Pruning your trees, despite seeming counterproductive at first glance, is akin to getting a good haircut. Initially, you lose some length, but the overall shape improves, and by trimming away split ends, your hair becomes healthier and more robust. Similarly, when an arborist prunes your trees, it reduces the likelihood of breakage and enhances the tree's appearance and growth.

Here’s why regular pruning is essential for your trees.

Why Removing Dead Branches Helps Trees (and You!)

Pruning, particularly the removal of dead or diseased branches, is crucial for fostering a healthy tree that can thrive for many years. Here are the top three reasons to regularly prune your trees:

Enhance Safety

Pruning eliminates deadwood that could fall during storms, reducing the risk of damage to your property. Pruned trees are less likely to break during severe weather, protecting your home. Additionally, arborists can inspect your tree's overall health during the pruning process.

Consider this: a mature sweetgum tree can grow up to 75 feet tall and weigh around 5,200 pounds. A healthy tree of this size adds beauty and value to your property. However, an unhealthy tree poses a significant risk, potentially causing severe damage during a storm. The National Storm Damage Center estimates that damaged or fallen trees cause over $1 billion in property damage annually in the U.S. Investing in your tree’s health reduces the likelihood of storm-related damage.

Promote Good Health

Pruning is particularly important for young trees, typically within the first few years after planting. An arborist can help train your young tree to develop a strong branch structure, reducing future risks.

For older trees, pruning helps thin dense canopies and remove weak branches, improving the tree’s shape and allowing more sunlight and air to circulate. Increased sunlight boosts photosynthesis and growth. Additionally, removing deadwood in mature trees helps them seal wounds faster, preventing decay. Research shows that trees pruned regularly are in better condition than those neglected for over a decade.

Enhance Appearance and Value

Arborists also prune to maintain or enhance a tree’s natural shape, treating tree trimming as an art form. This ensures your tree remains an attractive feature of your property. A healthy tree in front of your home can increase its sale price by an average of $7,130, according to the PNW Research Station.

Can Tree Branches Grow Back?

Properly pruned branches do not grow back; instead, the tree forms a protective callus over the cut, shielding it from decay and infection. Improper pruning, however, can lead to weak regrowth. If your tree has been topped, you may notice small twigs sprouting at the top. Canopy restoration pruning can help these sprouts develop into strong branches again.

Ready to ensure your tree is pruned correctly? Click here for a free consultation and pruning quote!