Tree planting 101 with Connor Tree Service: Finding the right location
Trees have the potential to make one’s home look cozy, attractive, and downright beautiful. However, if your yard has trees that look unkempt, a passerby will likely think the same of your home, too. Although it doesn’t quite matter what others think, you still want to make a good impression, right? Beyond the fact that trimming your tree is good for aesthetic reasons, it also improves the overall health of your trees. If you think the trimming is out of your wheelhouse, consider hiring a professional in tree trimming in Charleston, SC. With the help of a professional, you’ll have stunning, healthy trees!
Why You Should Prune and Trim Your Trees
Have you ever seen the damage a fallen branch can cause to a car or home? Simply put, it’s not something you want happening to you. Trees require maintenance, just like all other things in life. Pruning and trimming branches ensure there are no dead branches that could fall. It improves the tree’s structure, aesthetic appeal, gets rid of unwanted crossed branches, and reduces the overall load on the trunk. Plus, as you remove branches and leaves, more sun and air can reach the interior branches and leaves which improves growth. In the case that your tree has diseased branches, trimming them off ensures the rest of the tree remains healthy.
Here’s How Often You Should Trim Your Trees
Trimming your trees once every three to five years will yield the best results in terms of growth and health. However, if your tree has branches that have broken, grown into power lines, grown over streets, or have gotten in the way of others, they should be trimmed. Pay extra attention to trees that are near your home, public streets, parking, or powerlines.
Your trees should be getting trimmed year-round. This is ideal as new buds will get a chance to begin sprouting. Pruning branches and limbs is a necessary year-round process when you don’t live too far north.
Get an assessment and quote from Connor Tree Service today.
Does Tree Trimming Hurt the Health of My Trees?
If done improperly, trimming can damage the overall health of your tree. For example, many people make the mistake of making one clean cut to remove a branch. However, they don’t consider what’s known as the branch collar. Improper cuts will hinder the tree’s ability to grow over that wound. Additionally, if you’re pruning interior branches, you can cut off too much foliage. This can either hamper the tree’s ability to grow— as it needs leaves for photosynthesis— leave the interior open to sun or wind damage, or even compromise the complete structure of the tree.
However, the proper trimming will not hurt the tree. A good rule to follow is never to remove more than 20% of the green canopy. You can always trim more in a few years, but you can’t undo what you’ve trimmed.
How Do I Know What to Remove?
First, if you’re unsure if a branch should be trimmed, it’s better to leave it. Only trim parts of the tree that you know will improve the tree’s health, the safety of others, and aesthetics. Check out the following for a place to start when trimming.
- Branches that interfere with street signs, parking, etc.
- Branches that obstruct your home
- Branches that are too low and may obstruct people walking by
- Branches that are clearly dead
DIY Trimming Vs. Professional Trimming
If you know what you’re doing, trimming by yourself is fine! However, for most people, hiring a professional is a good idea. Charleston tree service professionals know exactly what branches to cut, how to safely remove branches that have grown into power lines, and much more. Professionals know about tree biology, landscape design, and safety procedures. You won’t’ be sorry when you use a professional, as the difference between your neighbor’s trees and yours will be substantial!
If you’re interested in scheduling a tree trimming service, Connor Tree Service is a professional with the knowledge and care necessary to complete any job with excellence!