Do Pine Trees Need To Be Trimmed?

Pine trees are a welcome sight in any garden, with their immense height and distinct shape, coupled with the fresh scent of their pine needles. However, just because they can remain green and vibrant even throughout the harsh winter doesn’t mean they don’t need any pine tree care at all. Giving your pine trees care will keep them healthier as well as reduce the risk they can pose to you and your home. This attention can be in the form of trimming.

Benefits of Trimming Pine Trees

Pine trees may be sturdy, but that doesn’t mean you should let them grow unchecked. This is especially pertinent if you have a tree growing close to your home. Hazardous weather like thunderstorms or hurricanes can lead to thick branches falling from your tree. This can result in damage and injury. Surveying your tree for any branches that could pose a hazard and trimming them off can help you in the long run.

Another benefit of trimming pine trees is to promote healthy growth. Dead, diseased, or damaged branches will do more harm than good, and it is advisable to prune them. This can help your tree grow denser, lusher foliage through the best pine tree care.

Lastly, if you use your pine tree for decorative purposes, trimming can help ensure your tree remains aesthetically pleasing, especially if you are aiming for the traditional cone shape.

When To Trim Pine Trees

If you do decide to trim your pine tree, one important thing to keep in mind is the timing — pruning at the wrong time can end up killing your tree.

Ensure you carry out any trimming or pruning during late winter to early spring. This gives the tree enough time to heal from the cuts. If you trim in the late summer, the dry weather increases the risk of bark beetle infection. Trimming in the fall will not give the tree enough time to heal before winter comes in, thus stunting its growth.

However, in the case of broken or damaged branches, it is best to remove them immediately.

Aside from the weather, the best time in a tree’s lifespan to prune is while it is still young, as it will need less pine tree care later on. If you want thicker and greener foliage as it grows, you can trim the top part (called the crown) by about a third every year. An older and larger tree will also be more difficult to trim without professional help.

How To Trim Pine Trees

The most important part pine tree care is keeping safe and know when your tree needs removed completely. Ensure that you have the proper tools, such as a sharp hand saw or gardening shears for a smaller tree. A larger tree might require a chainsaw, but exercise due caution when handling one. In either case, use thick gardening gloves to protect your hands from scratches or jabs.

In order to provide the best pine tree care, you have to remove the branch completely, as shortening the branches will only stop their growth and make them look stunted. When cutting thicker branches, don’t use a single cut as it can strip the bark when the branch falls. Instead, make a cut underneath the branch about a foot away from the tree. Then, cut the branch from top to bottom a few inches away from the undercut. This will leave behind a foot-long stub, which you can then cut off close to the trunk.

In the case of trimming to promote denser growth, you can pinch back the new growth tips (called candles) in spring. Break them in the middle by hand, as shears will damage the needles and turn them brown.

Pine Tree Care with LTRC Tree Specialists

When trimming a pine tree, always keep in mind the right timing and your safety. If you have doubts about how well you can remove branches on your own, don’t hesitate to enlist the aid of a professional arborist from us at LTRC Tree Specialists, as we have the experience and equipment necessary to perform any trimming or pine tree removal safely. Visit our website or call (404) 288-5872 today!