Why Should You Prune Your Trees

Trees provide many benefits to the urban environment, ranging from improved air quality to shade from the intense Singapore heat, from resistance to soil erosion to stress relieve. Yet, just like any other softscape element in your landscape, when left unattended to for an extended period of time, they grow in undesirable ways, thus posing problems in the long run. Fortunately, regular tree pruning services in Singapore are available and will keep your environment in optimal condition.

In this article, we explain the importance of tree pruning while covering the negative consequences that occur when a tree is not maintained.

Maintaining the Structural Integrity

A key benefit of tree pruning is the retainment of the structural integrity of the tree. Just like any structure, a tree requires equal weight distribution and a strong foundational support to remain standing. While it typically has a very strong centre of gravity thanks to its far reaching roots, the growth of too many large branches on one side of the tree may compromise its balance. Thus, when hit by the occasional storm, the tree may lose its healthy shape or even be uprooted. This poses a severe risk to all users of the space, but it can be easily prevented through pruning.

Makes the Tree Look Beautiful

Is the look of your tree important for you? If yes, then tree pruning is indeed necessary. When left unchecked, trees will naturally grow in all directions, with larger emphasis on the direction towards the sun. Additionally, the shape of your tree has a large impact on the environment. For example, it may block the surrounding scenery or absorb more sound depending on how its growth is influence.

Reducing the Risks of Falling Branches

Strongly correlated to structural integrity, uneven growth amongst a tree’s branches increases the chances of falling branches. Even where a tree does not have uneven growth, its limbs do die, at which time they become vulnerable to natural elements. Tree pruning involves a thorough inspection of the tree, spotting such vulnerable branches, and removes them in anticipation of the risk that they may cause severe harm to any passer-by.

Preventing Disease from Decay

As mentioned earlier, tree limbs do die. Similar to human injuries, this leaves the tree open to contracting infectious diseases. In particular, fungal infections and insects are attracted to dead wood at first, but subsequently spread to live parts, weakening the tree. Common symptoms of tree infections include an outbreak of galls, crankers and multiple leaf infections. All of these diseases weaken trees and if left unchecked, may kill them eventually.

Tree Branches Growing into Hazardous Areas

Tree branches may grow too close to places such as your roof or electric cable lines, risking entanglement or additional pressure. This poses real hazards as damage may be dealt to both the tree and the object. In this case, constant checking and pre-emptive action is essential.

Hiring Professionals

Tree pruning can be a complex and risky task owing to the number of factors that affect a tree’s health, its potential impact on the environment, and the requirement to work at height. Additionally professional tools and a strong foundation in areas such as horticulture, risk and planning are essential in providing long term care for the tree. As such, it is strongly recommended that you engage  landscape maintenance Singapore companies to carry out tree pruning.