If you have trees in your yard, it's your job to maintain them. Unfortunately, many people wrongly believe that they don't need to do anything to care for a tree. From time to time, trees need to be pruned. In fact, pruning a tree actually has several different benefits. Learn more about why trees need to be pruned and when you should have the job completed.

Why You Should Have Your Trees Pruned

When you prune a tree it helps the tree grow and stay healthy. In fact, if done correctly, pruning can help the strengthen the tree roots — which helps the tree survive harsh weather. In addition to pruning trees in order to keep them healthy, you should also have trees pruned to:

• Remove potential hazards, such as a dead tree limb that could fall and injured someone or damage your home.
• Treat a diseased tree.
• Encourage fruit production
• Enhance the tree's beauty

When To Have Trees Pruned

Tree pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring, right before the buds on the tree begin to open. You can also prune trees in the fall after the leaves have fallen. These are the times when the tree is dormant, which means it isn't producing as much sap as normal. You should avoid pruning trees in hot, dry weather or extremely cold weather. Keep in mind, trees are dormant at the same time of year as fungus and insects. So, by pruning a tree during its dormant period, you're keeping the tree safe from additional dangers while it heals.

If your tree has a disease or dead limbs, you shouldn't wait to prune it. Even though it's a good idea to prune your trees when they are dormant, pruning can actually be done at any time. However, if possible, you should wait to prune the tree until all of the leaves are fully developed and give the tree some time after the leaves develop to recoup some of the energy expended during the growth process.

Should You Prune Your Trees Yourself?

If you have small trees in your yard or you need to cut off a branch that's low enough for you to reach easily, you might be able to prune the tree yourself. However, you need to make sure you cut the branch of the tree off without cutting into the trunk of the tree at all because it could damage the tree. If you have large trees in your yard or you're worried that you might harm the tree by pruning it, you should consider hiring a tree pruning company. After all, they have the heavy equipment needed to reach high branches and the supplies needed to get the job done quickly and safely.

Unless you receive a citation from the city you live in for an overgrown or dangerous tree, it's up to you to determine whether to prune the trees in your yard. If you're unsure whether your should prune your trees, contact a local tree pruning company to get a professional opinion. If you're interested in learning more, check out websites like http://www.kctreecaresiteks.com/home.html.