TREE PRUNING

Pruning a tree is important for many reasons. The most important reason is keeping the people around it safe. A dead branch can fall from a tree at any time, endangering nearby people, buildings, and power lines. Removing dangerous limbs is always the best course of action. Depending on the size of the tree and the location of the branches to be pruned, pruning itself can also be very dangerous. To ensure your own personal safety, it is important to let an expert do any pruning you’re not absolutely comfortable and confident in doing.

Tree growth and structure

Pruning a tree can influence in what way the tree grows. With proper pruning, a tree can be made to grow into a certain configuration of limbs and branches that is more ideal for the structural integrity of the tree.

When to prune

Any pruning (other than emergency branch removal) should be done in late fall or winter, during the dormant season. It’s during this time that the tree is least susceptible to harm that may result from pruning. Trees are susceptible to stress and removing their branches does cause damage to the tree. When the tree is dormant, however, less sap is lost and insects and fungus are less likely to further damage the tree. Certain species of trees require more precise timing and different approaches for proper pruning. If you’re ever in doubt, contact 1-2-Tree instead of risking both the tree’s safety and your own.