Why Fall Is a Good Time to Prune Trees: The Top Benefits

Fall pruning is an excellent way to improve the health of your trees. It encourages new growth in the spring and helps keep your backyard landscape looking good all year long. Below, we share several other benefits you can expect from fall tree pruning.

Improving Property Value

Fall pruning has a noticeable impact on the value of your property. Well-kept foliage adds curb appeal to your lawn as well. This is good if you end up selling your home in the future; you may be able to attract potential buyers preferring attractive trees and a well-kept landscape.

Keeping Your Trees Healthy

Fall pruning promotes new growth, removes diseased or unhealthy branches, and prevents diseases and infections. It also prevents diseases and infections from spreading to healthy trees or other parts of your landscape.

Keeping Insects at Bay

Insects like to be warm in the fall and winter, too. Trees with branches that are too close to your home can bring bugs or animals seeking shelter into your home. Reduce this risk by removing branches that can serve as pathways as well as diseased or dead branches that can also attract insects or rodents.

Letting in More Sunlight

Fall pruning allows more sunlight to reach your home, providing some warmth as well as necessary sun for indoor plants. It also helps lower branches to receive more sunlight. Additionally, pruning promotes a better flow of oxygen to help your trees make it through the cold winter months.

How Is Pruning Done and What Can Be Pruned in the Fall?

Tree trimming can be done to reduce the crown or just to remove unnecessary or damaged branches. Other times, pruning is done by cutting down all the top branches of a tree and leaving behind the secondary branches of the primary stem. Trimming can also be done to remove weak branches or to improve the overall appearance of the tree.

Generally, any tree that loses its leaves in the fall can be trimmed in the fall. The following parts of a tree can usually be safely trimmed:

• Water shoots
• Crossing branches
• Dead or broken branches
• Diseased branches
• Lateral buds

It’s typically best to trim when trees are dormant. However, this may vary depending on the tree species. A professional can help you determine when the time is right. Regardless of when you need trimming and pruning, rest assured ArborTech Inc. has all your tree care needs covered in Hayward, CA.