Having beautiful, healthy trees in your yard is not only aesthetically pleasing, but they can also substantially increase the value of your property.
Even more important, well-maintained trees are generally healthy trees, and are less likely to be a safety hazard. A sick or poorly kept tree not only looks unappealing, but it can also be dangerous. If dead, diseased or damaged branches are not removed, they can fall from a tree at any time, particularly in high winds or a storm. Not what you want around your home and family!
Pruning trees and shrubs are important for a number of reasons. However, it’s important to note that proper pruning is not simply cutting off random limbs or hacking at a shrub.
Pruning, when done correctly, is purposeful, and ideally done at the right time of year for the particular tree or shrub species, with your desired outcome in mind.
Proper tree pruning technique involves removing specific stems or branches for the benefit of the entire tree. Over-pruning and using incorrect techniques can kill a tree or shrub, and conversely, neglect and lack of maintenance can be detrimental to a tree’s health, so it’s important to get it right.
If you’re not experienced in this area, it’s advisable to consult with a professional Arborist who can give you expert advice on your particular tree and help you get the results you’re after.
Never attempt to prune a tree that’s difficult to access, close to power lines or just beyond your reach.
Why is tree pruning important?
Here are some of the main reasons you should prune your trees:
Remove dead or damaged branches
It’s important to have any dead, damaged or diseased branches removed so that they don’t become a safety hazard and potentially fall from the tree in high winds or a storm. Removal of dead or diseased branches will also discourage insects and pests from invading the tree which can cause it to become sick.
Increase sunlight
Tree pruning by removing certain limbs or thinning out a canopy can increase the sunlight to the tree itself or you may want to reduce shade in a desired area of your property.
Encourage growth
Pruning a tree properly will naturally encourage it to grow back stronger and healthier. Proper pruning techniques can make tree roots stronger and help new branches to grow.
Stimulate or manage flower and fruit production
Any trees that produce flowers or fruit will benefit from proper pruning. Pruning a tree at the right time of year will encourage and stimulate the trees natural flower and fruit production. Alternatively, you may want to decrease the flower or fruit production of the tree if it’s becoming a nuisance.
Improve the tree structure
Correct tree pruning techniques can improve the tree’s overall structural integrity, making it stronger where it needs to be and better able to withstand storms and strong winds.
Improve how the tree looks
Tree pruning will enhance the appearance of your tree and the overall aesthetic of your yard.
Provide clearance for power lines and other structures
You never want a tree to come too close to power lines. Also you may need to keep overhanging branches away from your roof, fence or pool to stop damage from leaf fall or contact with the structure.
Save a sick tree
If a tree is sick, pruning can be used to treat the problem and help prevent the disease from spreading and will not only help keep the tree alive and healthy but may negate the need to have it removed which can be costly.