What is tree trimming?
Tree trimming, also known as tree pruning, is the process of removing specific branches or parts of a tree to promote its health, safety, and aesthetics. Tree trimming may involve cutting off dead or diseased branches, shaping the tree to a desired form, removing branches that obstruct views or pose safety hazards, or promoting better growth by thinning out crowded branches.
The benefits of tree trimming
- Healthier trees: By removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches, you can help your tree stay healthy and prevent the spread of infections or pests. Trimming also allows better air circulation and sunlight penetration, which can promote healthy growth.
- Improved appearance: Trimming can enhance the overall appearance of your tree by shaping it and removing unsightly or overgrown branches. This can improve the curb appeal of your property and increase its value.
- Safety: Overgrown or weakened branches can pose a hazard to people and property, especially during severe weather conditions. Trimming can remove these hazardous branches, making your tree safer.
- Increased fruit production: Trimming fruit trees can promote healthy fruit growth and increase yield by allowing more sunlight and air to reach the fruit-bearing branches.
- Better view: Trimming can remove branches that obstruct your view or block natural light, making your property more enjoyable.
Why winter is best for trimming
For most trees, the best time to trim is during the dormant season, which is typically in late fall or winter. During this time, the tree is not actively growing, making it easier to see the tree’s structure and make pruning cuts without causing damage. Winter tree trimming is also easier because there are no leaves in the way, giving you the ability to recognize issues like crossing branches or tree growth problems. In the dormant season, cooler temperatures will prevent rot, decay, and disease. Insects also aren’t a factor in the dormant season so that’s one less thing to worry about. Additionally, the ground in St. Louis generally freezes during winter, meaning less damage to the landscape and easier access to the tree. You won’t have to pay to re-landscape your yard or treat your tree for infestations that could have been prevented (does tree trimming reduce opportunities for disease? This is a bit confusing to me). The less damage to your yard and reduced disease threat is a great money saver!
Why is it bad to trim trees in the summer?
A good lesson for you, avoid major trimming during periods of active growth. trimming during the spring or early summer, can stimulate new growth and weaken the tree by making it more susceptible to pests. Additionally, trimming during these periods can make the tree more vulnerable to pests and diseases. That’s why it’s best to stick with trimming in the winter or fall whenever possible.
How tree species effects trimming
Some tree species, such as maple or birch, are prone to bleeding sap if trimmed during the dormant season. In this case, it may be best to wait until after the tree’s leaves have fully developed in the spring before trimming. Always trim trees that pose a safety hazard. If a tree is posing a safety hazard, such as if a branch is in danger of falling and causing damage or injury, it should be trimmed immediately, regardless of the time of year. In general, it is best to consult with a certified arborist to determine the best time to trim a specific tree, as well as the best pruning techniques to use for that tree.
Hire Jackson Tree Service
If you have any concerns about your tree, always consult a tree service expert like Jackson Tree Service regardless of the time of year. However, if there are no major threats, it’s best to wait until winter to do any major trimming. Not only will it save you money, but it will also protect the health of your trees so you can enjoy them during all seasons for years to come.