Does your tree’s overgrowth affect your home? If so, then you need to trim that.

Yet, before you start swinging that axe, you should know a few things about how to trim a tree. First, you must ensure you’re doing it at the right time. If not, then you risk damaging the tree.

So, when exactly is that? When should you actually begin trimming trees? You need to pay close attention to the signs that it’s time to start cutting branches.

Looks like you’ve been procrastinating. If so, then you need to keep reading. Today, we’ll be outlining all the signs that it’s time to cut the larger branches on the tree. That way, you don’t end up with one that’s severely damaged.

Let’s get started!

1. Branches That Are Drooping

The tree is not getting enough sunlight or water, causing the branches to droop. The first step in addressing this problem is to correctly identify what type of tree it is. Different species need different amounts and types of care.

Once you identify the tree species, it is important to observe its environment. If the tree is receiving adequate sunlight, watering the tree deeply at least four times a week should remedy the drooping branches.

If the tree is overgrown, it is time to trim it back. Trim only the unhealthy branches and leave the green healthy ones to promote new growth and a balanced form.

2. Uneven Growth Patterns

Signs that it’s time for tree trimming can come in the form of noticeable growth patterns. If a tree is lopsided or becoming too large for its environment, it is a sign that the tree is in need of pruning. Different species of trees require different trimming techniques to support their health and lifespan.

If a branch is much longer than the other or is growing inward toward the tree’s center, then it would be a good idea to trim it back. Tree branches that are becoming too large and getting in the way can be pruned or removed entirely. Failing to trim as needed could potentially damage the tree, its surrounding property, or even people and animals in the near vicinity.

3. Branches Are Leaning

Not only is it an eyesore, but it can present a risk to the safety of people and property around the tree. Loose branches can have a domino effect, posing a risk of snapping or otherwise damaging the home or structure near the tree.  

4. Excessive Deadwood

Deadwood can come from branches that are not receiving adequate resources from the tree or from damage from storms or other external forces. Trimming these lifeless branches can help improve the health of the tree, allowing it to get rid of dead weight and direct more resources to its other branches and leaves.

It can make the tree look unsightly and reduce its strength, so trimming back deadwood on a regular basis is important. It can help with wider air circulation, avoiding the risk of fungi and other diseases. 

Deadwood is full of nutrients that are good for your garden. If you have a compost pile, you can mix the wood pieces into the material and allow it to decompose.

You can also use wood chips as mulch to help keep moisture around plants. Moreover, the dead wood can be used to craft items such as birdhouses, trellises, or even furniture. 

5. Branch Density

With a branch density of over 20, a tree’s branches can become heavy, leading to a greater likelihood of breakage and damage in high winds and storms. The tree may also look overgrown and bring visual appeal to a property down.

6. Roots Look Exposed

When you notice that the root system of a tree is starting to become more exposed than usual, it’s time to start thinking about trimming it back. This could be due to overgrowth or an underlying issue with the tree’s health, but either way, it’s not something to ignore. Allowing the exposed roots to remain can actually cause more harm than good in the long term, as the roots can become brittle and dry, which will inhibit their ability to absorb water and nutrients. 

7. Rubbing Branches

When some of the branches are rubbing against each other, this rubbing can cause damage to the bark, which can lead to growth deformities, and insect and disease problems. Rubbing branches can also interfere with air and light flow, as well as remove stored energy from the tree.

Rubbing branches can weaken the tree’s structure, increase the likelihood of storm and ice damage, and impair its appearance. Trimming trees can help to reduce the probability of damaging branches. It can eliminate rubbing branches and can help improve the shape and aesthetic of the tree.

8. Large Gap in Its Canopy

Trees with large gaps in their canopies are a good sign that it’s time to trim the tree. These gaps make trees more susceptible to high winds and heavy rains, as they won’t be able to take an adequate amount of support from the rest of the branches. Gaps in a tree’s canopy can also lead to fewer leaves, making it less attractive in the summertime.

9. Dead and Dying Limbs Are Present

Pruning should be done with great care and caution, as it is a delicate process. Once dead and dying limbs are clear, the next step is to find which limbs should be removed and the best place to make a cut. 

Make sure you have the right tools – protective eyewear, a pruning saw, loppers, and pruners. Trim the dead limb back to the trunk, leaving an inch or two of the limb’s tissue attached.

Use a sealant to close up any cuts left behind. Remove any debris and clean the pruning tools to avoid spreading disease.

10. Crack in Tree Bark

If this cracking is continuous, it can damage the bark, causing the tree to be vulnerable to pests or disease. Often times a tree’s main stem can become too weak to support some of the extra weight, and cracking can occur along the vertical ridges of the bark. 

Trim a Tree Without Hesitation

Once you have chosen a tree, it’s all about the right tools and techniques and trimming it properly. Trim a tree without hesitation for a healthier, more beautiful tree.

Use proper shears, saws, and clippers, and be sure to wear protective gear. Enjoy beautifying your tree!

If you find this article helpful and want to read more great content, check out our other blogs today!