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Are Your Trees in Need of a Trim? Here’s How to Tell

When you appreciate the beauty of trees, you want to do whatever you can to keep them healthy. But trees don’t come with instruction manuals and it’s not always obvious when they need trimming. We’ll help you to get familiar with your trees and how to recognize signs that they need a professional tree trimming or removal service. Join us as we dive into this informational topic so you can be sure your trees are healthy and safe.

Trees are beautiful, stately, and powerful additions to any lawn, but they can also be a source of worry for homeowners. In some cases, trees can become damaged, overgrown, or unruly from wind and weather. Knowing when your trees need trimming is crucial for keeping them healthy. If your trees are in need of a trim but you’re not sure how to tell, we have the answers you’re looking for.

Tree Trimming by Lou's Cutting Edge Tree Service

Regardless of the type of trees you have, there are certain signs and tips to keep in mind when determining whether or not your trees need trimming. Keeping an eye on your trees is key for preventive maintenance—when it comes to trees, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. All it takes is a little knowledge of what to look for and you can be sure that your trees are healthy and not a hazard to the safety of your home and loved ones.

Signs Your Trees Need Trimming

As a homeowner, keeping an eye on your trees is essential to create a beautiful and safe outdoor environment. In addition to growth and development, there are several signs that you can look for to indicate that your trees need trimming.

Dead Branches. Dead branches are the obvious clue that your tree needs to be trimmed. Although dead wood can be found in a healthy tree, a large amount of it can be a sign that something is wrong. If you spot dead branches that are at least the size of your thumb, it’s time to bring in a professional to do the job.

Overgrown Branches. When new branches sprout up, it is important to keep a check on their growth. When left unchecked, branches can become too long and weigh the tree down. Branches that are stretching too far can lead to weak, twisted growth at the top of the tree, making it difficult to get a full view of the tree. Trimming the long branches will help preserve the aesthetic look of the tree and maintain its overall health.

Crossing Branches. Branches that are crossing over one another take away from the aesthetic look of the tree. It also prevents sunlight from entering, which further complicates the tree’s health. Removing the crossed branches will encourage the health of surrounding branches, allowing them to access necessary resources for strong, healthy growth.

Early Leaf Drop. Early leaf drop is a sign of a significant underlying problem. This can be attributed to a significant change in weather, pests, or other damages. If you notice any of your trees shedding more leaves than what you feel is normal, it’s best to bring in a tree service to inspect the issue further.

Crowns That Are Too Heavy. If the crown of your tree is too heavy to the point that it sags over the trunk, it’s time for a trim. The weight of the foliage can cause the branches to decline and break away from the tree, which can cause damage to both the tree and the home or landscape. A professional tree service should be able to inspect the crown and trim it back in order to restore its health.

Trees with Insect Damage. Insects can cause a lot of damage to a tree, and without proper maintenance, it will get worse. If you spot insect activity in the tree, call for tree trimming services ASAP before the problem spreads.

Damaged or Diseased Limbs. If you encounter limbs that have been damaged due to weather, insects, or disease, it’s important to have those affected limbs removed to prevent them from spreading the damage to the rest of the tree. An experienced arborist is the best choice to ensure the issue is handled effectively and safely.

Bark Is Overgrown. If there are any signs of bark that looks like it is abnormally overgrown around your trees, bringing in a professional is essential. This problem can be caused by pests, disease, or structural issues. A qualified tree service will properly assess the issue and use the best techniques available to prune and shape the tree back to its original appearance.

Remember, too much trimming can also be a bad thing. If the majority of the tree appears to lack branches or foliage, it’s likely that the tree has been over-pruned. A tree that is showing signs of deterioration can also be an indication that trimming has gone too far.

Being able to identify when your trees need trimming is essential for keeping your outdoor spaces safe and healthy. Following the above tips and advice will help you to know exactly when to bring in a professional. If you are in Eaton Rapids, MI, or the surrounding area and you see signs of your trees needing a trim, don’t hesitate to contact Lou’s Cutting Edge Tree Service for professional tree trimming and tree removal services. We’ll assess the situation and provide trimming or removal services that can save your trees. Contact us at (517) 231-8180!