Tree Trimming Guide on When, Why, and How to Trim Your Trees

Chances are, you have some trees on your property. Most of the time, they don’t require a lot of care beyond a layer of mulch around the base in the spring and some extra water when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate. However, when they start to look overgrown or you have some concerns about their health, tree trimming is in order. 

Because cutting back tree branches can be complex, many homeowners leave the work to professional tree trimming services in Bowie, MD. In the meantime, our tree trimming guide can help you understand this important tree health maintenance task, why it’s important, and what goes into doing it correctly. 

Why Trees Need Trimming 

Cutting back the trees in your yard helps keep them healthy and looking their best. Removing dead, diseased, weak, or overgrown branches can extend the tree’s lifespan, and more. 

Optimal Health

Leaving dead or infected branches on the tree can cause disease to spread, which in many cases will lead to tree death. With proper pruning techniques, it’s possible to protect the rest of the tree from illnesses and rot or insect infestations. In addition, opening up the tree canopy improves airflow and allows more sunlight to reach the branches and the grass and plants under the tree, so they stay strong and healthy. 

A Safer Property 

Overgrown trees can be a significant safety risk. Not only can weak branches break off during storms, but large branches and thick foliage can block visibility, interfere with power lines, and scrape against your roof and cause damage. 

Improved Appearance 

Following our tree trimming guide and investing in regular pruning helps maintain your trees’ shape and structure, so your yard always looks tidy and well-maintained.  

When to Cut Trees 

One of the trickiest parts of tree care is following seasonal trimming guidelines, or more accurately, knowing exactly when to cut. Arborists recommend removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches, but it’s better to cut other branches at specific times of the year. 

Most trees benefit from trimming in the winter, when they’re dormant and the weather is colder. Waiting until the weather turns can help protect the tree from disease and prepare it for springtime growth. It’s also easier to see the tree structure and which branches need attention. 

There are some exceptions to the winter tree trimming rule. It’s best to trim flowering trees, like dogwoods and magnolias, after they bloom, so you don’t inadvertently trim the next year’s flowers.   

The Best Approach to Trimming Trees 

Knowing why and when to trim your trees is the easy part of our tree trimming guide. The actual process is a bit more tricky, which is why most homeowners leave the job to professionals who use the right safety equipment and procedures to prevent damage to the tree and surrounding area. It’s easy to make mistakes that cause long-term harm to the tree if you don’t know what you’re doing.

For example, professionals understand that branch collar preservation is one of the most important parts of tree trimming. This means not cutting the branch too close to the trunk and leaving the swollen area where the branch meets the trunk in place to help preserve tree health. Professionals also employ the three-cut method, or only removing a third of the branch at a time, to prevent splintering or damage to the rest of the tree

Turn to Bowie’s Tree Trimming Experts 

Understanding tree topping and giving trees a little TLC can go a long way toward keeping them healthy and strong and making your yard a space you love. Let Hernandez Complete Tree Service LLC be your tree trimming guide and call (240) 299-4639 for help.