As a homeowner, you want your property and all plant life that decorates it to look nice. So you see the value in keeping your trees pruned for optimal shape and appearance. But does printing dead branches help trees?
Our team at Oregon Arborist provides Lafayette’s professional tree pruning services. During our work, we witness firsthand the benefits of pruning trees. Discover how proper pruning practices can lead to thriving trees in your yard.
Does Pruning Dead Branches Help Trees?
Trees are gorgeous additions to any landscape. They provide shade and contribute to a flourishing ecosystem right in your own yard! Like all landscape features, they require maintenance. Pruning is a big part of that maintenance.
Causes of Dead Branches
A healthy branch supports green leaves, flowers, and even fruit for some tree species. It improves the tree’s overall structural integrity. Occasionally, a branch dies which can affect the entire tree’s health.
Branches die for myriad reasons.
- Fungal infections
- Bacterial infections
- Wounds that don’t heal
- The tree’s natural response to resource availability
When the branch dies, it can no longer support proper growth. This can lead to other problems for the tree.
Can Dead Branches Come Back?
No, dead branches do not come back to life. But understanding the difference between a dormant tree with empty branches and a dead branch can help you avoid injuring the tree unnecessarily. Trees go dormant each winter, which leads to empty, sprawling branches that appear lifeless.
However, the tree is very much alive and working hard to strengthen and expand its root system. Once spring returns, each branch will support new branch growth and fresh leaves. Therefore, professional arborists don’t make pruning cuts until the growing season is underway.
How Pruning Dead Branches Helps Trees
So, does pruning dead branches help trees? And if so, how? Dead branches can be harbingers of disease. They provide an excellent environment for fungi and insects to thrive.
As such, they can transfer any infestations or infections to the tree’s trunk, which can make the whole organism sick. So removing these branches protects the tree from future infections. Additionally, dead branches can impact the tree in other ways.
For example, a storm with high, gusty winds comes through your area. You have a tree with a few large, dead limbs. The limbs will catch the wind, resulting in a couple of outcomes.
- First and foremost, the limbs will fall from the force of the wind. They could land on your car, home, or other outdoor structures, causing damage.
- Second, the limbs could take some living tree tissue with them as they fall. This leaves an open wound prone to future infections or infestations.
Additionally, eliminating dead branches promotes future healthy growth for fuller, stronger trees.
Contact a Certified Arborist at Oregon Arborist for Professional Tree Pruning Services
Does pruning dead branches help trees? It absolutely does! A professional pruner will also have proper tree trimming equipment on hand. You and your trees can’t lose when you seek professional services from our team at Oregon Arborist. Request a free estimate at (503) 899-4166 today!