Tree pruning is a simple maintenance task that packs a big punch. It improves tree structure and safety, controls tree size, repairs storm damage, and provides clearance for structures and traffic. Beyond public safety, pruning also helps tree health by removing diseased, dying, or dead branches.
Knowing when it’s time to trim your trees and how to protect trees after pruning are the first steps to creating a schedule that keeps your trees happy and healthy year-round.
Visible Signs Your Trees Need to be Pruned
The easiest way to determine when your trees need pruning is to look at the trunk and branches. Here are some visible signs that your trees are ready for a trim:
● Damaged or broken branches
● Overgrown or crossing branches
● Signs of disease of pest infestation
● Water sprouts on main trunk and branches
While these signs are mostly visible upon close inspection, some aren’t. Regular maintenance checkups by a certified arborist can help spot any less visible signs your trees are ready for pruning.
How To Protect Trees After Pruning
Trees need to seal the “wounds” created after pruning branches. While no additional protection is needed if pruning is done correctly, focusing on root and soil health helps trees seal off the trimmed areas faster.
Wound dressings are typically avoided, except for oaks pruned during the growing season since they are susceptible to oak wilt. Learn more about when to use pruning sealer on trees here.
FAQs About Tree Pruning
If a tree isn’t pruned regularly, its branches can become overgrown, weak, and tangled. This makes a tree’s branches more susceptible to breakage from heavy wind or snow, creating a safety hazard in your backyard.
Any time between late fall and early spring, after leaves drop and before flowers appear, is the ideal window for pruning. Learn more about the best time to prune your trees here.
Most mature trees benefit from a 3-to 5-year pruning cycle, while younger trees are typically pruned every 2 to 3 years. To know exactly how often you should prune your tree, consider its species, size, and health.
Excessive or frequent pruning may not cause immediate harm to a tree, however, over-pruning can lead to a gradual decline due to reduced photosynthesis and the energy required to seal pruning wounds. This process will happen over a period of years with the accumulated stress which can weaken the tree. This is why it is essential to prune in moderation. A certified arborist can provide you with proper direction.
Why You Should Hire a Certified Arborist
If tree maintenance still feels out of your league, hiring a certified arborist can help ensure your trees are accurately assessed, pruned, and maintained. Watch the video below to learn more about why hiring an arborist could be the right move:
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