Why your yard requires trimming and pruning

When you think about trimming and pruning your yard, the first thing that probably comes to mind is a nice manicured lawn. Unfortunately, it is not necessarily true!

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Trimming and pruning can be done at any time of year to reduce the risk of disease or storm damage. For example, you may want to do some trimming in winter if your tree has become too heavy with snow for its branches, or you might decide it’s better to wait until spring because this will give the plant more time to recover before next season. Just like brushing teeth, trees need dental care throughout their life-long journey. The best way to start is by getting an arborist involved with a consultation on what type of work should be done now and in the future. 

1. Decide if you want to do pruning or trimming:

Both of these are different but will help with the same problem. It would be best if you decided which is best for your tree before you start cutting. Pruning is done in late winter, while trimming is done all year long. The main difference between the two is that pruning cuts out most of the branches while trimming leaves most of them.

2. How often you must trim: Plants need to be trimmed and pruned at least once every three to four years and at the max once a year. Tree trimming and pruning are essential to keeping trees healthy and beautiful. It propagates tree growth by eliminating dead ends and diseased parts of the branches and leaves. Thus, the tree can grow with its maximum potential till some external factors of its surroundings sabotage it. Each year remove one layer of growth from the lower half of your tree. It will eventually cause the tree to be shorter with denser development at the top, so it is essential to keep this half of your tree (the top half) thinned out. 
3. Why trim and prune? Trimming plants can remove dead or diseased branches and improve air circulation and sunlight exposure for the remaining branches. It is a critical step in reducing disease and improving the overall health of your plants and will allow you to keep planting healthy stock with the sunlight reaching the ground as well.

• Without the sunlight reaching the ground, the low-lying plants and grass may not grow and cause a dry patch near the roots of tall trees. Therefore, it is usually seen that the base of a tall tree is an uncovered area. 
• With thick foliage, Air circulation is restricted in the tree center. Lack of air and oxygen leads to the growth of fungus in the damp center of the tree. But pruning and trimming, the tree is aired, and the sunlight reaches the ground through the foliage and branches. By removing leaves and exposing more of the branches, you allow sunlight to go deep into the forest, supplying vital nutrients through photosynthesis. 

4. To shape and groom your tree:

Pruning can help maintain the plant’s shape, size, and health of its branches. It is necessary for trees that are too large for their space and need to be cut back. It is not the same as trimming. However, cutting trees back can be an excellent way to add a new dimension that will make your home look much more beautiful.

A professional tree service can help you decide which pruning style is best for each of your trees, from formal to informal. You’ll then receive the training you need to ensure your tree stays healthy during and after the pruning process. Visit gardenandgrass.com for more tips for your yard trees and plants. 

5. When to trim? The best time for trimming is when it is dry outside –
   

This will make the job easier because there will be less sap on the plants. However, you can trim anytime as long as it is outside; this could even be in the winter. Since you are cutting, not pruning, you will have to leave most of the branches on the tree, which means there will still be many leaves and plants on it. Because of this, most people will turn their leaves into compost or add them to the woods. March is known for its optimum temperature to begin growing, and there is more sun will help your plants grow. It is also the month where people do most of their yard work because they can do other jobs outside, too, including trimming and pruning their trees. 

6. How much to trim? It is essential not to cut off more than one-third of any branch during trimming so that they have enough energy to grow back more robustly in the future. The first ⅓ of the unit contains main branches, which are what give your tree its form. You want to be sure that you don’t get rid of these because they will support future growth. The second ⅓ is where smaller branches help hold up and provide shape to your tree. These branches also provide a lot of shade and shelter for birds and other wildlife to live in. The last third contains the tiniest twigs, leaves, flowers, and fruit which help with pollination. If you are unsure what type of plant needs pruning or how much should be removed, consult with an expert before cutting anything! 

7. Trimming Prevents accidents:

 Trimming prevents branches from growing over power lines, which can cause damage or fires and can also cause the branches to fall on your home. Trees and plants provide a natural barrier to protect your home from the elements. But If you have tall or mature trees that hang over your roof, trimming those branches can prevent damage to the top, leading to leaks and even a dangerous situation where high winds damage your water pipe from solid branches. These Trimming limits tree damage in case of storms and prevents branches from falling on your house or car when high winds or harsh rains occur. It also reduces the risk of diseases spreading from stem to branch and tree to tree.

Conclusion: Trim hedges, trees, shrubs, and bushes regularly for a neater look. It will also prevent branches and leaves from touching windows, doors, porches, or any place that can cause damage. If you have many trees or hedges in your yard, you should schedule someone to do routine trimming for you. Otherwise, it would take way too long to do it all yourself. Pruning your trees will also help them grow stronger and prevent disease.