Trees are very significant in improving the elegance and beauty of your landscape. It can also provide shade in the surrounding environment due to its spreading canopy and crown, where it may give shelter not only for you but for the animals, as well. As much as Trees can add to your assets, maintaining them is an important step to help protect your property.
What Is The Importance Of Tree Trimming?
Regular trimming or pruning of your tree should be one of your most common tree maintenance procedures. Trees need to be pruned first for safety, next for health and finally for aesthetics. Common reasons for pruning includes:
· Removing dead branches to improve form and to reduce risk of injury to people and property from falling dead branches.
· Increasing light and air penetration to the inside of the tree’s crown or to the landscape below.
· Maintaining good tree health and structure while enhancing the aesthetic and economic values of our landscape.
When To Trim Your Tree?
Trees need to be trimmed or pruned once per year during the dormant season, which can vary depending on the species of your tree, Arbor Day Foundation suggests. Anytime between late fall and early spring is best for tree trimming or pruning. However, circumstances such as these may prompt an immediate trimming:
- The tree’s growth obstructs visibility for pedestrians or vehicles, especially at intersections.
- The tree’s limbs interfere with power lines. Make sure to contact your local utility company to handle the job, as it’s simply too dangerous to even get close to power lines.
- The tree’s growth may threaten your home or property. If you feel a tree needs to be pruned because it may cause damage to your home, or causes safety concerns, it’s important to contact an arborist to help with the trimming.
How to Safely Trim Your Tree?
The safest course of action is to leave tree-trimming to a professional. You should always pick safety as your number one priority since trimming, especially, large trees require a ladder and sometimes close proximity to power lines may pose a potential danger.
However, if you do decide to trim your own trees the USDA provides the following size guide to help you determine if it’s safe or not to cut the branches:
- Branches smaller than 2 inches (or 5 centimeters) in diameter: Proceed.
- Branches between 2 and 4 inches (or 5 and 10 centimeters) in diameter: Think it over.
- Branches larger than 4 inches (or 10 centimeters): Contact an arborist.
Always seek a qualified arborist or professional, to assess the situation, and better leave the pruning process to them.