Did you know that Americans are spending over $8,000 on landscaping projects? While you might be hoping to avoid large landscaping expenses, you don’t want to neglect critical maintenance efforts in your yard. And if you have a lawn studded with trees, you’ll need to include caring for them as part of your lawn maintenance routine.
Stay with us to learn why tree pruning is important!
What Is Tree Pruning?
Tree pruning is the act of detaching and eliminating branches from trees. Pruning is done in an intentional way to help facilitate a tree’s future growth and overall health. It also can improve the physical appearance of the tree by defining a clearer or more balanced canopy shape.
If you have a tree that is getting too wide for your property size, pruning can help. Or if you have a tree with branches hitting your roof, pruning can protect your roof and windows.
Ideally, pruning should be completed in the fall or winter months. And you’ll want to start conservatively. Avoid removing more than 25% of your tree’s canopy to ensure your tree stays healthy.
Additionally, it’s critical to pay attention to weight distribution. Pruning in a lopsided manner can harm your tree’s structure. But when completed properly, pruning is an excellent way to maintain tree health.
Understand the Benefits of Tree Pruning
One of the key benefits of tree trimming is a more attractive property. Removing dead branches and giving more definition to a tree’s shape can enhance curb appeal.
Aside from cosmetic improvements, it encourages new growth of limbs, as well. It also helps prevent scenarios where dead branches fall on people or snap and damage your property during storms. Remember that dead branches are brittle and can fall without warning.
Pruning can help thin the canopies of larger trees, too. This makes it easier for light to filter through the branches and spur growth in ground-level vegetation. To do this effectively, it is best to hire professional tree pruning services with experience and the proper equipment.
Learn How to Prune a Tree
Pruning a tree requires having the right equipment, plus some basic knowledge about best practices. You’ll need different pruning and lopping shears to address different sizes of branches. You’ll also need saws to tackle larger branches with heftier diameters.
Avoid cutting branches at random. It pays to familiarize yourself with the branch collar so you can aim to make your cuts there. The branch collar is the enlarged area where the branch connects to the trunk.
Smaller cuts also should be made at the correct angle, while larger cuts require patience to avoid tearing bark. Think of pruning as an art form where each cut needs to be decisive.
Pursue Tree Pruning
Tree pruning is a maintenance task that can yield big rewards when done regularly. You’ll keep your trees healthy and promote future growth. You’ll also improve the appearance of your trees and property.
Read to address tree maintenance on your property? Contact us so we can help!