Is It Time to Prune Your Trees?

First Things First: Pruning Explained

Tree pruning is similar to trimming, with the main difference being that its biggest purpose is to remove unhealthy branches and other sections of your tree, allowing it to grow stronger.

Benefits of Tree Pruning

Pruning helps your trees–and your property overall–in a lot of different ways, including::

• Removing the dead weight of diseased or decaying branches
• Allowing lower branches to get sunlight by ensuring the crown of your tree isn’t too thick
• Preventing the projectile hazards that come with weak, dead, or dying branches (especially during hurricane season)
• Ensuring structural stability for your tree so that it grows in a healthy, sustainable direction

Know Your Trees

One of the most important parts of property maintenance is knowing when your trees are due for pruning. In order to do this, look out for a few key signs. Call a professional to book a pruning appointment if:

• The upper layers of your tree’s crown are so thick you can’t see through them
• The lower branches of your tree’s crown are looking brown, weak, or thin because they have less access to sunlight
• There are several unseasonably bare branches throughout your tree’s crown
• Your tree is growing diagonally or horizontally
• Your tree’s crown is misshapen
• You can’t remember the last time your tree was pruned

Being Proactive is Best

A common misconception is that tree pruning is a cosmetic preference, when the truth is that it’s necessary for the well-being of your trees. Pruning helps to prevent structural deterioration, disease, and death in your trees.