18 MAR 2025
Pruning is a great way to maintain lush and durable trees. This routine care exercise gets rid of diseased, damaged, dead, or overgrown limbs, preventing safety hazards and property damage down the line. However, there is such a thing as excessive pruning, which causes severe damage and premature tree removal. If your trees are not growing as expected or losing foliage, call Sesmas Tree Service to inspect, diagnose, and prune them properly. Unlike DIY enthusiasts, our certified tree service providers in Alpharetta, GA can assess your trees and recommend effective pruning techniques to achieve the desired results without severe damage. Let’s delve into the three common signs you have over-pruned your trees to help you make informed decisions.
The most obvious sign of over-pruning is stunted growth. When your trees don’t grow as quickly as expected, you might be trimming them too much. Excessive pruning causes an imbalance in the tree, disrupting its natural growth cycle. Trees need a certain amount of foliage to produce energy through photosynthesis. When you prune too many leaves, your trees struggle to make food, meaning they do not have sufficient energy to support their growth and development. If you notice a tree on your property is not growing properly, consult a tree care company to implement effective restorative measures and recommend suitable pruning techniques.
Another sign you have over-pruned your trees is a significant reduction in foliage. While the effects of pruning may not be apparent, removing too much foliage limits the tree’s ability to support itself. This usually leads to low food production, thinner branches, bare spots, and bare spots on the crown. In severe cases, excessive pruning can lead to death and tree removal emergencies. Arborists and industry experts recommend taking at least 1/3 of the foliage annually to avoid such scenarios.
Lastly, you may have gone overboard with pruning when you notice a lot of sprouts growing in the interior. While sprouting is a normal response when you cut off many branches, when too many grow in the interior it shows the tree needs time to recover. Fresh growth usually does not receive as much sunlight, leading to weakness and an uneven shape. In addition, sprouts require extra maintenance to keep them under control, taking attention from healthy and full branches.
Now that you know the signs of over-pruning, knowing when to remove damaged, dead, or diseased branches is crucial. Tree pruning is an invasive process that can cause significant damage if done incorrectly or at the wrong time. Tree service professionals recommend pruning in winter when the trees are dormant, as it encourages fresh growth when the weather warms up. In addition, fewer leaves in autumn make it easier to identify signs of deterioration.
A common mistake DIYers make is pruning in the fall, which increases the risk of infections and infestations. A tree care company can devise a routine care plan that includes pruning schedules, giving you peace of mind all year round. Since different tree species require specific maintenance, you can leverage the expertise of trained arborists to ensure the right pruning time and optimal growth.
Trees are vital for our landscapes and the environment. Like most living things, they require regular care to enhance growth and overall well-being. If you notice overgrown, damaged, or dead limbs in your yard, contact Sesmas Tree Service quickly. We leverage extensive expertise and specialized equipment to provide quality pruning and trimming services at competitive rates.
