Should you trim lower branches on trees? Every gardening enthusiast, at some point, has grappled with this conundrum.
As the go-to tree trimming company in Memphis, we at Spruce Up Tree Care believe a little knowledge, sprinkled with a dash of wisdom, can help you make the right decision. Keep reading and learn the potential benefits of this practice and when you might want to give it a pass.
Top Reasons To Consider a Trim
Cutting a tree’s lower branches often referred to as “limbing up,” can work wonders for your landscape. Here’s why:
- Open up space for your outdoor activities
- Improve light penetration to help nearby plants thrive
- Eliminate weak branches and other potential hazards
- Remove a visual obstruction to enhance your property’s aesthetics
- Make tasks like mowing and leaf blowing less cumbersome
It Also Helps Your Specimen Thrive
Should you trim lower branches on trees? Aside from creating a more beautiful and functional landscape, making strategic pruning cuts can also benefit your tree’s health.
Foster a Robust Architecture
The underlying framework of your tree is crucial to its overall health and stability. Imagine it as the skeletal system of a living organism. Just as a sturdy skeleton supports muscles and organs, a strong tree structure supports hefty branches and withstands unpredictable weather conditions.
When you nix the lower branches, you’re not just tidying up; you’re shaping up. This practice encourages the growth of a dominant leader (the main upper branch) and an optimal number of major trunk branches, creating a well-proportioned, balanced tree with superior structural integrity.
Increase Air Circulation
Removing lower branches is like opening the windows of a stuffy room; it lets your tree breathe. This practice reduces the likelihood of fungal diseases that thrive in moist, stagnant conditions. It also discourages pests from taking up residence.
Boost Vigor
More often than not, lower branches barely receive any sunlight due to the dense upper tree canopy, which turns them into energy drains. They consume more resources than they create through photosynthesis. By eliminating these underperforming limbs, you’re redirecting those resources to vibrant growth elsewhere on your tree.
Too Much of a Good Thing Can Prove Detrimental
In the past, we’ve seen overly enthusiastic gardeners run amok with the pruning shears, resulting in lollipop-shaped plants that looked more like caricature cut-outs than healthy specimens.
This practice called “lion tailing” can leave your specimen vulnerable to extreme weather conditions and unwanted pests. In most cases, the tree might struggle to regain its original vigor, leading to an unhealthy life cycle and eventual demise.
Consult a Local Expert
Should you trim lower branches on trees? At Spruce Up Tree Care, we have experienced arborists who’ve mastered the art of the trim. It’s never about hacking away indiscriminately but a careful, considered process tailored to the plant’s needs.
Call us at (901) 833-8242 today. Explore our blog for useful information like identifying the branch collar on a tree and young tree care tips.