Tree Trimming Reminder

It’s that time of year! Time to trim your trees.

Keeping your trees well-groomed with an annual trimming does more than making them look good come springtime. Pruning trees helps:

• Controls size for easier care
• Increases strength by developing strong limb structure
• Distributes sunlight evenly throughout the tree
• Regulates fruit-bearing trees by removing excess fruitwood
• Renews fruitwood to continue healthy buds and flowers
• Remove undesirable wood—dead, broken, and crossing branches

And, as it turns out, money does grow on trees! According to a study led by economist Geoffrey Donovan, research forester with the PNW Research Station, “trees planted on the south and west sides of Sacramento houses reduced summertime electricity bills by an average of $25.16. In a second study in Portland, Donovan’s team found that street trees growing in front of or near a house added an average of $8,870 to its sale price and reduced its time on the market by nearly 2 days. These economic benefits spilled over to neighboring properties: a neighborhood tree growing along the public right-of-way added an average of $12,828 to the combined value of all the houses within 100 feet.”

Before pulling out your clippers, consider using a professional. Just cutting away branches can result in over-pruning or other mishaps that can endanger your trees. In addition, a professional can detect underlying conditions that could also harm your trees.

Let us know if you need a referral to a tree trimmer or just an arborist for a consult about your trees.