Well-kept trees can help transform any backyard into a beautiful, garden-like space. They can provide shade, offer fruit, attract birds, and create a windbreak. Part of proper care involves regular tree pruning: Cutting off unhealthy branches to make room for young ones. Amateur pruning can result in shock and damage to the tree, which is why it’s important to hire professional tree service experts, like the staff at Greatland Tree Service in Anchorage, AK. If you’re not sure whether your tree needs pruning, here are three signs to look for. 

3 Indicators That It’s Time for Tree Pruning

1. Broken Branches

Jagged, broken or drooping branches can indicate that a tree has experienced recent damage, possibly from strong winds. These breaks will expose the inside of the tree to harmful organisms which may cause more serious harm. Because of this, it’s important to check trees after storms and trim damaged branches immediately, which will allow new ones to grow. This process has the added benefit of improving the tree’s appearance.

2. Rotting Wood

Rotting wood on a tree is a sign that an infection has set in. To help your tree fight it, you’ll want to trim some branches to let the tree focus on healing the damaged parts. This will also help prevent the disease from spreading. After pruning infected branches, sterilize the tools to keep the infection from spreading to other plants.

3. Excessive Leaves

If the foliage on your tree has grown too thick, you’ll want to contact a tree pruning expert, both for appearance’s sake and for the tree’s health. Too many leaves and branches will tax the tree’s resources and keep it from growing taller and stronger. It will also have a negative impact on the rest of your yard by keeping sunlight and water from reaching smaller plants.

For residents of Anchorage, Greatland Tree Service provides tree pruning, stump grinding, and landscaping services. This company has over 15 years of experience in helping clients with all their landscaping needs. Their staff is highly trained and familiar with the issues that face local home and business owners, including the freezes and diseases that affect their plants. To get in touch today, visit them online or call 907-336-8733.