Trees Need Pruning Regularly

You have a tree in your backyard which you water regularly, remove the weeds and provide adequate mulch in every season. Does this care suffice for the tree? Can you allow it to grow as it wishes to?

Other questions also surface – Is your tree strong enough to survive snow or drought conditions? How likely is it to fall during a windstorm? Will it live long or die away within a few years? Does it look well-cared and beautiful?

Maintaining proper health and shape of the tree requires regular pruning or trimming. Here’s how it helps:

•    You have to remove the dead, damaged and diseased branches before they can harm the  rest of the tree.
•    Crossed branches, narrow crotches, and multiple leader branches need to be eliminated to facilitate proper growth. This will also prevent unexpected breakage.
•    A thick crown can restrict airflow and sunlight to the bottom of the tree. Carefully thinning the top will prove beneficial.
•    Pruning can also be used to encourage growth in the required areas or restrict growth in the undesirable ones.
•    Proper pruning will keep the tree balanced and healthy with a strong core structure.
•    Regular pruning extends the longevity and the tree will enjoy a long life span. It encourages good flower/fruit production as well.
•    As strong trees can withstand the elements, they are less likely to fall and harm people or damage property.
•    Low-growing branches need to be trimmed so that they do not obstruct people, traffic or utility lines.
•    Uncontrolled tree growth can threaten your home and property.
•    Haphazardly growing trees look quite unbecoming. Planned and regular pruning is essential to build a graceful and balanced shape for the tree.

How to prune

Pruning is not about randomly cutting off the branches or just removing the dead and damaged ones. You need to pay attention to various factors like:

•    When to prune – The dormant season like late winter or early spring is generally recommended. Never prune in the fall as the wounds take long to heal.
•    How to prune - Where and how to cut a branch so that is to does not harm the tree in any way. You should not prune a tree too much at one go either.
•    Purpose of pruning – Type of pruning depends on whether you want to stimulate growth, restrict growth, raise the crown or just provide a proper shape and appearance to the tree.
•    Age of tree - Pruning strategy will vary depending on whether the tree has just been planted or is old and mature.

Therefore, it is preferable to hire a professional tree trimming service in Northwest Arkansas like ARK-O-MO to keep your tree healthy and properly shaped for years to come.

ARK-O-MO Tree Service is staffed by experienced arborists who will perform a careful visual inspection to properly assess your tree and recommend pruning, accordingly. This tree trimming service in Northwest Arkansas is passionate about trees and can provide a one-time service or ongoing tree care for a single tree or many.

Share your pruning tips and techniques in the comments section below.