Just when you think you’re going to catch a break after all of the summer lawn care and maintenance, you find out you’re also supposed to be pruning your trees. As if homeowners need one more responsibility! 

Tree pruning is not without benefit though. Trees that are pruned every 3-5 years are more healthy than trees that are not pruned at all or rarely. Depending on the type of tree you have, you may need to prune more or less. Read on to get the scoop so you feel more confident approaching tree pruning when the time comes. 

Pruning Before Winter

Pruning trees before winter hits promotes healthy growth and reduces the risk of damage from winter storms. The best time to prune trees in north Texas is late fall, as the trees are entering their dormant period and are less susceptible to stress. Pruning can also help improve the overall shape and structure of the tree, and can even stimulate the growth of new branches. 

When pruning, it’s important to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Using the proper tools and having some knowledge going into the task is highly recommended to get the best possible result both for the appearance of your trees and for their health. 

How To Prune Trees In North Texas

Pruning trees is a task you want to set aside some time for, especially if you’re going to give pruning a shot on your own. You need to make sure you have the right kinds of saws, pruners and loppers to carefully avoid damaging your trees in the process of pruning. Effective tree pruning requires some basic steps to be followed:

  • Use clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging the tree when making cuts
  • Cut just outside the branch collar, the swollen area where branch meets the trunk 
  • Avoid leaving stubs, as this can lead to decay. 
  • Cut branches back to a lateral branch or the trunk to promote healthy growth and reduce the risk of decay. 
  • Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.

If you’re not confident about pruning your own trees, or just don’t want to deal with the hassle and equipment, contact a local landscaping service for quotes. Professional landscapers are always equipped with the right equipment to get the job done well while you relax and watch as your trees are transformed! 

The Benefits Of Pruning Trees

Not only will having your trees pruned promote healthy growth, it will also improve the appearance of your trees by allowing them to return to their natural shape and structure. Often, trees are left untreated, with branches and limbs overgrown, preventing new growth from occurring. Pruning ultimately leads to attractive, healthy trees that you can enjoy for years to come. 

Another great benefit of having your trees pruned is that it reduces the risk of damage the trees experience from storms. Removing any weak or damaged branches that may be more prone to breaking during strong winds or heavy rain will protect not only your trees, but your home and property as well. 

Professional Tree Care In Keller, Texas

Pruning is one of those things homeowners are prone to overlook, since we don’t always notice how much they change over time. With a good pruning from a professional landscape service, such as R&O Landscape, your trees will look healthy and vibrant by the time spring rolls back around. R&O Landscape Services has been serving Keller, Texas and the surrounding areas for over a decade and we know the ins and outs of tree care in the north Texas climate. Call us today at 817-944-4592 to speak to our team and get a free estimate for your tree pruning needs!