Having a tree in your yard helps give out a positive vibe and more elegance to your landscape. It also gives out shade into which you can enjoy your activities, afternoon nap, set-up swing/hammocks and even gives shelter to, not only birds, but including small creatures as well due to its outspread canopy and crown. However, maintaining them should not be taken for granted to help protect your precious property and assets.
Why Should You Trim Your Tree?
Trimming or pruning is much-needed for a tree which may offer plenty of benefits and must be your most common tree maintenance procedure. The first and most important is keeping the people around it safe. A dead branch may fall anytime without warning and may endanger nearby people, properties and power lines. According to the Department of Agriculture (USDA), trees need to be pruned first for safety, next for health and then aesthetics. However, pruning trees is not an easy task depending on the size of the tree, location of branches to be pruned and many factors that may affect your operation. To ensure your own personal safety, professionals suggest letting an expert do any pruning or trimming activities and always consult a professional arborist to help assess the situation.
When to Trim Trees?
Tree trimming can vary depending on the species of your tree, but Arbor Day Foundation suggests pruning your tree once per year during dormant season. However, circumstances such as these may bring about immediate trimming:
· The tree’s growth or branches block the visibility of pedestrians or incoming vehicles.
· Branches of trees interfere with power lines. Take note to always forward this concern to your local utility company to handle the job, as working with power lines is extremely dangerous.
· The tree’s growth may threaten your home or property.
Less is More
It is also important to remember not to prune too much off of a tree. Always, trim or prune the smallest amount you possibly can that achieves the desired result. Never prune more than ¼ of the crown of a tree, as this is where most of its leaves are located and gets most of its energy. You run the risk of fatally damaging the tree if not done right. Again, a certified arborist is the best bet to properly and safely do the job right.