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Should Tree Height be Limited?

House and tree
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Trees provide an aesthetically pleasing background for large and small landscapes with their majestic greenery. Many homeowners prefer towering trees that provide ample shade, especially during the hot summer months. However, other homeowners choose to keep tree growth minimal and create a different look. Our Kingsport tree care company, Promier Tree, shares on the blog today if tree height should be limited and how to successfully maintain a shorter tree.

Know Your Goals

Determining what you want to see on your property can help you define your goals for tree growth. Homeowners with pre-established trees may have obstructions or power lines near the canopy that require limited growth. On the other hand, homeowners who want to plant new trees may benefit from speaking with an ISA-certified arborist in the Tri-Cities area to identify shorter-growing trees that complement their landscape. Therefore, no matter your reason for limiting tree height, you can do so in accordance with your landscaping goals and protect your tree in the process.

Think Rationally

It may be tempting to hire someone to give your trees a “buzz cut” or top the tree by removing its limbs, branches, and leaves. Unfortunately, topping trees can cause malnourishment, increase pest and disease risks, and boost their vulnerability to breaking, especially during strong storms. Our Bristol ISA-certified arborists warn homeowners about pruning their trees too harshly at one time. We recommend only removing 20% of a tree’s volume at any time to prevent accidental damage or health risks. Therefore, think rationally about pruning before you over-prune out of inexperience or frustration.

Work With Professionals

Randomly hacking away at tree branches with a saw is not the most effective method of limiting tree growth, especially when you want to influence growth and maintain a particular shape. Therefore, it’s important to consult with an ISA-certified arborist in Johnson City before pruning. Our arborists will assess the tree’s health, including limb conditions, age, and natural growing style, before offering pruning recommendations. Furthermore, consulting with an arborist can ensure your trees receive proper pruning based on their species and individual characteristics, promoting long-term health and growth.

Consider Moving the Tree

It may seem like the trees on your property are a permanent landscape feature. However, you can move the tree to a different location on your property that doesn’t require height limitations. Whether a sapling or a mature tree, it’s beneficial to speak with a Kingsport ISA-certified arborist before moving the tree to ensure its new location can provide the necessary benefits for tree health and growth.

Think Long-Term

No matter if you have established or new trees, your tree’s height is a long-term project that requires regular maintenance. Trees need pruning to promote growth and maintain a pleasant shape. Some trees may require services through a few growing cycles to reach the desired size and shape. However, homeowners who choose to plant new trees on their property can discover the long-term results of different tree species by speaking with a Bristol ISA-certified arborist. That way, they know what to expect after planting and can limit tree height from a young age.

Tree Care Company in Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol, Tennessee

A tree’s growth height varies from species to species and can impact surrounding landscapes and homes. While many homeowners invite towering trees to grow on their property, others prefer a more minimal approach to their tree growth. Therefore, you can limit pre-established tree growth or replace the tree altogether with a more conducive species. However, our Johnson City ISA-certified arborists encourage property owners to consult with us before limiting tree height to protect the tree’s health and growth. So, feel free to call Promier Tree at (423) 765-2626 or contact us online to schedule an arborist consultation today.

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