There are many benefits to pruning your trees in Kingsport. Regular pruning makes your trees healthier and stronger and provides protection against both diseases and pests. Pruning is a specialized procedure that should be left to professionals. Not all trees should be pruned the same way, and over-pruning can do more harm than good. There’s also a right time and a wrong time to prune trees… and generally speaking, fall may not always be the best time to prune your trees. Read on as the tree pruning experts at Promier Tree explain why.
Reason 1) Less healing time
One reason that many tree professionals opt to prune in the spring is that trees have an entire growing season to heal any open cuts. During the fall, as temperatures turn colder and leave start to die, your tree is preparing to endure the harsh conditions of the coming winter. Your tree refocuses energy on its root system in preparation to go dormant. Having less available energy means open cuts heal more slowly and can be vulnerable throughout the winter to come.
Reason 2) Trouble with new growth
In a moderate climate like we have here in Kingsport, Johnson City, and the surrounding areas in Tennessee, it does not stay warm enough for your trees to grow year-round. Knowledgeable arborists tend to prune in the spring because pruning stimulates new growth. However, any new growth that forms after a fall pruning will not have the opportunity to harden as it should. This can severely weaken your tree.
Reason 3) More moisture
As temperatures drop in the fall, rain can be more likely. Pruning during wet weather is always a risk, as it may encourage the proliferation of mold, mildew, and other potentially harmful species of fungus.
Are there any exceptions to the rule?
Yes. If your tree has dead branches, then it is wise to have them pruned in the fall. Leave them be, and those dead branches could become potential hazards in the winter, especially if your tree goes dormant.
Certain shrubs, on the other hand, might need to be pruned in the fall, especially if they are late bloomers. You will want to consult an arborist to make sure it is safe to prune your shrubs in the fall before you actually start trimming them.
Fall tree care tips
Now that you know the risks of tree pruning in the fall, you might wonder what your trees do need during this season. Raking and mulching in the fall are key components of a good maintenance program of care. Rake up fallen leaves so that your lawn still receives the sunlight and moisture it needs to get through the winter. Also, apply a layer of mulch around your tree to protect the roots and provide an extra source of valuable nutrients. Even if you’ve had some downpours this summer and your trees appear healthy and strong, watering your trees in the fall is recommended. Complete a deep watering of your trees before the first hard freeze.
Professional tree pruning in Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol in Tennessee
Pruning the right way at the right time keeps your trees healthy, strong, and looking great. Regular pruning also reduces the risk of falling limbs during a storm or after it snows. Healthy trees are an investment that increases your property value, so trust your pruning, and other care needs to the arborists at Promier Tree. Each of our arborists is certified by the International Society of Arboriculture and has knowledge and experience pertaining to all types of trees in Kingsport. Schedule a tree health evaluation by calling our office at (423) 765-2626.