Tree Trimming & Pruning Tips

Why Prune Or Trim?

You know what they say, there's more than one way to skin a cat, the same goes for trimming and pruning your trees. There are multiple ways to go about removing overgrowth and free up space top to accommodate future healthy growth for your trees. With the right equipment and knowledge, you can help maintain a healthy, full appearance to your trees supporting the longevity of a healthy life for your landscape. Removing too many branches may actually hurt the tree more leaving permanent damage or worst case scenario to kill the tree.

When Is the Best Time?

Removing dead or hazardous branches during any time of the year will not harm the tree, however if you plan on removing healthy branches the best time of the year is in the early spring when growth and wound closure are reaching the peak. This will allow healthy growth while reducing the likelihood of the tree being affected in its entirety. There is the possibility your tree may catch a disease such as oak wilt if it is not pruned at the right time. To prevent this from happening you should do research beforehand to determine if your tree has any chance of catching any diseases and when those active transmission periods are.

Reasons To Trim & Prune

1. Safety- Broken or dead branches can be a safety hazard especially when children are involved. Removing overgrowth and dead branches will prevent any accidents if someone were to be walking under your tree at the wrong time. Any dead branches hanging over live electrical wires can be extremely hazardous, especially during stormy seasons.
2. Aesthetics- Properly pruning and trimming your trees at least once a year will help it develop a nice shape, assuming the correct branches are removed. This will boost the curb appeal of your property, especially if you are trying to sell your home in the near future. Pruning is a simple way to boost property value. To achieve the best results possible you should talk to a certified arborist or tree service to get their opinion or completely outsource the project to them.
3. Health- Pruning your trees annually or biannually will supplement proper growth and health of your trees. If you notice a tree is dying, you should attempt to remove any dead or diseased branches first. Trimming away branches will remove overgrowth improving overall airflow within the branches boosting the possibility for the tree to bounce back and live a healthy life.

Pruning Techniques

The whole point to pruning your trees is to support the health and development throughout its early life giving a strong and sturdy structure later in its adult/elderly years. If you take the proper measures when the tree is younger you won't have a headache taming it when it gets older.

You should refrain from removing the entire crown of a tree in it's entirety. If you think you need to trim the crown of your tree you should attempt to keep the lateral branches even spaced apart, especially on younger trees. Trim branches that cross or rub up against each other and if possible never remove more than one-fourth of the living crown.

If you are planning on trimming the lower branches of a tree to allow room for signs or mowing your lawn make sure you leave the branches on a minimum of two thirds the trees entire height. This will prevent any over pruning or trimming that will harm the health of the tree making it look less than pleasing to look at.

Call A Professional Tree Service

If you don't want the hassle of trimming and pruning your own trees I would recommend calling a professional tree care service or arborist to assist you. It is always beneficial to consult with a professional that has years of experience dealing with the health of trees. The cost will vary depending on the needs of your trees and landscaping.