The trees on your property serve an important purpose. Each tree can provide shade for outdoor activities. They add beauty to your landscaping. They help to keep your home warmer and cooler by acting as a windbreak and cover against the elements. Over the years, your trees may require trimming or pruning. These two terms are used interchangeably, but they involve different procedures. Trimming generally is done to improve the look of trees. Pruning helps to strengthen trees and keep them healthy and free of disease.

Cutting Procedures

Trimming and pruning activities generally fall into four different categories. Each category involves specific operations:

· Improving the appearance of the tree – Trimming can remove dead, broken or malformed branches that affect the appearance of the tree.

· Improving the structure of the tree – Pruning can remove malformed, unneeded branches that prevent light and air from reaching the healthy interior branches of the tree. It can also help to train the branches to grow in an appropriate shape. Proper pruning can also improve the quality of fruits and flowers produced by the tree.

· Removing safety hazards caused by the tree- Overgrowth may cause the tree to obstruct the view from driveways or sidewalks, causing a potential hazard. Excess growth can also hang over roofs or windows, creating the possibility of damage from storms. Weakened or broken branches can cause a falling hazard.

· Reducing crown structures – Pruning back the top area of the tree, called the “crown” can help to reduce the size and prevent obstruction of electrical or phone lines that can lead to outages during storms. It also allows the other parts of the tree to receive more nutrients, improving its overall vigor.

Remember to never cut down a tree if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Correct Pruning Techniques

Professional pruning always involves a plan that helps to improve the overall shape and condition of the tree. First, the tree cutter will remove dead and diseased branches that impede proper growth. Next, the cutter will cut back lateral branches to ensure that the tree keeps its shape. Each type of tree has its own pattern of growth. An experienced tree cutter will be able to determine which branches to remove that will help to preserve its individual growth pattern. Finally, the cutter will remove excess leaders that are not needed and make additional cuts to improve the tree’s shape.

Pruning at the Correct Time

Pruning can be done at any time of the year, and some types of trees need to be trimmed at specific times. For example, a flowering tree requires pruning right after it flowers, in order to allow it to get new growth for its next flowering season. Older trees should be trimmed in the summer to prevent damage from inclement weather.  If you have damage from a severe storm, you may need to have it pruned regardless of the time of year, to prevent a hazard from broken branches. Proper pruning requires safe operation of equipment and care with ladders. To avoid the possibility of accidents, call a tree cutting professional to do the job safely and correctly.

Benefits of Professional Tree Pruning

A professional tree trimming and pruning company can provide the attention your trees need to look their best and produce their best function. Professional tree experts have the proper equipment to do the job and the expert knowledge to ensure that your trees’ health and beauty.

Executive Tree Care can keep your trees looking healthy and attractive. If your trees have been damaged by storms or other weather-related problems, call today for a quote to repair or remove the tree to prevent further damage to property or people. Executive Tree Care can provide the services you need to keep your property looking its best. Call (484) 451-8900 today to discuss your tree trimming needs.