Most homeowners would agree that trees can add immense beauty and purpose to a property. However, some would also admit that they don’t pay much attention to these tall plants until there’s a problem. Trimming a tree is one of the most important aspects of keeping it healthy and growing. Learn some maintenance tips for every tree type from expert arborists.
How Old Are Your Trees?
This is an important question before you pick up your tree-trimming tools or hire a tree service expert. Proper trimming helps support the tree’s branch structure and make it less prone to failure. It can be performed on trees of any age. However, experts consider trimming most effective for young to middle-aged trees.
Newly planted trees and those that are under 5 years old need trimming every one to two years. This task will encourage the tree to develop a strong central leader, the uppermost extension of the trunk that emerges from the ground.
Some trees reach maturity in 15 years. According to tree service professionals, these adult or mature trees need trimming every three to five years. The attention these trees require most is the removal of dead, diseased, or rubbing branches.
Your Trees’ Species Matter
Another trimming rule that tree service experts go by is the category your tree or trees fall under. In other words, does your tree bear fruit? Do you have a deciduous tree that sheds its leaves? Or perhaps your property has evergreen or conifer trees.
If you have apple trees gracing your landscape, for example, they should be trimmed yearly for three reasons. Trimming will enhance sunlight penetration, support the tree’s height for convenient harvesting and best of all, maximize fruit production.
Deciduous trees include maples, oaks, willows and birches, to name a few. These tree species also include flowering trees such as dogwood, magnolia and black locust. Their tree-trimming schedules depend on how rapidly they grow.
For instance, a fast-growing tree like silver maple should be trimmed every one to three years. A slow-growing species like American hornbeam should be trimmed every three to five years.
If you are a homeowner with handsome pine, fir or spruce trees, the experts recommend trimming them every three to five years.
If you neglect to trim your trees, they can develop dead or diseased branches that are prone to falling or breaking, especially during high winds or stormy weather. No one wants to risk potential injury or property damage from untrimmed trees.
All trees need maintenance to keep them healthy and thriving. When properly cared for, trees can provide multiple benefits and add privacy and value to a landscape. If you live in Albuquerque, NM or a surrounding area and need tree trimming services, make your first call to Robert’s Tree Service.
