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Trimming your trees in the summer is primarily for shaping and creating a solid structure, in preparation for heavy rains and strong wind conditions. Heavy trimming can be done as long as the tree is not under a tremendous amount of stress. Moreover, it is important to do your summer pruning sooner than later. If you wait too long, you could put the tree at risk of water damage or winter injury. Rain can damage fresh cuts on a tree, so it is better to wait to trim if rain is in the near future.
Remove dead limbs. Summer tree trimming plays an important role in the removal of dead, damaged, and diseased tree limbs. Any limb that has the potential to cause damage or stress to your tree should be removed. This enhances the tree’s potential for robust and best growth while minimizing the chance that a weakened branch will fall on your home during a storm.
Encourage hearty growth. Tree trimming in summer may encourage vigor. In summertime, weak tree growth should be pinched or pruned back about 3 inches from the end of each soft, leafy shoot. This can be repeated again in late summer if rapid side-shoot growth occurs. As always, it is best to leave trimming in the hands of top qualified professionals, such as Flintridge’s arborists.
Help native trees grow strong. Native trees are often good candidates for summer trimming. Tree trimming allows more light penetration, which can support new growth development. Proper tree trimming can encourage mature trees to produce stronger more stable root systems and limb structures. Increased light and air circulation resulting from trimming encourages the overall health of the tree. Tree trimming in the summer helps to support robust and durable branch development, which will help support healthy strong limbs in the future. Some week branches should be removed as they are susceptible to disease during the rainy season. It is best to trim these in the summer, preferably in July, August, or early September. This again promotes the development of sturdy limbs. Opening up the tree and removing the correct amount of foliage sets the tree up for better circulation and prepares the tree for strong winds in the fall, winter and spring time. Summer tree trimming encourages better light penetration to shrubs and planting below. As always, it is best to consult a Flintridge arborist for the care of your trees and property.
Pest Control. Another benefit of summer tree trimming is pest control. By removing weak branches and excess foliage that have mites or aphid damage you are protecting the overall health and longevity of the tree. Often times dead wood in your trees could attract termites. These dead branches should be removed from your tree and property as soon as possible to prevent a termite infestation in your home!
Contact us for an arborist review of your trees to discuss the benefits of summer tree trimming.
818.952.5300
