Signs Your Trees Need Pruning
Even the healthiest trees can benefit from professional tree trimming and pruning services. Regular pruning is a crucial part of tree care, helping to maintain a tree’s health, structure, and appearance. Knowing when your trees need attention is the first step to a safer and more beautiful landscape.
Here are the top 5 signs that it’s time to call in a professional for tree trimming and pruning services.
1. The Tree Looks Overgrown or Misshapen
A healthy tree should have a balanced, uniform shape. If you notice that your tree is starting to look lopsided, has dense clusters of branches, or is growing too close to your house or power lines, it’s a clear sign that it needs a professional trim. Proper pruning will improve the tree’s form and give it a clean, attractive look.
2. Visible Dead or Broken Branches
Dead or broken branches are not just an eyesore; they are a serious hazard. They can fall at any time, especially during a storm, potentially causing damage to your property or injuring someone. You can often spot dead branches by their lack of leaves or by their brittle, gray appearance. If you see any, it’s crucial to have them removed to ensure the safety of your landscape.
3. Branches are Rubbing Together
When branches rub against each other, they can create friction that wears away the bark, leaving the tree vulnerable to pests and disease. This also creates a point of weakness. A certified arborist can identify and remove these rubbing branches, which not only protects the tree from future damage but also improves air circulation and sunlight penetration through the canopy.
4. The Tree has Unwanted Growth
Sometimes, a tree will produce “water sprouts” or “suckers”—fast-growing, vertical shoots that can appear on the trunk or branches. These growths can weaken the tree, steal nutrients from more desirable limbs, and are a sign that the tree is stressed. Pruning these away is important to redirect energy back to the main, healthy structure of the tree.
5. It’s Been a While Since Its Last Pruning
Even if you don’t notice any obvious signs, most mature trees benefit from a professional pruning every 3-5 years. Regular maintenance helps maintain structural integrity, promotes healthy growth, and prevents minor issues from becoming major problems.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs on your trees, or if you simply can’t remember the last time they were pruned, it’s a good idea to schedule an assessment. Regular, professional tree trimming and pruning services are one of the best investments you can make in the long-term health and beauty of your landscape. Contact Arbor Doctor Tree Service today for a FREE ESTIMATE!
