If you have trees on your property, pruning them is a big part of your landscape maintenance job. Regular and professional pruning and trimming are important for safety, aesthetics, and preserving your trees’ health. However, knowing when to prune them can be a difficult decision for most people. Here are 6 signs that should tell you that it is time for pruning your trees.

1. When You See Branches & Limbs Breaking

If you see branches or limbs breaking due to windstorms or other reasons, it may be time to prune your trees. Broken branches and limbs can expose the inside areas of trees. They should be taken care of immediately to prevent any hazardous situation. You should check all trees after heavy winds or storms. If the damaged branches are not removed and your trees are not properly pruned, it can cause further weakening of the tree.

2. When You See Deadwood

If you notice sections of deadwood on a tree, it is important to remove the decay. The deadwood can not only be hazardous, but it can also cause the deterioration and decay of the tree. The lack of timely pruning can cause the tree to decay and eventually it will have to be removed.

3. When You Notice Crossing Branches

Typically, any branches that cross each other should be trimmed during the spring. However, it is recommended to do it the moment you notice it. When branches rub against each other, the motion can cause decay. Branches often tend to cross when the tree is not taken care of. The bark can get damaged, and the interior of the branch can get exposed. The decay can also spread to other parts of the tree.

4. When You See Cracks in the Bark

Multiple cracks on the bark can be a sign that the tree is under stress. It is recommended to have a licensed tree care professional check your tree. Timely pruning can prevent your trees from reaching the stage of rot.

Typically, two or more cracks are signs of such a condition. The moment you see any deep cracks on your trees’ bark, you should immediately seek professional help.

5. Excessive Branch Density

If you notice that a tree has become so thick that you cannot see through it, it is time to prune it. A highly dense tree with branches moving out in all directions is not just an aesthetic concern on your landscape, it can also create hazard risks around it. The high density can create weak branches inside and they can easily fall during heavy winds. Denser branches can more easily catch wind and break and cause damage. It is best to prune your trees the moment you feel that it is no longer possible to see through them.

6. Multiple Leader Branches

A leader branch is one of the main branches at the stem of a tree. Many trees have more than one leader branches. If this happens with your trees, you should know that these branches can start competing with each other for sun exposure, air, and nutrients. It is best to prune such trees to select a dominant leader branch. This can help keep your tree healthier.

So, if you notice any of these 6 signs, you should call your tree care specialists. Dense trees, overgrown trees, misshaped trees, and wandering branches are all signs that it is time to prune your trees. Pruning is not just meant to make your trees look better. The routine has many functional benefits, and it is a necessary process that cannot be ignored.