Tree Care Basics: A Starter Guide

The Kinds Of Tree Branches That Should Be Trimmed Away

28 November 2022

Johnni Knight

If you have trees in your yard, you're probably aware that they should be trimmed from time to time to keep them healthy. But have you ever looked up at your tree and wondered what branches a trimmer would remove, and why? Here's a look at the major types of branches a tree trimmer seeks to remove from the tree.

Dead or Dying Branches

It is normal for some branches to die as a tree ages. Often, an older branch will die so that the tree can put more resources into developing fresh, new growth elsewhere. If dead or dying branches are left in place, they take nutrients and water that the tree could send elsewhere. So, some of the first branches that trimmers generally remove are any dead ones.

Diseased Branches

Trees are prone to a number of fungal diseases. Usually, the fungi first invade a branch or two. They may cause spots to form on the leaves of that branch. Or, they may cause the branch to develop some fungal patches and plaques. If your tree trimmer notices these symptoms on a tree branch, they will trim that branch away. That will help prevent the disease from spreading to the tree's other branches. This is one reason why frequent tree trimming is beneficial—to catch diseases before they spread too far.

Rubbing Branches

Sometimes a tree will send a branch out in a direction that causes it to interfere with the tree's other branches. It may rub against the tree's other branch, leading to the formation of sores or wounds that can later become infected. A tree trimmer can trim back one of the branches that are rubbing in order to prevent damage to the other branch. This can also help keep the tree looking tidy.

Extra Long, Misplaced Branches

Sometimes, a tree will send out a branch that's really long and looks unbalanced or misplaced. A trimmer will generally remove these branches. They don't just want to cut the end off the branch as this can make the branch unhealthy and prone to infection. It's always best to remove a whole branch.

The next time you have a tree trimmer come work on your tree, you'll have a better idea of what they are doing. Trimmers do not remove branches haphazardly. They choose branches they remove carefully, and they remove branches for the key reasons described above.  

For more info, contact a local tree trimming company. 

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