3 Reasons Tree Trimming is Important

A beautiful, well-maintained tree doesn’t just happen automatically. Taking the time to give the trees on your property regular maintenance is an investment and will improve a tree’s health and longevity. Tree trimming and pruning are processes by which an arborist removes branches or foliage that may be dead or diseased, contain codominant stems, have weak or poorly developed branches, or have branches that obstruct roads, structures, utilities, or human activities. Here are three reasons why regular tree pruning is so important.

The Health of the Tree

An unmaintained tree in an urban environment can affect a tree’s health, stability, and appearance. The outcome of an unmaintained tree includes poor development of branches or stems that interfere with roads, utilities, pedestrians, and structures; weak, codominant stems; flaws such as weight-loading of branches and overextended branches; and a cumulation of dead or diseased branches.

Removing codominant stems or weakly attached branches, branches that are dead and diseased infested, or branches that are interfering with structures or roadways can help to create a healthier structure for your trees and ultimately reduce the need for future corrective pruning.

It’s especially important to begin pruning when the tree is young. Pruning a tree when its young reduces the need for pruning later or as the tree matures. By removing weak or poorly developed branches, co-dominant stems, dead or diseased wood, you are allowing your tree to develop stronger and healthier.

The Safety of the Property

Weak, poorly attached, dead or decaying branches can pose a serious risk to your home, your property, and the people around it. During heavy winds or a severe weather event, these compromised limbs can easily fall and cause damage to their surroundings. Taking the pre-emptive measure to prune your tree can help to prevent a dangerous situation from occurring.

Past arboriculture practices instructed and taught arborists the best time to prune a tree was during the dormant season (late fall or winter). Some rules and instructions still apply to these practices. However, recent studies have proven that trees will “seal” their wounds faster during the growing season, reducing the risk of disease or decay to infiltrate the wound. If you are anticipating a severe storm and depending on the genus and/or species of tree, it’s a good idea to storm-proof your tree to prevent a potential emergency.

The Appearance of the Tree and Your Landscape

Pruning a tree can alter the morphology and physiology of a tree, influencing the way the tree continues to grow. Not only can this make your tree more aesthetically pleasing, but you can ensure that the limbs and branches are growing in a configuration that is ideal for its structural integrity.

Pruning trees is not just about preventing unbalanced and misshapen trees. It can also help improve your overall landscape. Unmanaged trees can block the sun or prevent rain from reaching the grass and flowers growing underneath. Removing branches can boost your overall curb appeal and help to get rid of any potential obstructions for other scenery on your property.

When pruning, it is a good rule of thumb to remove the smallest amount possible that can still achieve the desired effects. If you prune too much too quickly, you can run the risk of fatally damaging the tree. That’s why it’s important to consult with an expert before undertaking tree pruning or trimming yourself. Learn more about Townsend Residential’s tree pruning services.