Tree pruning is a common tree maintenance procedure that inhibits tree growth and health.
It helps conserve energy
Tree pruning can help homeowners reduce the amount of energy used in their homes and significantly lower heating and cooling costs. Overgrown tree branches block sunlight from hitting the roof and windows, prohibiting it from heating the home and causing heat to be lost through the windows. When these branches are trimmed away from the home, more sun can pass through and provide extra energy.
Trees also help to trap
heat during the winter. Trees on the southwest or southeast sides of the home should be pruned to remove their lower branches to allow more sunlight through. However, lower branches on trees northwest of the home are necessary to create shade in late afternoon and should be left alone
In the summer, trees help to cool the home. Air conditioners should be kept in the shade, but make sure to prune the branches to allow several feet around the air conditioning unit to encourage air flow.
It prevents disease and insect infestation
By removing infected or dying branches, tree experts can prevent disease from spreading to other parts of the tree. Diseases and insects are attracted to dead branches, and once they have been established, they will spread into healthy wood and weaken the tree, allowing other insects and disease to become established.
In order to avoid insect and fungal problems, it is important to have a tree expert regularly prune out dead wood.
Once the dead or diseased branches have been removed, it’s important that they are then destroyed or removed from the property because the infectious pathogen is likely still on the wood.
Sunlight and dry air are two
of the most fungicidal and bactericidal factors, meaning they inhibit the growth of fungi and bacteria. The type of cut made by the tree expert can determine whether or not the tree is open to sunlight and air.
A thinning cut removes the entire branch all the way back to where it originated. Thinning cuts are usually the recommended type of cut.
In contrast, a heading cut
simply cuts back part of a branch but doesn’t remove it. Heading cuts induce vegetation growth below the cut and are not as common. The buds closest to the cut exhibit this response more than those further from the cut.
Pruning at the proper time can also aid in avoiding disease. Pruning in late winter leaves fresh wounds exposed for only a short time before new growth begins the wound sealing process.
It improves the appearance of your home
The first thing a visitor will notice
when arriving at a home is the outside appearance. This will help them form an opinion of the home and the homeowners.
A well-kept yard instantly improves a home’s curb appeal. Neatly-trimmed trees reflect a level of attention that shows that the homeowner takes good care of their home
A yard that is run down
and in need of landscaping work gives the impression that it’s neglected. Aside from pulling the weeds and mowing the lawn, the yard work won’t be complete if the trees are overgrown and misshapen.
If you need to hire an arborist, contact our team today.