Four Benefits of Tree Pruning
The transition from fall to winter is a time when trees go into a dormancy period. Trees slip into this period of \”sleep\” in order to survive the cold harshness and reduced sunlight of winter. While it may be a good idea to let sleeping dogs lie, this doesn\’t apply to your trees. Their dormancy period is a perfect opportunity for pruning. Here are four benefits of dormant tree pruning:
Improves Growth in the Spring
Failing to prune in the winter means that the tree divides its energy among all its branches during the spring and summer. This includes problem branches that will require removal at some point. Energy used by problem branches is wasted because it could have been channeled to the healthy branches had the tree been pruned while it was dormant. Dormant pruning therefore, makes more energy available to the healthy branches, which increases their growth. This gives you a healthier and faster growing tree.
Reduces the Danger of Falling Branches
Pruning during the early dormancy period frees the tree from dead or weakened branches before the onset of winter storms later in the season. Without these problem branches, there is less risk of falling branches from wind, ice, or heavy snow.
Pruning at this time also allows for better visibility because of the lack of foliage. This makes it easier to spot problem branches including weak branch joins where they merge with the trunk. Branches joining at a sharp angle with the trunk are weak and at risk of breaking off. These branches can be removed or cabled to increase their strength.
Reduces the Risk of Disease Infestation
Most insects and disease-causing pathogens are dormant in the winter. Therefore fewer of these disease-causing agents are around to infect the wounds caused by pruning. The benefit of dormant pruning is similar to that of doctors operating on a patient in a sterile room free of pathogens.
Reduces Customer Impact
Large trees requiring professional pruning involve the use of equipment such as chainsaws and chippers. Many people find the noise bothersome, especially in the spring and summer when they\’re outdoors in their yards. This is less of an issue in the winter when people mostly stay indoors. Damage to flower beds at the base of trees isn\’t an issue in the winter. Soil compaction at the tree base from pruning activity also isn\’t a problem because the ground is frozen solid.
If you have questions about tree pruning, or require our tree pruning services, please contact us. You can follow along on Facebook and Instagram, or you can contact us here if you have any questions.
