Few would argue that trees make landscaping more beautiful, especially when they grow healthy and lush. Many homeowners and business owners try tree trimming and pruning but often do not realize that the wrong cuts can damage a tree’s overall look and internal structure. Take off too much, and you could have more problems on your hands.

Every Tree Needs Its Foliage

The leafy parts of a tree are often considered its most beautiful feature. Every tree needs its foliage to protect it from excess sun exposure, and if you start cutting away and remove too much foliage, you have caused a new problem to “sprout,” so to speak. Arborists say that out-of-control sprouting will occur to enhance food production and protect against sunscald or sunburn to the tree’s bark, where decay can result.

Oaks, for instance, use their foliage to make food for these trees. Oaks do not thrive with much tree trimming or pruning. The branches will weaken because they lack the nutritional benefits that their foliage supplies.

Starting From the Top

Many folks perform tree topping, which means the top of the tree is pruned to control its height. For some homeowners, trimming at the very top of the canopy appears to make sense, but that is not the case. Bad topping can disfigure the aesthetics of your tree and cause permanent damage.

Topping can remove 50% to 100% of a tree’s leaf-bearing crown, causing tremendous stress to this majestic living plant. Often, homeowners cut branches down to stubs with wounds that the tree may not be able to close. This can look quite odd, and the exposed wood tissues can begin to decay.

Topping destroys the natural form of a tree and should be avoided by a novice.

Cutting Lions’ Tails

Another over-trimming habit occurs when a homeowner focuses their pruning tools on the inner and lower branches and leaves. Arborists call this “lion’s tailing” for the way the branches end up looking bald with tufted ends like a lion’s tail.

Branches with a heavier end weight are structurally weaker and can make the tree vulnerable during heavy snow loads and other storms. The bald branches also invite pests and tree diseases to enter.

Trees Are Landscaping Investments

It doesn’t matter if you have one tree or several. These tall and amazing plants deserve professional care and proper pruning. Trees provide benefits to people, property values, communities, and future generations. If you are living in Walled Lake, MI, hire Adrian’s Tree Service for exceptional trimming and pruning services. We’re licensed and insured, locally owned, and five-star rated.