There’s no bad time to remove dead, dying, or diseased branches from your tree. In fact, the quicker those branches are removed, the higher the chances of promoting your tree’s health. However, a reliable tree service provider in Gresham recommends that you trim your trees during the mid to late winter season (between November and March).
Trimming in the winter is recommended because this time marks a dormancy period, which encourages new growth as soon as spring weather sets in. In addition, the shedding of leaves in the fall also helps to identify the branches to cut off without tampering with the wrong ones.
Another reason for pruning in winter is the temperature and disease susceptibility. Pruning in the fall can expose your tree to dangerous diseases that thrive in warm environments. However, pruning in the winter gives enough time for the open surfaces to heal while disease-causing micro-organisms are dormant.
Tree trimming in the summer isn’t as common. However, it can be done in extreme cases where trees are at risk of falls or limbs are a safety threat to homes and their inhabitants.
Having identified when it’s best to trim your trees, you should also know the important factors to consider before trimming.
Reasons for Tree Trimming
Although tree trimming can be beneficial to the tree, not all trees should be trimmed indiscriminately. Hiring a professional tree care contractor is recommended to identify if a tree should be trimmed.
Below are common reasons for tree trimming. It’s important to have at least one of these reasons to trim your tree; otherwise, you should save money and leave it healthy and growing.
Trimming to Improve Tree Health
Tree trimming to improve tree health is an essential tree maintenance practice. However, not every tree should be trimmed for this reason. Some of the reasons you should do this include the presence of too many branches or limbs, the presence of diseased branches, or the death of tree limbs.
When you trim a tree to improve its health, the important practices include;
- Removing dead or dying tree limbs or branches. This could also include the removal of injured or diseased tree limbs or those that have been affected by storm or lighting, infested by pests, or damaged due to impact or other reasons.
- Removing tree branches that are rubbing together or competing for space, nutrients, and light. This can significantly improve the more dominant limb’s health.
- Remove branch stubs that may give rise to smaller limbs competing for nutrients.
Trimming for Landscape Maintenance Purposes
Landscape maintenance and aesthetics are another reason to consider trimming your trees. However, this should be done by a professional to avoid damaging the tree and your landscape.
Such actions as this are done to;
- Encourage flower and fruit development on the trees
- Encourage the tree’s leaf density while improving its contribution to landscape appearance
- Encourage conformity with a particular landscape setup or design plan.
Boost Tree Appearance and Curb Appeal
Another reason for tree trimming is to improve the tree’s overall appeal and contribute to your curb appeal. This should be done by a professional who understands your landscaping needs and dreams. You can also consult with an arborist to ensure that the tree is in good health or is provided with the essential nutrients required to boost its growth and establishment.
Some tree trimming practices for improving tree appearance and curb appeal include;
- Trimming limbs to control tree size and shape
- Keeping the tree density in check and ensuring the shrubs are well proportioned
- Removing unwanted branches, suckers, waterspouts, and fruiting to enhance tree appearance and structure.
Protecting Family and Property
Another important reason for tree trimming is to protect your family or property from hazards or accidents. For example, trees left untrimmed may be affected by heavy winds that could break weak branches and haul them against your windows, roofs, and other fragile parts of the home. Weak trees could also be fallen by heavy wind, which could damage cars or a part of your property.
Getting a professional to assess your tree and trim it can help prevent these damages and disasters.
Tree trimming to protect the family and property often includes practices like:
- Removal of weak or protruding branches and limbs to prevent accidents and damages.
- Removal of weak or hazardous trees to prevent falling during inclement weather.
- Pruning overhang branches to protect the roof, sidewalks, parking areas, roads, and other properties.
- Removal of trees that may interfere with core infrastructures and installations like street lights, electric poles, cabling, etc.
It’s important to note that tree trimming is dangerous and should be done by professionals with the right tools and equipment. Contact a local tree care and service provider for help.
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