When it comes to the plant life that surrounds your living space, there is a noticeable difference between shrubs and trees that have been pruned, and those that have not. The goal of pruning is not simply to cut away at a growing plant; you have to plan carefully before taking to pruning. Remember, it’s much easier to look at a shrub or tree and decide not to prune a certain piece than to try and reattach it.
Here are our top five reasons to prune your shrubs and trees:
1.) It Keeps the Plant Healthy and Happy
The most obvious reason for pruning both shrubs and trees is to help keep the plant in peak health. As a plant grows it will have dead or dying pieces, and by pruning these you can redirect the plant’s growth to help it stay healthy. Not only that, but pruning can help with issues such as not getting enough sunlight or water, or being too close to another plant to grow properly. Try to keep to the plant’s natural shape by giving it a nice trim, and remember that pruning is all about “less is more”; a little trimming goes a long way.
2.) It Improves the Appearance of the Area
As touched upon previously, an outdoor space that has been pruned, when compared to one that has not, shows not only care but gives a nicer appearance to the space. Removing dead or dying branches not only revitalizes the plant itself, but it also looks cleaner and helps keep insect infestation down. Branches that rub together or branch stubs can also be removed to help with appearances.
3.) It Helps the Plant’s Growth Rate
When a plant doesn’t have to focus on trying to keep a dying branch alive, it can instead focus on growing properly. As such, pruning off the dying pieces can help encourage further growth of your shrubs and trees to flourish in the Southwest Florida Sunshine!
4.) It Lets the Plants Live Longer
A cared-for plant is a happy plant, and shrubs and trees are no exception. If you take the time to routinely prune your plants, they will often live longer because of it. Like many things, plants react well to attention and care and will give you a better-looking outdoor space in return. Crossing or rubbing pieces is a good example of what can be pruned that will help increase longevity, and will also give the plant a much nicer appearance at the same time.
5.) It Gives Better Sightlines and More Sunlight
A yard that is uncared for can grow shady and overgrown, which leads to less appeal in the space and less-happy plants. If your trees are growing over your neighbor’s fence as well, make certain to keep them pruned back to alleviate any senseless arguments. See the sky more and get that Vitamin D we all crave, all the while keeping your plants healthy and happy.
Don’t let your plants get unruly—find a great pruning team to help and make the task that much easier to complete. A team that includes certified arborists, like those at Joshua Tree, will share the best healthy tree practices so that your trees and shrubs will get the attention they deserve. Contact us for more information, and learn more about the amazing services we have to offer you today!