Tree Pruning Impact and Frequency Recommendations, Part 1

When it comes to long-term tree care, there are few areas more important than pruning. A type of trimming that involves strategically removing branches to benefit the health of the tree, pruning should be done at a few important times – and a lack of pruning can lead to several major developmental issues.

At Reliable Tree Care, we’re happy to help with branch structure pruning and any other tree trimming services you require for your trees. In some cases, like when trees are growing improperly or a major weather event has damaged them, pruning may be necessary on a single-event basis. In others, namely for healthy trees, pruning should simply be done at regular intervals based on the tree species, age and other factors. This two-part blog will go over some of the major impact areas associated with pruning, plus some general frequency and timing recommendations for pruning your trees.

tree pruning frequency impact frequency

Areas Pruning Impacts

So, you might be asking, why do trees in the forest grow just fine without pruning? This is a fair question, but it’s important to remember that the trees in the wild aren’t there for many of the same reasons as the trees on your property. Here are several areas where pruning directly benefits trees on your property:

  • Root strength: When trees are properly pruned, they are healthier overall – and this trickles down to their root systems. This makes roots stronger and more capable of standing up to changing seasons or any major weather elements.
  • Disease prevention: While there are several tree spraying and disease control services available, one of the simplest methods here is regular pruning. Removing unhealthy branches limits the spread of disease, both to the rest of the tree and to others nearby.
  • Fruit production: For trees that produce fruit, pruning helps this process in multiple ways. Not only does it improve overall health, pruning also promotes spur growth, which will positively impact fruit in the next growing season.
  • Safety: From a human safety and hazards standpoint, pruning is absolutely vital. This is particularly true for trees near roofs or electrical lines, which need to be pruned to ensure no damage takes place.
  • Aesthetics: Finally, clearing dead or dying branches keeps the tree looking great and in the proper shape.

Spring Vs. Summer Pruning

As we get into the frequency of tree pruning you should observe, a quick note on spring versus summer pruning. If you’re pruning during spring, this is usually to promote flowering – spring-blooming trees should be pruned after blooming, while summer-blooming trees should be trimmed in winter or very early spring.

Summer pruning, on the other hand, is a more widely-used format. It can help redirect tree growth or slow a certain branch area, or to remove damaged or dying limbs. But the most common time of year for pruning? Winter, when the tree is dormant just before spring begins.

For more on tree pruning and the frequency with which to take part in it, or to learn about any of our tree trimming or tree removal services, speak to the staff at Reliable Tree Care today.