Why Tree Trimming is Important

We have several people that ask us “Why is tree trimming and pruning important?”. In this article we will go over a few facts to hopefully educate you on the importance of tree pruning.

Tree Pruning has many benefits but the most important one is keeping the people around it safe. Branches, especially dead ones, can fall from a tree at any time posing many dangers. Removing dangerous limbs and maintaining a safe tree is always the best course of action. However, depending on the size of the tree and the location of the branches to be pruned, pruning itself can also be very dangerous. To ensure your personal safety, we recommend you let an experienced arborist do any pruning you’re not absolutely confident in doing.

Tree Growth and Structure

Pruning plays a very important role on how a tree can grow. With proper pruning, a tree can be made to grow into a certain configuration of limbs and branches that is more ideal for the structural integrity of the tree. Maintaining the tree’s structure helps to mitigate the risk of broken limbs and falling branches. A properly pruned tree will not have poor branch structures and improper weight distribution that could lead to disaster. Structural pruning can also improve the general look of the tree. If beautiful trees are important to you, proper pruning can make a tree grow in the desired fashion.

When to Prune

It is important that pruning be done in late fall or winter, during the dormant season.At his time that the trees are least susceptible to harm that may result from pruning. Trees get stressed just like any other creature and removing their branches can cause damage to the tree. When the tree is dormant, however, less sap is lost and, since they are dormant as well, insects and fungus are less likely to further damage the tree.

Not Too Much

It’s also important to remember not to prune too much off of your tree. Generally, you want to prune the smallest amount you possibly can to achieve the desired effect. Never prune more than a quarter of the crown of a tree, as this is where most of its leaves are located and where it gets most of its energy. You will run the risk of fatally damaging your tree if too much is pruned too quickly. Again, a certified arborist is your best bet if you want the job done properly and safely the first time.