Tree pruning is an essential part of maintaining the health of your trees. Mature trees need to be pruned regularly every few years to maintain the beauty, health, and safety of your landscape. Improper pruning can put your trees at risk.
Prioritize the health of your trees by learning how to identify early signs your trees need pruning – including symptoms of pests and disease – and understand the risk of improper pruning on your trees.
Improper Pruning Risks
There are many risks associated with improper tree pruning. Proper tree trimming near you will leave the tree in good health while maintaining its aesthetics. Improper pruning can compromise the health and beauty of your tree. Here are some of the risks you face when your tree isn’t properly pruned by a professional.
Tree Wounds
Trimming a branch in the wrong place can cause long-term damage to the tree. Similarly to cutting a dog’s nails, there’s a fine line between proper trimming and harmful trimming. A trained arborist will know where the branch collar begins to ensure they do not exceed that line.
Damage to Utility Poles
Trees near utility lines present unique concerns and need special care when trimming. States often have regulations for trees near electrical lines to avoid having trees disrupt the utility lines, especially during storms. Usually, utility companies will manage tree pruning near utility lines, but it is important that any pruning of trees near power lines is done by professionals to mitigate the risk of electrocution.
Decrease of Property Value
Improper tree trimming may leave you with an unappealing tree. Certified tree-trimming professionals value both the health and integrity of the tree while maintaining its beauty. Untrained pruning can either over-prune the tree or under-prune the tree, leaving diseased or weak branches that look visually unappealing while also causing harm to the overall tree’s health.
Increased Risk of Disease
Each time you trim your trees, you are confiscating the tree’s stored resources and leaving the tree with an entry point for dangerous fungi to enter. Once the dangerous fungi infiltrate your tree, the tree starts rotting from the inside, risking severe damage and even death to your tree.
Signs Your Tree Needs Trimming
There are many signs your tree needs pruning. We’ve compiled a list of the most common symptoms that you need to call a professional.
- Overgrown branches: overgrown branches can quickly become obstructive by blocking pathways. Additionally, overgrown branches have a higher chance of crossing or rubbing against other branches, causing wounds and structural damage.
- Dead or dying branches: branches with deadwood need to be pruned. Deadwood is often brittle, warm to the touch during the summer months, has a different color or texture, and has no buds or leaves during summer.
- Dense tree canopies: this blocks light and air circulation to the plants below the canopy, risking the health of the tree and the surrounding plants.
- Unbalanced tree shapes: Trees growing unevenly can be pruned to restore the tree to its natural shape, improving the overall appearance of your tree.
- Diseased branches: Common signs include discolored leaves, fungal growth, or oozing sap. Diseased branches should be pruned to prevent further infection to surrounding trees and other branches.
Disease and Pest Infestation
It may not always be easy to spot disease or a pest infestation in your trees. Typically, you won’t notice all the small signs, like slight color variations on branches. The first general indicator that something is wrong with your tree often includes the general rapid decline of your trees’ health, excessive resin or sap flow, peeling bark, leaf blight, and dieback. After noticing there is something wrong with your tree, you can now analyze it more closely to tell if your tree is dealing with disease or pests.
Common Tree Diseases & Common Symptoms
Many tree diseases could infect your beloved tree. We created an in-depth guide to common tree diseases to assist in diagnosis and treatment. For a quick snapshot to give you a better idea of what to look out for, here is a list of common disease categories and common symptoms:
- Rust disease: Symptoms include orange or reddish-brown spots on leaves, stems, and buds.
- Fungal infection: If you notice discolored or spotted leaves, commonly black, yellow, and brown spots, or powdery white mildew on leaves, your tree likely has a fungal infection.
- Root rot & vascular diseases: Trees with sufficient water supply will have wilting or drooping leaves when suffering from this disease.
- Internal decay: Trees with fungal growth on the tree near the base indicate decay.
- Scab disease: Raised rough scabs and spots on leaves or fruit are common symptoms of scab disease.
Common Signs of Pest Infestations
If you notice insects on your tree like caterpillars and beetles, that is a sign you have a pest infestation on your hands. Outside of spotting critters on your trees, there are a few common signs you may be dealing with pests:
- Chewed or skeletonized leaves
- Boring holes
- Sawdust (often found in piles at the base of the tree or around entry holes)
- Galls
- Honeydew and sooty mold
- Webbing
- Discolored or stunted growth
Benefits of Consulting a Professional Tree Service Company
Tree trimming and pruning should always be done by a professional tree care company. Hiring a professional tree trimming service company continues to be the safest and best option to maintain the integrity of your landscaping.
Keep Your Trees Healthy & Beautiful
Are your trees showing signs that they need pruning? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact Eco Tree Company to schedule a consultation for a tree trim near you with our skilled arborists. We’ll help you maintain healthy, beautiful trees that enhance your property’s value!
