Tree pruning is recommended for all ornamental/shade trees that are cultivated for landscape purposes every 3-7 years, depending on the species. Of course if there is damage from a storm, disease, or other situation,  then we recommend pruning to remove the damaged/dead wood immediately so the tree can properly recover.

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.