Tree trimming is so much more than simple maintenance. This landscaping essential is crucial to healthy trees, thriving ecosystems, and even personal safety. But what lies beyond the leaves? Take a look at these six tree-trimming fun facts to learn more about the practice and its benefits.

1. Tree Trimming Dates Back to Ancient Greece and Egypt

The Egyptians and Greeks both recognized the importance of maintaining trees. In addition to being an essential task, the trimming of trees also held significance to them as a cultural and religious ritual. It was believed that trimming trees near temples would please the gods and bless individuals with fertility.

2. Tree Trimming Preserves Wildlife

Regular trimming is designed to remove excess branches and promote healthy growth. It differs from pruning, which is done more for visual appeal. Trimming selectively removes unhealthy or hazardous branches, which can encourage new foliage to grow and offer more habitats to birds and nesting animals.

3. Tree Trimming Can Lower Heat Density

In urban areas, tree trimming is often essential to reducing canopy sizes and lowering heat trapped in the leaves. Strategic tree trimming in areas with many trees can allow for greater airflow and circulation.

4. You Should Trim Trees Differently Based on Their Species

All trees need to be trimmed now and then, but the timing will vary based on the types of trees you have growing in your yard. For example, flowering trees are best trimmed before they bloom to promote strong bud growth and healthy blossoms. On the other hand, maples, oaks, and crabapples are some of the trees better trimmed in the fall.

5. Tree Trimming Is an Art

Arborists are people who keep and tend to trees; the art of shaping trees, which includes trimming and pruning, is called topiary. Tree shaping has the potential to transform trees into masterpieces, and trimming plays a vital role in ensuring healthy growth and desired form.

6. Tree Trimming Encourages Yard Health

There are many overarching benefits to regular tree trimming. These include improved tree stability, reduced risk of pests and fungi, lower risk of tree disease, increased sunlight penetration, and encroachment prevention. By trimming your trees regularly — at least once a year, in most cases — you can prevent issues of overcrowding and sickness while promoting a healthy yard and local ecosystem.

By learning more about tree trimming, you can see how this essential practice benefits both our green spaces and urban environments. If you need tree trimming in Medford, OR, please contact L&J Tree Service today for personalized tree care services.