Tree Trimming Guide for Property Owners
By: Aaron Hurlbert
Tags: Plants, Tree Trimming, Tree Care, Gardening, Trees

Trees that surround your yard, side of your home, or even your commercial space can amplify the beauty of your property tremendously. From providing ample shade to using its trunk for a tire swing or a hammock, trees can offer plenty of benefits, alongside memories and beauty.

However, for them to increase the longevity of your landscape and to bring out the aesthetic beauty of your property, it is essential to ensure that tree pruning and trimming are scheduled regularly.

This will not only help your trees control infestations better, but will also protect your home, car, and property from damages caused by falling branches. So, before we list out a thorough tree trimming guide, let’s have a quick look at the core reasons why tree trimming and pruning are essential.

Why is Tree Pruning and Trimming Important?

According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), trees ought to be pruned regularly, not just to maintain and improve the health of your trees, but also for safety reasons. The prime reasons include:

Safety of your property, neighbors, and pedestrians. To increase the aesthetics of your property and to improve fruit/flower production of trees. To maintain tree health and to make it stronger to withstand extreme weather conditions. Additionally, when opting to trim your trees, always seek the help of professional arborists who can guide you through the trimming and pruning process by thoroughly assessing the health of your trees and receive a complete guide on tree pruning, tree relocating, tree transplanting, tree nursery, and much more. Since the state of Florida has set specific rules for tree trimming for individual tress like mangrove, seeking the help of a certified tree service company in Tampa will help you avoid any unnecessary fines and liabilities to the state.

When should I consider trimming my trees?

Although the trimming and pruning of trees are widely dependent on the season, it is ideally recommended that you trim them at least once a year. Although, this varies depending on the species of your tree as well. Nevertheless, here are a few essential points to consider when deciding:

If your tree’s growth has reached a point that is threatening, either to your home, property, or your assets, it is time you get them pruned or trimmed for safety reasons. Your local arborist can guide you through the right method to be adopted. As a property owner, it is essential that you understand property lines and avoid your trees or plants from entering into your neighbor’s property, avoid all obstructions either for vehicles or for pedestrians, and ensure they do not cause any disturbance at intersections.

If your trees do cause any form of inconvenience to the public or your neighbors, do keep in mind that you’re violating property rights. Lastly, if your property, home, or commercial space is located around power lines, ensure that your trees do not obstruct or interfere with the power lines. You can either get in touch with a tree service company in Tampa, if you’re located in Florida, or contact your local arborists and the local utility company to help you proceed with the required trimming/pruning measures.

How can I safely trim my trees?

When you contact a tree trimming company in Tampa, like Panorama Tree Care, the arborists will personally visit your property to assess the health of your tree and recommend the right measures to be taken for its pruning or trimming. However, before scheduling an appointment, try and assess the condition of the trees yourself. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has outlined some core self-trim tips for trees, take a look:

The first and foremost step is to assess the branches of your trees. If the branches are 5 centimeters in diameter, which is smaller than two inches, you can proceed with tree pruning, either by yourself or with the help of your local arborist. If the branches are within 5 and 10 centimeters, between 2–4 inches, it gets a tad trickier. So, unless you have prior experience in tree trimming or pruning, seek the assistance of professionals to help you out. If the branches are 10 centimeters or over, which is over 4 inches, you need to contact your local arborists to guide you so they can adhere to the necessary protocols of tree trimming and seek appropriate licenses for conducting the procedure.

Best Practices For Tree Transplanting :

If you’re a property owner, transplanting your trees and shrubs is yet another way of beautifying your home/commercial space. However, while doing so, make sure that you do not risk damaging the roots of your tree. Tree relocating or tree transplanting can cause immense shock to your tree, and thus, it is always recommended that you conduct the necessary pruning or trimming a few months or even a year before intending to relocate it. This will reduce the added amount of stress for your tree.

Tree transplanting Steps: