What Is Pruning?
At Perm-O-Green, we know pruning makes the difference between a tree or shrub that grows wild and one that appears well-kept and, thus, healthy. This is the practice of improving the aesthetics, health, and appearance of a plant through trimming, maintaining, and altering the growth.
Think about those wild gardens, unkempt and growing wherever their leaves and branches may fall. While this type of garden may be someone's cup of tea, this certainly does little to the health or appearance of your trees and shrubs.
What Does Pruning Do?
Here we detail five reasons why pruning is good and necessary for optimum tree and shrub health:
- Dead branches hinder the growth of healthy components. Our professional team of lawn care experts has seen this time and time again. A tree whose branches are beginning to droop or look sickly may still have its dead branches attached, which take up space and resources. Pruning these otherwise is used to strengthen the roots and encourage newer branches to grow.
- Prevention and treatment of disease. Pruning can remove any portions that have a disease, fungi, and other types of decay, stopping it from spreading to healthier branches. Removing these branches can also expose the others to more sunlight and air circulation, which also helps to reduce the incidence of disease.
- Encourages fruit production. If you have fruit trees, removing the dead and rotted limbs encourages the fruit to grow more plentifully because it is less vulnerable to disease. Pruning also helps spurs grow, which can promote the growth of fruit the following year.
- Dead branches and overgrowth pose a considerable risk. These can fall off easily or blow away during a heavy storm or windy weather. Some branches can hang over your home or your backyard, where your children play, or grow over power lines can be some of the most dangerous.
- It allows you to see your surroundings better. This is especially beneficial if you live by a lake, the mountains, a gorgeous sunlit horizon—anywhere where there is a view! Pruning is also done for aesthetic appeal, and you can trim your trees into a shape that is pleasing to you and one that compliments the environment.
What Time of Year Should Trees be Pruned?
As a result of pruning in late winter, fresh wounds are only exposed for a short time before new growth begins, making it easier for the wounds to start healing. Additionally, pruning dormant plants can facilitate decisions since there are fewer obstructions from leaves. It is best to prune late in the winter to avoid certain diseases. Between November and March, prune oak trees to prevent Oak Wilt disease. Don't prune oak trees in April and October.
Pruning apple trees should be done between February and April. During spring or summer pruning, chances for infection increase, while fall or early winter pruning can negatively affect growth the following year.
Keep Your Home's Trees Healthy
If you are a homeowner, Perm-O-Green understands your need to keep the overall aesthetic of your home looking top-notch, this includes weed control. An overgrown or poorly maintained lawn or sparse, limp trees can take away from your home's appeal.
Not to mention, poorly maintained trees and shrubs are more susceptible to pests and insects. Regularly pruning aids in the growth of the trees, allowing them to grow more fully, with thick, bountiful branches.
Feel free to contact our lawn care team at Perm-O-Green! We are eager to help you look after your lawn, trees, and shrubs in the best way possible, such as applying winter dormant oil and pest control.
Contact Perm-O-Green today to schedule a FREE estimate!