Are you wondering, “Should I trim lower branches on a young tree?” If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Though most tree owners view trimming branches as a purely aesthetic practice, it plays a crucial role in plant health. This post looks at why trimming the lower branches on your young tree is essential.
We also highlight the dangers of improper pruning, showing why it’s best to leave the task to Carmichael’s trusted tree service experts at Fallen Leaf Tree.
Why Trimming Is Important
Trimming is a common type of maintenance that allows you to fulfill different objectives as your tree ages. Some of these objectives include:
- Removing dead, dying, diseased, or broken branches
- Thinning heavy branches
- Reducing the risk of injury and property damage
- Establishing strong growth form
- Creating clearance for pedestrians or vehicles
Having these objectives in mind can help you determine why, how, and when you should trim your tree. Remember that trimming can have a lifelong impact, so ensure every cut serves a specific function.
Why You Should Trim Lower Branches on a Young Tree
Are you asking yourself, “Should I trim lower branches on a young tree?” The short answer is yes.
Many tree owners are aware of the importance of trimming mature trees. However, this practice plays a more significant role in young trees because each cut can change the tree’s growth pattern forever.
Here are a few key reasons why you should trim your young tree’s lower branches.
Encourage Strong Structure
Growth defects in trees tend to develop at an early age, worsening as the tree matures. While you can correct growth defects once a tree grows, doing so requires heavy corrective trimming, which can cause severe stress.
Fortunately, trimming a young tree’s lower branches helps prevent these defects and allows the tree to maintain its natural shape.
Promote Healthy Trunk Development
Trimming your young tree can also encourage good branching structure and promote healthy trunk development.
A leader refers to the vertical stem you find at the top of the trunk. While most trees only have one leader, some can develop multiple leaders. Fortunately, certain trimming strategies can help you correct double leaders.
When Should I Trim the Lower Branches on a Young Tree?
You should trim your young tree three to five years after planting it to give it time to establish itself in the ground.
Additionally, avoid removing more than a quarter of the tree’s canopy in any one year. Surpassing this limit can hinder the tree’s ability to produce food, resulting in stress, reduced growth, and eventually death.
It’s also best to avoid summer pruning. Instead, trim your tree in late fall, throughout winter, or early spring. Doing so during these seasons promises to offer several benefits, including:
- The cooler temperatures limit the spread of diseases.
- Pruning decisions are easier to make.
- Your tree gets a chance to heal its wounds before spring growth commences.
Consult Your Trusted Sacramento, CA, Tree Experts
Trimming your young tree can have lifelong effects. As such, it is best to consult the services of a licensed arborist with the right level of skills and experience.
At Fallen Leaf Tree, we have a team of certified arborists with the expertise to tend to your young tree. We can assess your tree and determine the best trimming strategies to implement to facilitate healthy growth. Our team will even sterilize their tools before pruning tree branches.
Contact our experts at Fallen Leaf Tree at 916-447-8733 to get answers to questions like “Should I trim lower branches on a young tree?” and schedule top-rated tree services in Sacramento, CA.