Tree pruning is necessary for the healthy growth of your trees, but improper pruning can cause damage. This guide will help you understand more about the reasons for pruning and how it should be properly done.

Why Should You Prune Trees?

When you begin pruning a young tree, you’re helping it grow healthy and strong. The practice allows you to eliminate damaged or diseased branches, so the rest of the tree will continue to thrive. Tree shaping ensures only the strongest branches survive throughout the years.

Additionally, regular tree pruning allows you to form the shape of the tree, so you can keep branches from growing wild. This will keep the tree’s limbs from growing near power lines, property lines, or dangerously close to your home. A tree that’s consistently pruned will grow fewer branches as well. This helps you to take better care of the tree without worrying its limbs will cause damage.

What Should You Know About Pruning Your Trees? 

In general, less than 25% of the tree’s foliage should be removed each season through pruning, although your arborist can offer more precise suggestions for each type of tree. It may only be necessary to remove 5-10% of the foliage, depending on the desired shape. However, an older tree may need more extensive pruning that removes over 25% of the foliage. Additionally, the height of a tree can be lowered by up to 30% if there’s sufficient leaf covering on the lower branches.

The time of year can impact tree pruning. In most cases, it is best to prune during the winter after the coldest weeks have passed. Trimming while the tree is dormant will ensure a healthier burst of growth in the spring when it’s time for blossoming. On the other hand, pruning in the summer, after growth has slowed, is the ideal time for managing unwanted growth. This is the time of year to have branches and limbs removed that are growing out of control. By trimming these limbs just before the fall season, you can also spot unhealthy limbs more easily.

When you need tree pruning services, it’s best to contact experienced arborists to handle the job. Located in Kalispell, MT, L & M Tree Service is backed by 25 years of experience. Their team knows the best techniques for safely pruning the various types of trees that are found in the area. They can help you keep your trees healthy while also using trimming techniques to shape their growth structure. To learn more about their services, visit their website. If you need tree care services, call them at (406) 261-7240 today.