Tree trimming is a key part of tree health maintenance and should be performed about once every three to five years for mature trees. Failing to trim your trees can cause the branches to choke out the rest of the tree and weigh down the canopy. Untrimmed branches can effectively kill a tree if you leave them for too long.
So, you need to know when it’s appropriate to trim your trees. To help you out, the team at Jack’s Tree Service is here with this quick guide to the signs you need tree trimming and how to identify tree hazards.
Trimming vs. Pruning
First, we should cover the difference between tree trimming and tree pruning. Tree trimming exists to shape trees and for tree height reduction, while pruning is removing dead or damaged tree branches that could contribute to tree disease and harm. Trimming is mostly meant for the tree’s appearance, but pruning is more for the tree’s health. Seasonal pruning and branch removal are useful for helping trees manage the transition between seasons.
Are Falling Branches a Safety Hazard?
One of the main reasons to trim your trees is to get rid of low and dangerous branches that might fall. A single tree branch on a large tree can easily weigh more than 100 pounds and could do significant damage to someone’s property if it fell unexpectedly. The danger of falling branches is one reason why homeowners can be liable for damages their trees cause.
Most of the time, the branches that fall are brittle and brown. Trimming the trees of all the dead branches will keep them from falling and causing damage. Smaller falling branches can also clutter your yard and clog your gutters. If you notice more branches falling than normal, consider calling an expert to trim your trees.
You should get in the habit of visually inspecting your branches every few months to identify potential fallers. Dead branches that are most likely to fall have a brittle, brown appearance and are missing bark.
Number and Size of Dead Branches
You can also visually inspect your tree for dead branches that are still attached. Most of the time, dead branches have shed all their leaves, or their leaves are a noticeably different color than leaves on other branches. Dead branches tend to cluster together, starting at one branch and spreading to nearby ones. Branches might start to die in clusters due to a common environmental stressor, like a crown wound, infection, or lack of sunlight.
You should try to trim dead branches wherever you see them. With deadwood removal and crown thinning, make sure that you do not trim too close to the crown where the branch meets the trunk. Cutting too deep can damage the trunk’s vascular system, which can contribute to further dead branch clusters.
Health of the Tree
How healthy is your tree? Is it young or old? If your tree is still a sapling, it will need tree trimming every one to two years to keep it in shape while it takes root. Once a tree is completely mature, you only need to trim it every three to five years, depending on the particular species.
One major problem with dead branches is they can become infection sites for diseases and pests. If a tree takes on an infection in its larger branches, it can quickly travel to the trunk and compromise the roots. If you notice branches with signs of severe illness, you may want to contact a tree professional to get a diagnosis.
If your tree branches start to droop or start growing unevenly, it could be a sign that your roots are not absorbing enough water or nutrients. A tree professional can assess the health of your tree roots and provide soil and mulch to help unhealthy trees recover to their normal, healthy selves.
Still Not Sure? Contact a Professional
If you are still unsure whether you need to trim your trees or you do not know how to effectively cut them, contact an expert tree service company. Professionals have the skills, knowledge, and equipment to determine whether your trees need trimming and to trim them effectively, removing harmful branches and leaving healthy tissue intact. They can also provide tree health services and dead tree removal if your tree is beyond saving.
Contact Us for Advice and Free Estimates
Jack’s Tree Service is the premier provider of tree trimming and cutting services. Our years of dedicated service have built us a reputation as a reliable partner that homeowners in the Franklinton area can rely on. We can handle your tree issues, no matter how big or small.
Contact us online or call (985) 515-8939 to schedule an appointment for tree trimming services in Franklinton, LA. Reach out today.
