How often should trees be trimmed? While each tree has specific requirements, most trees require pruning every one to five years. In this article, the professionals at Spruce Up Tree Care answer your questions about tree trimming, helping homeowners like you protect and care for their trees.
If you have further questions regarding tree trimming in Memphis, TN, contact our team today!
When Should My Trees Receive Pruning?
Most trees respond well to trimming during the dormant season. While emergency trimming can happen whenever necessary, try to trim your trees during winter or early spring. Doing so allows your tree to recuperate better and prevents infections or pest infestations.
For optimal results with your tree trimming, consider the following:
- Always request professional assistance.
- Do not take more than 30% of a tree’s leaves in one year.
- Do not trim newly sprouted leaves; it affects the tree’s nutrient absorbency and can damage or kill a tree.
The following section answers, “How often should trees be trimmed?”
Tree Trimming Guidelines
For optimal results, request professional guidance before trimming a tree. However, the following offers some general guidelines.
Fruit Trees
Fruit trees will produce more fruit when trimmed annually. Remove dying or dead branches whenever necessary, and do annual pruning before budding in late winter. Be careful never to remove flowers, or you risk lessening your production.
Evergreens
Prune evergreens sparingly; if placed correctly, they can go several years between trimmings. If necessary, trim off diseased branches during the dormant season. Before planting, ensure your evergreens have room to grow without fear of damaging property.
Mature Trees
Mature trees benefit from trimming every three to five years. Depending on the type of tree, you’ll need corrective or preventative pruning to ensure a safe and healthy tree. Never try to prune a mature tree alone, as it’s dangerous to you and your property.
Young Trees
Young trees require corrective pruning every two to three years to ensure the tree grows adequately. Shaping a young tree remains essential for maximum health and beauty and encourages proper growth in the preferred direction.
What Happens When I Over or Under Prune a Tree?
Over-trimming a tree makes absorbing nutrients difficult, killing the tree over time. A tree requires its leaves to photosynthesize; when a homeowner removes too many leaves, a tree becomes susceptible to the following:
- Pest infestations
- Fungal infections
- Diseases
- Sicknesses
Large open wounds allow damaging pests or bacteria to enter the tree, creating structural instability and killing it.
Under pruning may cause property damage, as a tree may not have proper wind resistance and becomes more likely to uproot.
Contact Our Team Today
How often should trees be trimmed? For optimal results, request an inspection from a tree expert to determine your tree’s needs. If it’s been several years since your trees received professional care, you need tree service from an experienced arborist.
If you need tree trimming in Memphis, TN, contact Spruce Up Tree Care at (901) 833-8242 and request an estimate today!