Why Prune Our Trees?
Marianne C. Ophardt
Washington State University Cooperative Extension
Area Extension Agent
If someone knocks
on your door and tells you you're trees needs pruning, beware!
This person may be a qualified arborist looking for work or they simply
may be a chainsaw owner looking for some good firewood.
First let's examine the reasons why a tree might need pruning.
Dead limbs or
branches with a core of decayed wood are hazardous. They should be removed
whenever they become evident. Also,
broken limbs and branches should be properly pruned as soon as possible after
the damage has occurred.
Limbs and branches
that interfere with utility wires, gutters, roofs, and chimneys should be
removed. Branches that create a
safety hazard by obstructing a view of the street or sidewalk should be removed
using proper pruning techniques. Branches
that intersect and rub should be pruned to eliminate the problem.
Tree pruning is
sometimes employed to lessen crown density in order to reduce wind resistance,
to shape the tree, or to allow for greater light penetration. Beware if someone
says your tree needs pruning because it's "too big."
Keep in mind that healthy trees with adequate root systems seldom
"NEED" pruning just because they are big.
That just isn't true.
In some cases,
tree removal may be a better option than pruning.
Trees warrant removal if they are obviously dead or dying.
Trees definitely should be removed if they pose a serious hazard because
of internal decay or the destruction of a large portion of their anchoring
roots. If pruning can't remedy the
situation, trees growing too close to a building or crowding other trees should
be removed.
Good landscaping
can add 15 to 20 per cent to the value of your home.
Healthy, attractive trees are an asset to your landscape's design.
Unhealthy, poorly pruned trees are a liability.
When you hire someone to prune your tree or to help you decide on
removal, you should look for a qualified, trained certified arborist, not just
anyone who knocks on your door.