TREE TRIMMING/PRUNING IN ROANOKE, VA
An Arborist can help your trees and property look great and become part of a safe, nurturing environment for your family!
WHY DO WE PRUNE TREES
One of the simplest ways to achieve this is by occasional trimming and pruning of trees, bushes, and shrubs. Trees are generally trimmed for one of three purposes: aesthetics, safety or health.
TREES AESTHETICS VALUE
Pruning a tree effectively helps to maintain its shape and appearance. However, you shouldn’t try to impose an unnatural shape or size on a tree. The amount of trimming and pruning that will be needed could seriously damage it.
TREE SAFETY
Dead or broken branches and limbs can fall off at any time, which is a serious safety hazard. If the branches of a tree obstruct your vision while driving, they should be trimmed away. Finally, tree limbs and branches occasionally grow too close to utility lines. Contact the utility company to handle such issues.
TREE HEALTH
It is sometimes possible to save an infected tree by strategically pruning away affected branches and limbs. Thinning the crown of a tree improves airflow, which can be very beneficial. If branches are crossing or rubbing together, they should be trimmed so that they don’t fall unexpectedly.
In addition to why regular tree trimming and pruning should be done, it is also very important to note when this should be completed.
WINTER TRIMMING AND PRUNING
Pruning during dormancy is the most common practice. It results in a vigorous burst of new growth in the spring and should be used if that is the desired effect. It is usually best to wait until the coldest part of winter has passed. Some species, such as maple, walnuts and birches, may “bleed” (when the sap begins to flow). This is not harmful and will stop when the tree leafs out.
SUMMER/FALL TRIMMING AND PRUNING
Summer trimming and pruning is often done at this time to direct the growth of the tree by slowing the branches you don’t want. To slow (dwarf) the development of a tree or branch, pruning should be done soon after seasonal growth is complete. The reason for slowing the growth is to reduce the total leaf surface, thus reducing the amount of food manufactured and sent to the roots. Another reason to prune in the summer is for corrective purposes. Defective limbs can be seen more easily, or limbs that hang down too far under the weight of the leaves.
SPRING PRUNING OF FLOWERING TREES
For trees that bloom in spring, prune when their flowers fade. Trees and shrubs that flower in mid – to late summer should be pruned in winter or early spring
