How often do trees need to be trimmed? We recommend at least an annual visit and inspection from a professional to keep your trees in the best possible health. However, the actual trimming frequency depends on the age and species of the tree.
Learn more about how often to schedule tree trimming in Clinton, MD, based on your trees’ needs.
What Factors Affect the Trimming Schedule?
Although annual trimming can be helpful in some cases, certain trees don’t need care as often. Weather and other factors also affect how often you need trimming.
Some Tree Species Need Frequent Trimming
The species of tree plays the biggest role in determining a proper trimming schedule. Evergreens may only need trimming every five years to remove dead branches. Many hardwood trees benefit from trimming services every two to three years.
Fruit trees, meanwhile, often need trimming every year. Annual fruit tree pruning often improves the amount of fruit they can produce each year.
Younger Trees Need Trimming for Growth Control
How often do trees need to be trimmed, and does the age of the tree play a role? Young trees require regular pruning, primarily to direct the growth of the main trunk and limbs.
If your tree is developing a crotch low in the trunk, it will be more susceptible to splitting in a storm. Removing limbs through trimming early in the tree’s life can direct its growth in a healthy direction and reduce the chance of splitting.
Weather and Nearby Obstacles Warrant a Faster Tree Trimming Schedule
If you are in the middle of a drought, you might think you can wait it out. However, drought will make trees more susceptible to disease or limb loss, which requires trimming. Good weather with plenty of rain can enhance growth, increasing the need for trimming even more.
You may also need annual trimming if your tree was planted near overhead power lines or your garage. Regular trimming removes new growth that could threaten the property if branches fall in a storm.
How Do You Know When a Tree Needs Trimming?
How often do trees need to be trimmed or pruned, and are these different techniques? Technically, pruning is for maintaining tree health, while trimming is more concerned with aesthetics, though many people use the two terms interchangeably. You don’t have to schedule separate appointments for trimming or pruning, as both can be done in one appointment.
Whether you call it pruning or trimming, it’s important to have arborists do the work at the right time. Some homeowners keep detailed notes on their tree care appointments, calling for service on each tree at the right time.
However, it’s far easier to let the ones doing the trimming set up a proper schedule for you, including annual inspections from an arborist who will ensure everything stays on schedule.
Trimming or pruning may not be necessary during every yearly visit. Trimming some species of trees too often can be just as dangerous as not trimming them often enough. Regular inspections give you peace of mind about your trees’ health, even if the arborist sees no need for trimming.
Trust Hernandez Complete Tree Service for the Ideal Tree Trimming Schedule
How often do trees need to be trimmed, and how does one stay on schedule? At Hernandez Complete Tree Service, we offer both annual trimming and emergency services after storms cause damage. Our trimming techniques help maintain tree health while keeping your property, family, and pets safe from falling limbs.
We can suggest a seasonal trimming and pruning schedule that fits your budget and tree care needs. To request a free estimate, call us today at (240) 299-4639.
