Tree Pruning makes a lot of people ask why trees need to be pruned and, quite often, they are met with this common reply – aesthetics. If you were to ask the average person why they prune their trees, they would tell you that it enhances the appearance of their home.

However, that’s not the only reason why tree pruning is important. If you are in the “Should I prune my trees and why?” camp, here are a few more compelling reasons.

Tree Pruning impacts growth

Pruning has a large role to play in determining how a tree grows. If done by a professional, the tree can be made to grow in a certain way. This offers a ton of benefits. For instance, it protects the structural integrity of the tree. More importantly, by setting up your tree to grow in a particular direction or angle, you also enhance safety. It’s not uncommon for branches to fall from trees that aren’t pruned and falling branches can land on your property, vehicle or even on a person. A tree that is pruned will not have branches that are at risk of falling or poor weight distribution.

To stimulate fruit growth

If your tree is the fruit producing kind, you’ll need it to be pruned in order for better fruit production. Pruning involves removing dead branches, which boosts the overall health of the tree. You won’t have to bother with diseases or infestations of any sort.

Other than that, you will also find that spur growth increases with pruning, which stimulates fruit production as well.

To prevent further spread of an existing disease

Trees also contract diseases and sometimes they can spread throughout the tree. However, by pruning off dead branches, you can put an end to the spread. In essence, not only are you preventing disease with pruning, you are also treating it.

Pruning is a critical component of an effective landscaping strategy.  Pruning of any kind of plant or tree, however, requires proper technique.  In most cases, it is better to not prune than to do so incorrectly.  Since plants are "untouched" in nature they grow normally; however, when pruned incorrectly, the plant can become fragile, disfigured and, ultimately, ruined.

Proper pruning, nevertheless, yields beneficial results.  When done with the proper technique, pruning will improve the appearance, health, and longevity of your landscape.  Pruning will also help to:

• "Train" the plant
• Maintain overall plant health, development and appearance by allowing the plant to be in direct sunlight
• Improve the quality of flowers, fruit, foliage and stems
• Restrict growth

Like any form of landscaping, a strategy should be developed before embarking on the pruning process.  Cuts should be minimized and the ‘growth habit’ of a plant should be fully understood before cuts are made. 

For trees, the most effective time to prune is when the tree is dormant – late fall to early spring.  Since the tree is not active during this dormant time, removing limbs and branches will be least stressful. 

There are various pruning techniques for different plants. You wouldn’t use the same technique with a shrub as you would with a broad-leafed evergreen.  Remember to consult a landscaping professional like Arbor Tree Services if you are in doubt about the pruning process.  We will be glad to help.