Pruning helps to stimulate tree growth and prevent tree disease. Excessive pruning, on the other hand, has several detrimental effects on overall tree health.
As the go-to tree trimming experts in Coral Gables, our team at Nature’s Dream Landscape & Tree Service understands proper pruning practices and knows the effects of excessive pruning. Keep reading as we highlight the dangers of excessive pruning on urban forestry.
How Much Pruning Can a Tree Handle?
A tree’s developmental stage will determine the maximum recommended foliage removal. Generally, a young tree can handle up to 50% foliage removal in a single pruning session. Medium-aged and mature trees can only handle 25% and 10% maximum foliage removal in one dose, respectively.
Effects of Excessive Pruning
Excessive pruning can lead to the following.
Decay From Large or Profuse Cuts
Tree cuts are essentially wounds that must heal. The fewer and the smaller the cuts made, the better for the tree. Too many cuts in the wrong places or one large cut can cause irreversible tree damage and decay.
Reduced Food Production
Removing too many leaves during the pruning process reduces your tree’s ability to produce food. In many cases, the affected tree will suffer from stunted growth.
Increased Maintenance Costs
Excessive pruning creates extra sprouting that subsequently causes a vicious cycle of constant pruning. In the long run, you’ll have to spend more time and money to maintain the tree’s aesthetic qualities.
Sunscald and Interior Sprouting
Reducing a tree’s crown significantly causes interior sprouting and allows excess sunlight to penetrate through the canopy and onto the bark. This sudden exposure to full sun may burn the bark and the cambium layer directly under the bark.
Higher Risk of Wind Damage
Excessive crown raising increases stress loads on the trunk and roots. If the tree has a weak trunk and/or damaged root system, the trunk may break, or the tree could fall over from high winds.
Breakage From Reduced Limb Strength
Individual tree limbs may also suffer from excessive stress if you remove too much foliage or lateral growth. Trees with long limbs and foliage only on the tips will more likely break than trees with even foliage.
Bottom Line
Excessive pruning can have a significant environmental impact. Follow proper tree care and tree maintenance guidelines to keep your trees strong and healthy. When in doubt, seek professional help. In fact, why not leave tree pruning to the experts? Certified arborists possess extensive landscape management skills and experience.
Trust Your Local Tree Service Experts
Transform your yard from ordinary to extraordinary with the help of our competent crew at Nature’s Dream Landscape & Tree Service. We specialize in creating and maintaining lush outdoor spaces. Our services include:
- Tree service
- Landscape design and installation
- Residential and commercial maintenance
- Irrigation
Call Nature’s Dream Landscape & Tree Service at (305) 874-7374 to schedule a free consultation and estimate for tree service in Pinecrest, FL. Reach out for more information about excessive pruning, or explore our blog to learn how to cut high tree branches.
