Tree Pruning

Pruning refers to a technique whereby some parts of a tree are cut off and removed to promote its healthy growth. While it may seem counter productive at first- how does cutting a tree help it grow?- you may be surprised to learn that all kinds of trees derive a lot of benefits from regular pruning procedures.

Why You Should Prune Your Trees

Here are some of the major advantages that come with fairly regular tree pruning practices:

Tree Growth

First off, pruning does a world of wonder for the overall health of the tree in question. Through the process of pruning, you detect and remove any decaying branches, ensure that it is not plagued with any disease or infestation, and get a clear idea of what it may be currently lacking in regards to care and nutrition. Thus, pruning enables you to better look after the health of your trees and directly address the problems that are currently hindering its ideal growth.

Structural Integrity

Pruning a tree from a very young age ensures that it grows with good structural integrity. It helps to keep it in proper shape and prevent it from growing awkward limbs and branches that can easily break off or look out of order. You can also prune a young tree to make it grow out into a certain shape or form for aesthetic purposes.

Decay Prevention

Catching a decay in part of the tree early on in the process allows you to prevent the spread of the disease to the rest of the organism. By removing the decaying part, you help improve the health of the tree and encourage the growth of non diseased parts.

Fruit Production

With the proper pruning technique, you can ensure that your tree is dedicating the majority of its energy reserves towards producing fruit as opposed to growing out untamed branches.

Aesthetic Purposes

As mentioned, pruning a young tree gives you control over its growth rate and pattern so you can style it in desired shapes. Generally speaking, trimming and pruning down the trees in your lawn improves their appearance and prevents them from appearing too shaggy and outgrown.

Safety Concerns

Trees located near residences or public places can prove to be a safety hazard if not properly pruned regularly. With poor structural integrity and possibly decaying health, you could always be moments away from a hazard like a falling tree branch that can cause damage to property and person. This is especially true for trees that are placed near power lines, hang over parts of your house, or are being used for recreational purposes like tree houses and swing sets. Pruning ensures that you can detect these issues and deal with them before they put everyone in the vicinity at risk of getting hurt.

The Best Time To Prune

Unless you need to address a structural emergency, the ideal time for a pruning session would be sometime near the end of the autumn season and the beginning of winter as it limits the stress experienced by the organism.