Have You Been Seeing Tree Branches All Over Your Yard? That’s a Sign it’s Time to Prune Your Tree. Here’s Why.

Why do branches fall off your trees? The truth is that there’s a wide array of reasons as to why this might happen, and you can look to your trees themselves to help you figure it out.

Let’s start with some of the most harmless (and harmless) reasons for branches to fall off your trees. First up, there are seasonal changes. Despite the fact that Florida experiences pretty mild winters, it is possible for some trees to lose their leaves–and even branches–in the cooler months. The extent to which this is normal will depend on the type of tree; it’s pretty normal for it to happen with trees like sycamores, red maples, sweetgums, and elms.

A significantly less common but notable cause of branches falling is termites. Though these critters most often feed on dead wood, some do infest live wood and even trees. If your home was recently infested with termites, they could be the culprit behind falling branches on an otherwise healthy tree.

With that said, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to falling branches. Always consult with a property maintenance professional to rule out more pressing and concerning causes of fallen branches, like decay or disease in your tree.

When we say abnormal, what we really mean is causes that might require some more extensive attention from a professional. Falling branches can be a sign that your tree is overgrown and is in dire need of pruning. Try this: look up at the sky through your tree’s branches. Can you see beyond them? If not, it’s a sign that your tree is overcrowded. This is important to address; dense, unruly branches can impede the healthy growth of a tree, especially if it’s been a long time since you last had it pruned. If this is the case, we recommend working with a trusted service provider to determine what the healthiest course of action might be.

Though it’s less common, it’s important to know that falling branches can be one of the signs that a tree is diseased or decaying. The good news is that decaying trees come with numerous potential telltale signs, including:

• Deep gouges in the bark that stand out from normal bark irregularities.
• Fungal growth (most often in the form of mushrooms) around or on the tree’s roots.
• Gray, flaking bark or roots.
• Clusters of unseasonably bare branches around the crown of the tree.

If a tree on your property has been losing branches and is displaying any of these signs, we strongly recommend that you call in a professional right away. A diseased or decaying tree can impact the overall health of your entire property, so it’s crucial to address it immediately.

The roots of your trees don’t only keep the tree tethered to the ground while the wind is whipping around the branches; they also strengthen every branch and limb. So the healthier the roots are, the better the tree will fare during a hurricane or other big storm.

You can facilitate healthy root growth by mulching and fertilizing your trees regularly. This delivers nutrients right to the roots, helping them grow stronger faster, anchoring them better.

During dry periods, water your trees deeply right at the roots, giving them extra nutrients and helping them grow deeper. You can also renovate the soil with decompaction methods and organic matter to give your trees the best chance during a storm.

You may have noticed that, no matter the scenario outlined above, our strongest recommendation was that you work with a property maintenance professional to address it. This isn’t a recommendation we make lightly (and it’s also not because we are a property maintenance company). The truth is that your property is a delicate ecosystem, and every tree is a critical component of it. Caring for your trees is an important job, and it should be overseen and carried out by someone who has the expertise to do it right. DIY property maintenance may be fine if you’re just clipping a small unruly twig or mowing your lawn, but it can quickly become harmful once the conversation shifts to pruning trees or inspecting your property for decay.

Working with a professional means minimizing the risk of error while ensuring that your property is cared for as promptly and thoroughly as possible. If the overall health of your property is your priority, call a trusted tree care professional to help you come up with a plan to address your fallen branches.

If you’re seeing tree branches throughout your yard and want to figure out what’s going on (including whether it’s time to prune your trees), we’re here to help. Just reach out to us to learn more about your options.