The reason why trees in a landscape setting should be pruned on a routine basis is to ensure the health of the tree. It is far easier to remove a problem when the branch affected is small then wait until the problem spreads to a larger part of the tree, or the branch continues to grow and the later removal results in a misshapen tree that is no longer nice to look at.
Proper pruning can help take care of the following issues with branches:
- Crossing
- Broken
- Diseases
- Crowding
The removal of these problems allows for the tree to continue growing in a manner that is sustainable…therefore living a longer and healthier life.
To say that a tree that is regularly cared for/pruned will have no problems is as unreasonable as saying a person who goes to a doctor for an annual exam will never become ill. However, similarly to seeing a doctor regularly, proper maintenance of your trees by a professional arborist can help to keep your trees healthy.
The primary reason why pruning is recommended for trees is to maintain and improve its health, or address a known issue. Though it is not the primary reason when done correctly and timely, pruning will also maintain or improve the aesthetics of a tree.
