Can Overcrowded Branches Lead to Tree Health Issues?
Is Overcrowding A Real Concern?
First, it’s important to understand what a tree canopy is. The canopy is the top layer of branches and foliage reaching out from the trunk of the tree. When a tree is overcrowded with branches, the canopy becomes very dense and creates a shell-like structure. Overcrowding causes concerns for both health and safety. In order to properly care for a tree, regular pruning must occur throughout the tree’s life.
If your tree is overcrowded, leaves may have trouble getting water, tree growth can become unbalanced, disease can spread more easily, and the structural integrity of a tree can become compromised over time. Continue reading to learn more about how overcrowded branches can cause health problems with your trees.
The Uncertain Dangers of Overcrowded Branches
Overcrowded tree canopies can lead to a variety of health issues, including problems with growth and structural integrity. Without regular tree pruning, branches may grow in unusual ways, making them very heavy. Heavy branches are a safety concern for multiple reasons. A tree will become more and more stressed if its branches become heavily unbalanced. As large branches create stress breaks in the tree, they may fall at any time. Heavy branches are much more likely to break during extreme weather, throwing down tree limbs to the ground. Falling branches are a major safety concern for people and property. Without proper tree pruning, heavy branches may cause serious damage to vehicles, structures, powerlines, and even other healthy trees. When branches become stressed and crack, they allow disease and pests free access inside the tree, increasing general health risks. By utilizing a professional tree pruning service, you can ensure a healthy, more stable tree. If you have any concerns about heavy branches or the growth patterns of trees on your property, contact Joseph Tree and learn more about our tree care services.
How Overcrowding Affects Tree Health
Overcrowded trees are more susceptible to disease and to the dangers of pests. Pruning tree branches allows arborists to see any health concerns and stop them from spreading and causing more harm. The removal of diseased branches prevents the problems from spreading to other branches of the tree. An overcrowded tree often reduces the airflow through the canopy. Anytime airflow is blocked, moisture becomes more abundant and creates a more stable environment for fungal diseases to spread. By pruning the canopy, we can increase airflow throughout the branches and create a more ideal environment for healthy growth. Without pruning, the excessive growth of branches can also have a serious impact on photosynthesis. Plants use photosynthesis to turn sunlight into food in order to power their growth. When a tree canopy becomes overgrown and dense, light is blocked from passing through it to the limbs below. As trees grow, they create more leaves to continue producing the necessary energy to sustain themselves. When light blocks these leaves from participating in photosynthesis, the tree struggles to maintain healthy levels of chemical energy. By pruning a tree and giving branches space to breathe, leaves will have access to adequate levels of sunlight, allowing the tree to provide for itself and continue growing.
Pruning A Tree for Balance
Native trees can grow long, healthy branches with sweeping canopies, but with the help of a professional arborist can live longer. Tree pruning is a science, not an art, and is a crucial step in supporting the health and longevity of a tree. Pruning is a method we use to control the growth of a tree and to help it maintain a good structural balance. When trees become unbalanced, it has a major impact on the root system. Overgrown branches impact the way nutrients are distributed. As the tree pulls nutrients from the roots, some areas will be affected, causing further disproportionate distribution of nutrients. This unbalance can cause even more health concerns as the roots become weakened. When roots are weakened, the entire structure of the tree can become compromised. Not only is the tree’s health a concern above ground, but the roots beneath are at risk. Pruning a tree helps reduce stress and prevents structural problems from occurring. Pruning allows the tree to remain physically strong, nutritionally healthy, and promotes root health.
How Pruning Can Benefit Your Trees
Pruning is one of the best services to provide a healthier life for your trees. Professional tree care makes trees safer, healthier, and live longer.
When an arborist prunes a tree, they are boosting the structural integrity by getting rid of anything that can cause harm. This includes dead or damaged branches, diseased branches, or overgrown branches that can cause structural cracks. The removal of any weak branches makes your property safer. By being proactive and pruning away dead and weak branches, you greatly reduce the likelihood that a branch will fall and cause damage. People on your property and structures become safer when you practice proper tree care. Branch removal can increase air flow and sunlight exposure throughout the canopy, which promotes healthy growth and photosynthesis.
Tree trimming focuses on the shape of the tree, but pruning focuses on the overall health and wellness of the tree. Pruning isn’t only about curb appeal, but creates a long list of benefits. Take care of your trees by contacting Joseph Tree and finding out about what services we offer.
Signs Your Tree Needs Pruning
The most obvious signs are when you notice limbs and branches getting tangled with their surroundings. They may be touching the roof, the side of a building, or leaning against power lines. Deadwood and branches without leaves are another clear sign. This should be a warning that branches may easily fall from the tree during extreme weather, or even at random. If your tree is growing unusually or the growth seems unbalanced, have an arborist visit and provide an inspection to ensure there isn’t a serious health problem.
Professional Arborist Services
Joseph Tree offers a wide variety of arborist services. We have developed a strong passion for professional urban forestry. Through national certifications and training, we have developed a strong team of professionals who bring their expertise to every jobsite. When we prune a tree, we aren’t just trimming limbs; we make precise cuts in service of the tree’s health.
Services Joseph Tree Offers: Preventative Tree Care, Commercial Landscape and Tree Services, Tree Removal, Tree Pruning, Tree Trimming, Stump Removal, Tree Replacements, Tree Trimming, Tree Felling, Crane Removal, Soil Testing, Pest Level Observations, Client Education, and more.
Joseph Tree’s Tree Care Service
For over 20 years, we have worked to build a team of Urban Forest Specialists so they could bring a newfound level of professionalism to urban forestry in Central Ohio. We have developed a new standard throughout our industry by combining our training, research, key certifications, and our years of experience. We work to ensure we give every client the best experience and use our knowledge to care for their trees. Contact Joseph Tree to learn more or get a quote!