There are a number of reasons for tree pruning; some are safety related, some are to lessen interference with your house, some are to reduce the risk of fire damage, and some protect the health of the tree. Fall is a great time to prune trees because at this time of year it is easier to identify problem areas in a tree. Stressed foliage often changes color earlier than foliage in the rest of the tree. Arborists can easily see the color change and diagnose the cause. If a branch is diseased or damaged, it may be best to prune it.
Removal of dead and broken branches is one of the most common ways to prevent damage to houses or other objects beneath a tree. Branches grow the most during the spring and summer. Some may grow too close to your roof or siding, or they may grow too low over your sidewalk, driveway or lawn. Winter storms will certainly blow these branches around; we don’t want them to injure you or to damage your house. Therefore, interfering branches should be removed, thinned, or reduced in length to lessen the problem.
In some areas, there are causal agents of disease spread by insects that are attracted to fresh pruning cuts. These insects are often no longer flying in the late fall and winter, so this is the best time to prune certain species.
At Bartlett, we like to examine the tree and consult with you to determine your needs and goals. Then we apply our knowledge of tree structure, tree health, and pest problems to develop a pruning plan that will protect your property and improve the health and longevity of your trees.
