Why trim (prune) your trees?
Just like people, trees need a routine trim or in the case of trees a good prune. Pruning gets rid of dead and unwanted ends and keeps tree crowns looking tamed and healthy. Like most things that don’t make it to the top of our to-do list, if it’s not a problem now, it’s not a priority. So, why wait for your yard to be covered in dead branches? Take care of the overgrown branches soon to be rubbing against the roof of your home or obscuring your view as you back out of your driveway in the warmer months. Keep in mind that leaves add weight to your tree, and branches will lower with the added weight.
5 reasons for winter pruning
- Easier to see the structure without the leaves.
- Less likely to interrupt the tree’s growth cycle and reduces stress such as drought, pests, and diseases.
- Easier to see areas of a tree with dead wood.
- Reduce the spread of diseases which are easily spread during the warmer months such as Dutch elm disease and oak wilt.
- Reduces the impact to sensitive landscapes such as in areas of your yard with landscaping or in a wetland.