Trimming your landscape’s trees before and during early Spring is vital for keeping them healthy, encouraging growth, and preventing safety hazards.

Here are some tips for how to maintain and trim tree your trees this season:

• Inspect for tree damage — Before pruning or trimming, inspect your trees for any significant damage or signs of disease. Look for broken branches, cracks in the trunk, or insect infestation. If you notice any issues, it’s best to consult a professional arborist for advice.
• Prune dead or damaged branches — Remove to prevent them from falling and causing safety hazards. Cut back to just above the branch collar, the swollen area at the branch’s base where it attaches to the trunk.
• Thin dense foliage — Clear out dead and weak branches to allow more sunlight and air to reach the tree, promoting healthier growth. Remove any crossing or rubbing branches, and prune back any branches growing inwards towards the tree’s center.
• Trim for shape — If you want to create a specific form for your trees, trim branches to achieve the desired shape. Be careful not to remove too much of the tree’s canopy, as this can cause stress and damage to the tree.
• Use proper tools — Always use sharp, clean tools to make clean cuts and avoid damaging the tree with splintering breaks. Use pruning shears for small branches and a pruning saw for larger ones.
• Avoid trimming during the growing season — It’s best to prune trees during the dormant season, around late fall through early Spring. Cutting excessively during the growing season can stress the tree and make it more vulnerable to disease and pests.

If you want an expert to handle these outdoor tasks for you, or if you have large or mature trees that require special equipment, it’s best to hire a professional arborist like us to do the job for you!