A common mistake property owners make is not thinking about tree maintenance until there’s a problem. Perhaps a tree has grown unruly, or big branches fell during a storm. Experts recommend a proactive approach instead. Preventative trimming is usually cheaper and faster. It also helps to avoid damage to your home, vehicles, and other property.
Trim and Prune Your Trees Seasonally
Even though they may not look like it at a glance, most trees require trimming at least once a year. The best time to trim trees is when they’re dormant. The dormant period is usually between November and March. Never prune in spring, as it can make a tree more susceptible to diseases and pest infestations. Avoid extreme temperatures, as pruning then can stress a tree. Consider hiring a professional for each seasonal pruning. There will be branches that need pruning and that you can’t easily reach from the ground or a ladder.
Preventative Trimming
Preventative trimming is essential to optimizing tree health, ensuring safety, and avoiding emergency branch or tree removal. Essential pruning includes removing all dead or diseased branches. You should also trim any overgrown branches. Doing so will promote even stronger growth and make trees less susceptible to diseases and pest infestations. There are potential mistakes to be aware of, and those can vary from one tree species to another. Be careful not to remove too much foliage, cut branches too short, or interfere with a tree’s natural growth habits.
Thinning the Canopy
Another reason to hire a professional is that an often-overlooked goal of preventative trimming is thinning the canopy. A lush canopy provides a natural defense barrier for a tree, but you can have too much of a good thing in this regard. An optimally thinned canopy allows sunlight to penetrate and reach the tree’s inner branches. Adequate sunlight promotes nutrient uptake throughout the entire tree. A thinned canopy also allows for increased air circulation, which is integral to fending off fungal diseases.
Trimming With Growth in Mind
Prune to encourage newer and stronger growth and to allow for it. You need enough space for branches, flowers, and fruits not only to grow but also to flourish. Pruning with aesthetics in mind is all right as well, but be sure to do so within the parameters suitable for that species.
Other Considerations
Lay mulch around trees to protect them and keep the moisture in the soil. Generally, you’ll want to lay mulch after the last frost in spring and again after the first hard frost in fall.
If you require professional tree trimming in Birmingham, AL, call Gray’s Tree Service today, or contact us online.