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Why Trees Need Pruning

A big part of pruning is removing the damaged, diseased, or dead branches of the tree. Removing these areas helps prevent further decay or insects from entering into the healthy areas of the tree. Dense canopies of leaves might provide shade that we love, but too much shade can limit sunlight and air which promotes some diseases in trees. Pruning removes water sprouts and suckers that help direct better distribution of water and nutrients throughout the tree. Pruning also removes crotches that are weak where branches intersect with the trunk of the tree. If they are allowed to fester the tree can tear at these spots.

Trees usually have 1 branch that goes straight up and is the highest point of the tree. This branch is called the “dominant branch”. Sometimes two branches might grow both trying to be the tallest branch in the tree and this can be dangerous. High winds can cause these branches to fight against each other and damage the tree.

Pruning Equals Safety

Trees with improper structure clearly can tear themselves apart under high winds, and that poses danger for us. Falling sections of tree or heavy limbs and branches can cause serious damage to our property or harm people. If these trees are near the house, power lines, or even the driveway very costly damages are possible if trees are not cared for properly.

Sections of tree have been known to fall on roof tops and not just damage the roofing but simply pierce the roof decking as well. This means the elements are going to come on into your home. Well pruned and maintained trees that provide shade to the house during summer are a great benefit in keeping the house cool. However during the windy months they can become a danger without proper maintenance and pruning.

Tree Shapes

Trees that grow in the woods are beautiful, and take on many different shapes. They are not managed or shaped in any way whatsoever. Trees that exist in our landscapes are part of an overall look in our gardens and with their size they are a prominent feature. This means that trees that grow in unusual ways will create non symmetrical shapes. Regular pruning helps maintain the trees shape and helps it mature into a more beautiful, healthy, and balanced tree.

A big part of maintaining the shape of a tree is removing key areas to stimulate or restrict growth. If areas are growing sparse but others are dis-proportionally flourishing pruning can help balance the growth. Over active areas can be trimmed back and the other areas will benefit from the removal. This will create a more balanced look for your tree. Catching these issues early will help every tree on your property look better when it is mature.

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Problems With My Tree
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Problems With My Tree

“What is wrong with my tree?” is one of the most highly asked questions by homeowners. Of course there is no one way we can answer this question for each and every individual. But, we can give you a strategy for observing your trees overall health to help you determine if it has a problem, and what you may be able to do to fix it. The life of a tree in poor health can often be if problems are caught soon enough. If you think the health of your tree is in question, we advise following a course of observation that examines the traits and attributes that indicate whether the tree is getting all of the necessities it needs, and whether it is being threatened by other, external forces.

THE TREE’S ENVIRONMENT

Your first step is to review the tree in questions overall health. What species of tree is it? How old is the tree? Is the area where you live compatible with the tree’s needs? What are the elements of the hardscape? Are sidewalks, curbs, decks, pools, or sprinkler systems close enough that they affect the trees health?

Because a little less than three quarters of urban tree deaths could be attributed to root damage, it’s very important to note if any disruption has been done. Even if the disruption was done over five or six years in the past, it may be a significant factor in the health of the tree’s root system. Some trees start dying almost immediately if they suffer root damage. While other trees, can take up to five or more years before showing the effects of root damage. Sometimes people often fail to associate the decline in a tree’s health with changes in its root system. The health of a trees root system cannot be emphasized enough.

VISUAL INDICATIONS TREE HEALTH

Once you find out the tree’s history and any changes in the hardscape noted, the tree can be inspected for clues to evaluate its overall health. Because so many threats start at the root crown, it is recommended look there first. Does the tree enter the ground at the same depth at which it was first planted? Is the root crown flare above ground and in fair condition? This area needs to be able to breathe, and if it is buried, it is vulnerable to intrusion by various insects, fungi, and microorganisms that flourish in moist, dark conditions.

As the inspection moves up the tree, the leaves are another way to evaluate the tree’s health. Leaves that are nice and healthy are bright, fresh, and hydrated. Leaves that curl indicate an insufficient supply of water, while leaves that are yellow indicate a lack of key nutrients. This is another factor that can be caused by root damage, or due to poor pruning.

When you follow this method of observation, you can assess the overall health of your trees, and identify the factors that are interrupting their health. Even if you can’t identify the causes of decline yourself, a certified arborist may be able to assist you in finding the source of the tree’s While no one person can answer “What’s wrong with my tree?” we can help you find answer the question yourself. The more knowledgeable about your trees, the healthier you can help them be.

Tree Assessment
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Regular Post
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When to Call an Arborist for a Tree Assessment

When to Call An Arborist for Tree Assessment

When to Get a Tree Assessment

With the intention of successfully assessing a tree, it should be examined at least twice a year; once in the winter season and once in the summer season. Throughout the winter, arborists can identify weakening branch structure, corrosion from animals, and possible decay since they are not covered by summer leaves.  Throughout the summer, arborists can examine the color of the leaves and the tree’s twig growth. Without having your trees adequately assessed could allow small issues to turn into serious problems that will impact the overall health of your trees.

Why You Should Get a Tree Assessment

An ordinary homeowner can’t locate possible issues with their trees like a certified and trained arborist.  An arborist can locate problems with disease, pests, and overall damage that will cause the state of the tree to become worse, potentially leading to a fallen tree.  A falling tree on your property is highly dangerous because it may result in major property damage in addition to serious injury or death.  Here are the primary reasons to get your trees assessed twice a year:

  • Safety: A falling tree, or just a branch, is a significant risk on your property. Yearly tree assessments will point out issues that may cause a tree or branch to fall, greatly reducing that risk.
  • Tree Aesthetics: Recommended treatments for diseases and insect infestations, fertilization, and pruning based on a tree assessment will help to enhance the aspect of the tree.
  • Tree Health: The aftermath of disease and harmful pests may be easily missed by an individual who isn’t trained to find them. Professional arborists can quickly point out the signs of a disease or infestation and without delay provide the correct treatment.

What is Included in a Tree Assessment?

When a certified arborist carries out a tree assessment, they’re in general looking for the following problems:

  • Cracks: Cracks on the tree are typical problems that arborists look for. Major cracks can split the bark, heartwood, and softwood, weakening the structural strength of the tree and making it susceptible to insects, decay, and disease.
  • Leaning: When the tree roots lose their connection to the soil; the tree could begin to lean. If the lean continually gets worse season after season, the tree will have to be removed.
  • Issues with Root Plate: Degradation or softening of the root plate may lead to a separation with the lateral root system, causing instability of the tree. Typical causes of root plate problems include deep planting, root disease, and mower blast.
  • Girdling Roots: Occasionally the tree roots can envelop the trunk and start fighting with the trunk over nutrients and water. The trunk and the roots will develop into each other and over time cause issues for the tree.
  • Decay: Decay happens when an ailment leads to the inner heartwood tissues softening.
  • Co-dominant Stems: When there are two likewise dominant terminal stems, one needs to be removed or they’ll challenge each other which will lead to one of them failing.
  • Disease and Insects: Tree disease and aggressive insects leave signs that are hard for homeowners to see, but a certified arborist will see the signs immediately. Discovering these problems early on will help prevent detrimental damage to the tree.
  • Growing Conditions: It’s vital for trees to have correct growing conditions for the prevention defects within the tree or it’s root system.
  • Non-defects: Occasionally homeowners could be concerned by non-defects, like needles turning yellow, foliage loss, and separating bark. Depending on the type of tree, these occurrences may be natural and nothing to worry about.

Call a Professional Tree Service Provider

While it is suggested to have your trees assessed once during the summer and once during the winter, professional tree service companies are year-round to offer assessments.  Be sure you contact a certified arborist if you think there might be something amiss with your trees.  They will strongly assess the issues and come up with solutions to restore the health of the trees.  Being precautionary with your trees assessment will not just maintain your trees, but will save you money by hindering property damage and tree removal costs.

Source:

  1. ArmstrongExpert, Luke. “When to Call an Arborist for a Tree Assessment.” RestorationMaster, 16 Mar. 2018, restorationmasterfinder.com/restoration/when-to-call-an-arborist-tree-assessment/.

Tree Assessment in Phoenix, Tempe, & More

If you think you trees are in need of care and need an assessment Arbor Care can help! We can assist you in getting down to you trees health and can provide helpful hints to keep you trees happy and healthy. Contact Arbor Care at 480-797-5566 today to schedule your tree assessment.

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