When Should I Trim My Tree?

Trimming your tree can have an effect on your tree’s health. It’s important to know when to trim trees because different factors affect when you should trim. Trees can enhance the appearance of your property if properly trimmed. Your tree can be shaped to have a specific shape or size you have in mind. If done right, tree trimming can keep your tree healthy throughout its lifespan.

Why you Need to Trim your Tree

There are many reasons why you should know when to trim trees. Most people trim the tree for aesthetic purposes. Maintaining and trimming your tree helps you keep a desired shape and look. It also keeps the tree at the size you want. Another reason to trim your tree is to keep it healthy. Dead and diseased limbs can harm the growth and potential of your tree. Keeping your tree healthy can ensure that it can handle more extreme weather conditions. If a tree is not maintained properly it can cause safety issues. Trimming is part of tree maintenance and therefore an important part of safety. Dying limbs can fall at any time and cause injuries and damages. An overgrown canopy can weaken your tree’s roots. Weak roots can make the tree more susceptible to falling during strong storms.

When to Trim Trees

Start trimming your tree early in its lifespan. Trimming every year reduces the amount of work you have to do as a tree owner. The best time of the year to trim your tree is in the winter. After all the leaves have fallen, it will be easy to identify dead or weak branches. During the winter, trees are asleep and trimming during this time of the year can motivate new healthy growth in the spring.

Plan out when to trim trees and shrubs in the fall, but do not trim in the fall. Trees are not dormant in the fall. This can introduce new diseases to the tree, which will grow with the tree. Trimming in the summer may not be the best option for beginner tree owners. Getting rid of leaves can decrease the amount of nutrients that go to the roots. Do not trim more than 25% of the surface leaves during active seasons (fall, spring, summer). Blooming or flowering trees require a different method. Spring blooming trees should be trimmed right after they bloom. Trimming spring blooming trees in the winter could cause them not to bloom in their season.

Later, blooming trees should be trimmed in the spring to encourage flowering in their season. After a harsh storm, check if your tree needs a trim. If the tree is too damaged and has large damaged branches do not remove them yourself. A tree specialist is the best person to call for this job. They are trained in tree removal.

Ready to Trim your Tree?

Tree trimming is a substantial job. Making sure you have the right tools and knowledge. A commercial property with lots of trees is an even bigger task to trim and maintain. Poor trimming jobs can cause damage that lasts the tree’s entire lifespan. A certified arborist has the right tools, experience and training to get the job done. They can trim branches carefully and safely. Many factors go into trimming your tree, the age, type, size, and shape of your tree matters. Tree specialists can ensure that there is no damage done to the tree or your property.

LTRC is a team of certified arborists not only can they trim your tree they can also inspect and maintain your tree to keep it healthy and strong throughout its lifespan!