight distribution over the crown or other parts of the tree. This can cause a strain on the roots and even restrict nutrients to vital parts of the tree if not addressed in a timely manner. Overweight branches also may compromise branch structures which can lead to weak branches that are prone to breakage. As the tree ages, these problems may result in a shorter lifespan and a poorly performing crown.
Pruning For Landscape Aesthetics
Whether you have one tree or ten, skipping out on regular pruning can have a negative effect on the overall look of your landscape. Trees that have dense branches will prevent the sun and even the rain from reaching the ground. This can choke the roots, grass, and other plants around the tree. Depending on the location, it may also block the sun from shining through the windows of your home. Scheduled pruning will ensure that moisture and sunlight are able to permeate where they are needed most. Pruning can also allow you to have a clear view of your property from inside your home.
Irregular pruning can also cause your trees to grow in strange shapes that can leave your yard looking unkempt. If allowed to grow unhindered, branches can grow heavy in one direction while remaining sparse on the other. This will leave your landscape with an unbalanced, uncared for feel. Think about pruning as you would a haircut. Trimming the branches of your tree allows it to grow in an aesthetically pleasing shape that will also boost your property’s curb appeal.
Unsure if you can make your trees look the way you want?
Pruning For Tree Health & Safety
Too much growth can be harmful to a tree. If you fail to prune your tree, it will develop heavy branches and overcrowded crow. This can lead to tree failure as time goes on. Pruning allows the tree to shed weaker, sick, or dead branches and use those resources to nourish the rest of the tree. If you have a tree that is suffering from an illness, has been damaged in a storm, or is simply weak, pruning can help. Regular pruning reduced the need for corrective pruning and also helps to foster a healthier tree structure.
The last thing you want is for your trees to get sick and die, but thankfully pruning can often prevent that. If you have a tree or several trees that are diseased, infested, or damaged, it is important to have them pruned. Pruning will stop most ailments in their tracks and in many cases, can help save the life of a damaged tree. Of course, pruning is the only way to keep a damaged tree from harming your property or your family which makes it all that much more important.
When Should You Prune Your Tree?
Some seasons are ideal for pruning, and in most cases, this will be during the fall or winter. The cooler months are the dormant season for most trees which is the best time for a trim. Trees are less vulnerable to damage and disease when they are dormant and also will be less prone to pruning damage. Pruning a tree inflects a certain amount of stress, and branch removal is a stress trigger. When a branch is removed from a tree, it will generally ooze sap to cover the wound, in the winter, when the tree is dormant, less sap will be lost. In addition to less sap loss, funguses, insects, and other pests are less prone to infestation during the winter months.
If your tree has suffered storm damage or any other type of trauma that requires pruning, it is more important to get it done regardless of the season. Certain types of trees have very specific pruning schedules so it is a good idea to speak with a certified arborist before making any cuts.
Professional Tree Care
Pruning should always be performed by a professional if the tree is over a certain height, or if it is near power lines. Damaged trees, leaning trees, and sick trees should also be cared for by a professional arborist. Depending on the type, size, and location of the tree, pruning can be dangerous in and of itself. If you are in need of regular tree care and pruning, hiring a local arborist is a smart choice. They will be able to provide species-specific care and can target any problems they come across before they are too late to address.