Trimming unsightly foliage does more than just enhancing your home’s landscaping and curb appeal. This activity offers a variety of practical benefits of which many homeowners don’t take advantage often.
Here are five reasons you should invest in periodic tree trimming and hire professional tree care services from companies such as Affordable Tree Care.
1. To Stimulate Plant Growth
Research shows that pruning is the key to plant health. Cutting the main shoot encourages the other branches to thrive. The actively growing tip at the apex of the plant releases the hormone auxin, which indirectly influences the development of the shoots below.
However, pruning branches is one thing, but knowing what and when to prune is another. The best trimming times depends on what you have in your yard. Bad timing can do the plant more harm than good.
For instance, conventional wisdom says that you could prune summer and fall flowering shrubs when they begin to sleep for the winter. On the other hand, spring flowering trees could be trimmed in early summer after they fade. When it comes to fruit trees, you should only prune them in the dormant season. Evergreens don’t really need trimming but do it in early spring if you must.
2. To Prevent Gutter Clogging
Trimming overhanging branches is a neat solution to inhibit gutter clogging. This home maintenance measure is particularly important if you have tall deciduous trees towering above your roof. Since you couldn’t stop these plants from shedding leaves seasonally, you should make sure that dead foliage falls straight to the ground.
In addition to occasional tree trimming, it pays to get a gutter protection system. A covering will let the water through but block tree particles, including tiny pine needles. With the aid of wind and gravity, any debris atop the gutter cover will safely fall for easy cleaning.
3. To Prolong Roof-Shingle Life
Overly long branches can dislodge the granules of asphalt shingles. The strong wind can cause limbs to brush against the surface of the material, damaging your roof with abrasion.
Although minor scratches or puncture wouldn’t automatically result in leaks, severe granules loss could accelerate the aging process of shingles. Apart from giving roofing materials character, granules protect the substrate against damaging ultraviolet light.
4. To Discourage Algae and Moss Proliferation
Thick foliage can provide much-needed shade in the patio to enjoy the beauty of a sunny day without its main drawback. The problem is that shaded roof areas tend to remain moist for extended periods, paving the way for algae and moss growth. The former is an eyesore while the latter poses a structural threat to asphalt shingles. If your trees are tall enough to cause this problem, strongly consider trimming them a little.
5. To Deny Wildlife Access to Home
Critters can find their way to your home no matter what, but long branches make it easier to launch a pest invasion. Rodents can use overhanging limbs as a bridge to reach the gutters and get inside your house through holes in the fascia boards. These animals also gnaw building materials for survival, compromising the structural integrity of your roof and siding.
In a perfect world, the branches of your trees are at least 10 feet away from your home and stay that way. But plants constantly grow and must be kept in check to remain as architectural assets, not liabilities.