Why Trees Need (the Right Kind of) Pruning

The fact that trees need pruning isn’t all that surprising to most people. Even if you’re not totally sure what the pruning process entails, you’re probably at least familiar with the term and the concept. What you might not be familiar with is exactly why trees need to be pruned - and the different benefits they’ll enjoy as a result.

Before you grab a set of pruners and get to work yourself, you need to understand that there aren’t just different benefits that go along with pruning. There are also different techniques and methods to consider. That’s why effective tree pruning yielding maximum benefits requires the expertise of a professional.

Top Reasons for Pruning Trees

1. Tree Safety. Trees that are planted in a deliberate manner, such as those in a landscape, are exposed to a lot more sunlight than trees growing naturally in a woodland. Now, sunlight does make for healthy trees. But sometimes that winds up working against them. When trees grow large, long, horizontal limbs due to this level of sun exposure, they’re more at risk for breakage. That can lead to property damage, and leaves the tree vulnerable to disease.

2. Property Protection. It’s not just those big, long limbs that pose a threat to your property. There are a lot of reasons why tree branches may be weakened, even if it’s not a matter of their size creating too much strain. Anything from strong winds to heavy snow accumulation can lead limbs to a breaking point. A professional arborist can reduce the overall risk of a tree failing during a storm by effectively pruning it. That may require limb removal or canopy thinning, and it takes a skilled eye to make that assessment.

3. Tree Health. This one goes hand in hand with tree safety. Just because the limbs and canopy of your trees are intact does not mean your trees are necessarily healthy. That dead branch you noticed a while back may still be hanging on strong, but did you know dead branches can harbor disease even when still attached? Even a thinned-out canopy can still cause problems if it’s not also properly balanced. It’s a lot to manage.

4. Structure Clearance. Being proactive with your tree pruning is the best way to go. If you have branches cutting it close to your house, it’s best to prune them back before they’re at risk of making contact. Long branches extending over walkaways or approaching utility lines also pose a risk. Most people will notice if their trees are growing out over the roof, but what about those that are growing into other trees? Again, these are the important details that homeowners who aren’t professional arborists just aren’t trained to look for.

5. Size and Aesthetics. We can talk about healthy trees and how important they are all day long. But, there is still the aesthetic factor to consider. An important aspect of pruning is simply making sure that your trees look their best. Tree size and shape matter, and a skilled arborist can change an eyesore of an overgrown, wild looking tree into something you’re proud to admire on your property.

6. Light Access. And, finally, there’s the factor of light to consider. We’ve all enjoyed the refuge of a shady spot under a beautiful tree on a hot summer day before. But if your trees are left to grow wild, you’ll learn firsthand that you can indeed have too much of a good thing. Overgrown, unpruned trees can block light that makes for healthy understory plants. They can also make your backyard pool too chilly, or interfere with the effectiveness of your solar panels. Don’t let your trees work against you in this manner.

Get the Most Out of Your Trees with Proper Pruning

From reducing canopy density to maintaining tree health, managing size, and improving plant structure, there’s a lot to gain from proper tree pruning. That’s why we consider correct pruning to be an integral part of any proactive approach.

Enjoy the most beautiful landscape your trees can provide while keeping them healthy and protecting your property. And, as always, feel free to reach out to our professional arborists with any questions you may have. Baker Tree Services has the answers you need.