Owning property is a lot of work, from the structure itself to the surrounding landscaping. You know that caring for your trees is part of the package, but beyond that, many homeowners (and business owners, for that matter) are stumped. When do you actually need to prune your trees, and why?

It’s important to remember that tree trimming can certainly be done for aesthetic reasons, making it somewhat of an art form. But it’s also a science. There are sound, biological reasons that we periodically need to prune trees in order to maintain their health. Beyond that, we sometimes have very practical safety reasons as well.

So, under what circumstances is tree trimming warranted? Some common reasons include:

• The branches are growing too close to your home, or already touching the structure
• The tree has grown too close to power lines
• Dead or dying branches have become unsightly
• You desire more curb appeal for your home, and are interested in shaping your trees for aesthetic reasons
• The tree appears to be suffering ill health (although obviously prevention would have been even better)
• The tree has not been pruned in three years or more

The aesthetic reasons are no big mystery. Maybe you just prefer the look of a artfully shaped tree, or you’re putting your home on the market. With real estate sales we know that curb appeal of the home, including the landscaping, can be a major selling point. We also know that regular pruning can prevent overgrowth that later breaks in an unattractive way.

When it comes to the health of your trees, this is where a professional’s background and extensive knowledge base come in handy. Trees can be subject to a variety of diseases and pests, but regular pruning can help to boost their defenses. Healthier trees also live longer, and regular pruning can lead to more lush and attractive undergrowth.

Then, of course are the practical benefits of tree trimming: Regular maintenance can prevent breaking and falling limbs, which can be a danger to you and your home. Trimming can also protect your power lines and prevent extended outages.

If any of the above situations applies to your trees, it’s probably time for a professional tree trimming. Give us a call, and we can discuss what needs to be done to protect the health and beauty of your trees.