Tree pruning is an important part of tree horticulture that involves the selective removal of parts of the tree to improve its health or stimulate growth. For instance, pruners may remove damaged, diseased, or otherwise unproductive branches, buds, roots, or even entire limbs. Below is an introduction to when you should have a tree pruned and when you should not.

Signs Your Tree Needs Pruning

Inspect your trees for the following indications that they need to be pruned; dead or diseased limbs should be removed immediately. They pose a falling hazard and could injure passersby if they drop off at an inopportune moment. 

They also draw resources like water and nutrients from the rest of the tree. Also, prune branches that have grown over electrical lines or that are buffeting your house during storms. When they sway with the wind, they could cause an electrical outage or damage roofing and siding.

Finally, trees that grow too densely block crucial sunlight from reaching lower branches. For optimal tree health, prune its limbs back until you can clearly see spots of sunlight and sky when standing beneath it.

When You Should Not Prune

On the other hand, avoid pruning a tree when your area has recently experienced heavy rainfall. Bacteria propagate in moisture, and could infect an open "wound" on the tree after pruning. Wait to trim it until the bark and leaves are dry. Moreover, do not prune during fall. 

Pruning is supposed to encourage fresh growth, but a tree cannot respond properly when it is preparing for winter dormancy. Also, sap rises to seal the pruned limb, and this sap can freeze and harm the tree if the temperature plummets at night while the sap is still wet.

If you need professional tree pruning, contact the experts at Putnam County Tree Service in Cookeville, TN. They are fully licensed and insured and have been satisfying customers throughout Putnam County for more than 15 years. They specialize in all types of tree care, stump grinding, tree removal, and land clearing. They are renowned throughout the region for their prompt response times, friendly service, and competitive pricing. Learn more about them on their website or call (931) 528-3828 to  schedule tree pruning on your property.