Tree trimming should be done at least every 3 to 5 years for older trees and at least 1 to 2 years for younger ones. Pruning and trimming the trees on your commercial and residential property have a lot of benefits; it will keep them healthy, increase their longevity, and minimize the chances of unhealthy branches falling off unexpectedly. This article will provide some answers to commonly asked trimming questions.
Should Your Tree Be Trimmed Yearly?
As mentioned earlier, most trees can be trimmed every 1-5 years, depending on the type. Here are some guidelines to help:
- Mature trees can be trimmed every 3 to 5 years.
- Younger trees can be trimmed every 2-3 years.
- Fruit trees can be trimmed every year to improve the quality of production.
- Evergreen trees can do without trimming for a long time.
What Happens If You Over-trim?
Over-trimming will leave your tree with a minimal amount of leaves, so there won’t be enough leaves available to produce food for it. Trimming your tree too much can also weaken the tree, which makes it easy for pests to enter.
Does Trimming Help A Tree Grow?
When you employ proper trimming techniques, your tree’s roots will grow stronger. The result will be a healthier tree. It also helps increase the size and quantity of fruits produced for fruit trees.
When Should You Trim Your Trees?
This also depends on the tree type, but a general rule of thumb is to trim your trees either later in winter or spring. Your trees can be trimmed in the summer and fall, but to get optimal results, trim your trees in late winter or spring. This will ensure that the tree doesn’t waste stored energy to make leaves that would be trimmed later on.
Are There Times When Your Trees Should Not Be Trimmed?
There are specific situations when trimming a tree does more harm than good.
- Never trim your tree any further when it has had 30% of its foliage removed in a year.
- Don’t trim your tree immediately after the leaves have all been spouted. The leaves will be imperative in effectively storing energy over the winter.
If you have any concerns about your trees, contact a professional arborist to inspect and determine the state of your tree.