Why we prune trees

There are three basic reasons why we prune trees. The first is to improve the look of a tree; the second is to improve the health of a tree; and the third is to make a tree more storm resistant.

A tree's full beauty is only available when the structure of the branches is visible.  Trees simply look better when they are evenly thinned out.  Another factor is the general shape of the tree. Another reason is that if there is quite a bit of daylight through the foliage, the wind can slip through without knocking it over. If branches stick up this diminishes the aesthetic appeal.Thinning can improve the appeal of a tree and some general shaping can also help at times.

As far as its health goes, a tree will benefit from the removal of dead branches as these attract a myriad of wood-eating insects and fungi.  The other health-related issue is that of crossing branches.  When branches cross and rub together it not only interrupts the aesthetic flow of the tree's scaffolding but also causes wounds to form in the bark.  These open wounds are very attractive to pests.  It is best and least expensive to remove crossing branches when they are small as each of the crossing branches enlarge over time, so does the problem.

We prune a tree to improve the way it looks, improve its health, or make it storm resistant. If your tree looks good, has no crossing or dead branches, and is not overly thick, then you might be able to wait a year or two before hiring an arborist.  I hope that this article will help you assess the needs of your trees and leave you ready to make informed decisions for their care.