Tree trimming is more than simply cleaning up the yard to make your house look aesthetically pleasing. Tree trimming, also called pruning, is the thoughtful act of taking care of a tree’s health, safety and beauty. When branches go unchecked, they compete for light and nutrients and can develop weak attachments that can easily break off when strong winds come in.Strategically removing branches that need to be pruned can encourage a stronger and more balanced growth of branches that will allow the tree to thrive for decades to come.
Keeping Trees Healthy
Every living tree constantly invests its energy into new shoots, leaves and wood. Unfortunately, much of that energy gets wasted on dead, dying or diseased branches that serve no useful purpose. By carefully removing these branches, the tree redirects its resources to existing parts of the tree and also towards fending off insects and diseases.Trimming branches lets trees heal from wounds faster. Improved air circulation from pruning also reduces fungal diseases that flourish in damp, shaded interiors.
Building A Strong Base
Trees, especially young trees, may need help developing proper branch structure. Many species naturally produce multiple leaders or low branches with narrow, V-shaped crotches that almost guarantee splitting up as the tree matures and goes up in weight. Early corrective pruning establishes a single, dominant leader and wider, stronger branch angles that can withstand ice storms and heavy winds.Even established trees can benefit from occasional tree trimming when heavy branches threaten to unbalance the crown or pull away from the trunk.
Tree Branches And Safety
Overhanging tree branches can pose genuine risks to homes and vehicles if they are too close to them, and people as well as they can fall on them. Branches that touch roofs can scrape shingles loose, clog glutters with leaves and debris, and offer easy access to rodents that are seeking warm places such as attics to get into.Branches that extend over sidewalks or driveways can become hazards the moment decay sets in. Utility companies routinely trim around power lines as proactive maintenance to prevent power outages due to falling branches during heavy storms. A single well-timed pruning session often eliminates these threats that could otherwise cause thousands of dollars in damages.
Shaping Trees
Thoughtful pruning enhances the appearance of trees that could otherwise grow unsightly. Raising the lower canopy opens views and creates graceful spaces that are park-like beneath trees that give shade. Careful pruning keeps oversized branches from growing too big for the homes and gardens in the area.
The Timing Of Tree Trimming
Late winter is an ideal season for many trees. Bare branches reveal a tree’s architecture clearly, sap flow stays minimal and diseases remain dormant. Summer pruning works well for controlling size after the spring growth, and it slows regrowth of aggressive species. Spring is not usually ideal for pruning since many trees, such as maples and birches, since this is when the flow of sap is more abundant. Late summer or fall pruning can often stimulate tender shoots that can be vulnerable to early frosts.
When To Call The Professionals
Many homeowners can manage modest pruning on small ornamental trees if they have good tools and some basic knowledge. However, climbing tall trees, working near power lines or removing large limbs demands training, insurance and specialized equipment most people lack.Certified arborists bring expertise that protects both the tree, themselves and everyone around it. Many professional landscaping companies can also handle most of the tree trimming that is asked of them. Many general contractors such as a handyman can also handle basic tree trimming.
Conclusion
Tree trimming, when done with patience and some knowledge, can be an investment in the beauty, safety and longevity of the trees and the surrounding area, including its homes. Each cut shapes not just the tree in front of you, but also the landscape around it. Tree trimming brings with it a beautiful aesthetic and also a peace of mind knowing that homes and people are in a safe environment.Whether you do-it-yourself, or hire a certified arborist, landscaping company or a general contractor like a handyman, tree trimming is a necessary and great investment for you and your home.