Having oversized trees in your backyard certainly looks romantic. And there’s no denying they’re great for building tree houses in. However, irregularly pruning your trees–or not pruning them at all–poses a threat to the safety of your home and family.
Read on to find out why you need to keep on top of tree maintenance in your backyard.
Keeps Trees Healthy
To prune a tree often is to keep it healthy. You remove dead and diseased branches, improve air circulation and sun exposure, and promote new growth. For example, if you don’t catch an infected branch early, the infection can spread throughout the tree, leading to tree removal.
Regular pruning also encourages fruit production in most kinds of fruit trees. The tree can put all its effort into building a bountiful harvest instead of growing new leaves and stems.
Safety
Investing in regular tree pruning is an investment in your family’s safety and the safety of your home. Dead or damaged branches can fall on your children when they’re playing in the yard. They can also fall onto your roof, costing you a lot to repair or interfere with overhead power lines.
If you’re worried about the safety of a tree in your yard, call a professional arborist for a consultation. Companies like Tree King will advise whether tree trimming will be enough or whether tree removal is necessary.
Improves Curb Appeal
Recent research shows that homes with excellent curb appeal might sell for as much as 7 percent more than homes with an unkempt front yard. So investing in tree services could literally pay when it comes time to sell your home.
Reduces Shade
Tree cutting opens up your yard by removing overhanging branches or reducing the size of trees on your property.
If you live in an area with cold winters, the increased sunlight may help keep your home warm and reduce your heating bills. In hot spots with a lot of sunlight hours, let your trees grow taller over the summer months to increase shade, and trim them in the winter months to make the most of the sun.
Solar panel installers will also advise homeowners to trim nearby trees to increase sunlight. This helps you make the most of your investment.
Reduces Pests
In the wild, trees are essential habitats for many insects, birds, and small mammals. However, they can be a haven for unwanted pests in your backyard, from rodents and toxic bugs to snakes and even parasites like ticks.
Pruning and, when necessary, tree removal help to control the number of pests in your yard.
Pruning Your Trees Is Essential
It’s best to think about pruning your trees before winter sets in. If you need to hire a professional to take care of your trees, do your research. Ask around friends and family for referrals and gather multiple quotes before settling on one company.
For more gardening and landscaping advice, take a look through the other articles on our website.
