Tree pruning is an important form of preventative maintenance in terms of science and aesthetics. As a common component of routine tree care, pruning alters the growth and formation of a tree in a safe and strategic manner. Tree shaping is a similar service, but focuses more on the physically appearance rather than health and growth management. Pruning has several benefits for all tree species, both evergreen and deciduous, and helps prevent a wide variety of tree problems.
Reasons to Prune a Tree:
• Improve overall appearance
• Remove dead or dying branches
• Encourage flower and fruit production
• Corrective purposes
• Remove branch stubs
• Increase foliage density
• Remove branches that rub together
• And more
Never prune a tree for no reason at all. And it is never good to prune more than 25 percent of the total grown foliage. This could end up being detrimental to the tree, especially during a growing season like spring or summer.
Winter Tree Pruning
If you choose to have your trees pruned in the winter, you are doing what most homeowners do. Winter is the dormant season for trees, so it is a common time for pruning service. Pruning this time of year results in an energetic burst of foliage come spring. It is vital to wait until the most frigid parts of winter are passed before pruning trees.
Summer Pruning
Summer is also an acceptable time to prune trees. Pruning during this time of year will better “direct” the growth of the tree by slowing down branch growth. To accomplish this, tree pruning should take place directly after the seasonal growth is complete. This is also a good time to make any alterations for corrective purposes.
Fall Pruning
Never prune trees in the fall. It is the one time of year that trees take longer to heal from cuts. Also, decaying fungi spores spread abundantly in the autumn months, which can infect fresh tree wounds and cuts. Talk to a trusted tree care company for advice about pruning your trees.