The Benefits Of Pruning

Pruning is often necessary for a tree or shrub to achieve a strong and beautiful branch structure. Pruning can also be done to reduce size or the amount of weight the tree or shrub is carrying, and can leave it with improved appearance and health. Pruning can also help to promote fruit production in fruit bearing trees and shrubs by removing old wood and encouraging new growth. Pruning is also crucial for safety reasons, as trees and shrubs can become heavy and weak, making them a hazard on your property.

Crossing Branches

Branches that are crossing over each other will rub against each other, damaging bark and potentially creating open wounds, which make easy entry points for pests and diseases. The rubbing points can also cause branches to weaken and break off more easily in adverse weather. Crossing branches can also cause trees and shrubs to become overcrowded, making it difficult for proper light, oxygen, and nutrients to reach all parts of the tree or shrub.

Dead Branches

Dead parts of plants should be cut off as they take up space where healthy branches could be growing. Dead branches can also carry disease, and can attract pests, which if not removed may spread to the rest of the plant. Additionally, dead branches are a huge hazard as they can easily break off and cause damage or injury. Dead branches are also a sore eye and take away from the natural beauty of the tree or shrub. It is crucial to remove dead branches as soon as possible.

Overcrowding

Some trees and shrubs suffer from overcrowding. Overcrowding leads to thin and weak branches and reduces airflow within the canopy, which can cause disease. Overcrowding also causes branches to compete for resources, making it difficult for the tree or shrub to thrive. Additionally, overcrowded trees and shrubs are dense, making them more susceptible to fire.

How does pruning strengthen trees?

Pruning strengthens trees by removing the weak or unnecessary branches, which forces the tree to grow from its stronger branches.

On any given tree there will be a lot of branches that are not securely attached to the remainder of the tree. Branches attached on a small angle or “acute angle” are weak because the area where it’s attached is prone to braking. Whereas branches attached on a wider angle are much stronger due to the area of attachment being larger and more secure.

Pruning off the weak branches will force new growth to come from the stronger branches. Removing the weak branches reduces the risk of damage to the tree from storms and other rough weather conditions.

Regular pruning, when done properly, will make for a tree that has a strong branch structure that both looks beautiful and is resilient to storms, snow and wind.

Proper pruning also encourages new growth and flowering, which keeps your trees looking beautiful season after season.