When Is It Necessary to Trim Young Trees?
Proper tree trimming is an essential practice that promotes tree health and improves the look of the tree. However, for the average homeowner, knowing when to prune your trees can be tough. This is especially true when dealing with young trees. Should you prune them regularly or leave them to mature? Are there any signs that indicate the need for trimming? The answer is yes! Young trees can benefit from pruning from time to time. Below are some of the instances when you should consider trimming your newly planted trees!
When There's an Indication of Disease
Young trees need to be disease-free and pest-free to thrive. If you notice any signs of disease, you have to trim the affected part to improve the health of the plant. Some common indications of disease or pest infestation include the following:
- Yellow, brown, or discolored leaves
- Dead branches
- Bark abnormalities
- Signs of trunk decay
- Presence of pests on the leaves or branches
Removing the affected parts protects the young plant from further harm. However, in addition to trimming, you need to treat the plant and keep an eye out for pests and insects.
When There Are Signs of Stunted Growth
A tree that's adequately watered, fertilized, and protected from extreme sunlight should thrive and grow steadily. Therefore, if your young tree seems to be stunted, something may be wrong. Stunted growth can occur due to various factors such as disease, lack of nutrients, and drought. Also, it could be due to overcrowding.
Too many branches and leaves can affect air circulation and prevent the inner branches from accessing sunlight. Trimming excess branches improves air circulation and sun exposure, which ensures there are enough nutrients for the tree to grow.
When You Need to Train the Tree for Shape
When pruned properly, trees can add to the curb appeal of your property, improve views, and even act as a hedge around your property. Thus, if you want to train young trees for shape, you should start trimming them early. Determine your desired shape and size and ensure that the new form fits the tree's location in your landscape.
However, do this carefully to avoid inflicting wounds which may be detrimental to the overall health of the trees. Also, when trimming for shape, do it just before spring to allow a burst of new growth. Do not trim your trees before winter, as you will expose it to harsh temperatures. This can ultimately lead to stunted growth and death.
Trimming young trees is an essential step in promoting tree health and improving the appearance of the tree. However, when done incorrectly, pruning can do more harm than good. Hire a professional arborist for tree pruning and maintenance. To learn more, visit a site like https://www.chudytreeservice.com/.