How to Tell if You Should Prune Your Trees

When your trees are healthy, they produce new growth with ease. This is what allows your trees to leaf out, produce beautiful flowers and fruit, and provide your yard with the shade you need during the hottest parts of the summer. While the new growth is usually beneficial, there will be times when you need to prune or trim some of it away. For most homeowners, identifying when it’s time to prune their trees and when it’s okay to leave them alone can be difficult. Here are a few signs to watch for.

Some Branches Are Broken
Broken branches can happen for many reasons, but regardless of what caused the break, the damage can make your tree more vulnerable to disease, fungal growth, insect infestations, and more. Worse, those broken branches can create a weak point for further breaks, putting yourself and your property at risk of injury and damage.

If you notice a broken branch or two, don’t panic, but call your tree trimming expert. They’ll be able to assess the damage and help you decide if trimming is needed.

You See Visible Signs of Disease or Distress
Trees can be damaged by more than broken limbs. They’re vulnerable to fungal infections, insect infestations, and various plant diseases throughout the year. Once they’re impacted by these issues, they will typically show signs of distress. This may look like discolored leaves, dropped new growth, or brittle branches. 

If you notice any signs of disease or damage, removing the damaged area or even pruning new growth away to take the strain off of the impacted area can help restore your tree’s health. 

The New Growth Is Too Close to Power Lines
When your trees were younger and less established, they were probably far away from the power lines near or on your property. But as trees grow, it’s normal for their canopies to start to spread and when they spread toward the power lines, you have a serious problem on your hands. 

If you notice that the branches are starting to reach toward the power lines, it’s high time to prune and trim them. This will reduce the risk of power interruptions for you and your neighbors and can help keep your home safer, longer.

The Tree Was Damaged During a Storm
Storms can pop up out of nowhere during the summer months. When they’re severe, it’s normal for trees to suffer some kind of damage. Often, pruning away the damaged growth can help your tree recover faster. If you’ve noticed broken branches or other damage after a severe weather event, schedule a tree trimming appointment.

Schedule a Tree Trimming Appointment Today
Keeping your trees trimmed and pruned throughout the year can help them grow more efficiently and makes it easier for them to stay healthy. If you notice any of these signs with your trees, don’t ignore them. Schedule an appointment with the plant health care experts at Root Tree Service. Contact us today to schedule a free quote and see how we can help you keep your trees looking great year-round.