Why do people cut tree branches off?

People cut tree branches for a variety of reasons. The main reasons include tree health, safety, aesthetics, and utility.

Table of Contents

Tree Health

One of the most common reasons for pruning tree branches is to maintain the health of the tree. Removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches helps prevent the spread of disease and decay throughout the tree. Pruning encourages new growth and allows sunlight and air to circulate through the tree’s canopy. Proper pruning enhances the overall health and structure of the tree.

Here are some of the key reasons pruning is done for tree health:

Remove dead or dying branches – Branches that are dead or unhealthy can become breeding grounds for insects and disease. Pruning gets rid of these branches.
Promote growth – Removal of some live branches redistributes hormones and directs growth elsewhere in the tree.

Thin dense growth – Pruning branches in dense areas allows light and air to penetrate the canopy.
Improve structure – Pruning when a tree is young helps establish good branch structure and form.

In general, no more than 25% of a tree’s live branches should be removed at one time. Proper technique and timing of pruning are key to maintaining tree health.

Safety

Pruning branches for safety reasons is another very common purpose. Trees that overhang walkways, homes, driveways, or utility lines can pose hazards. Removing overextended, damaged, or low-hanging branches helps prevent injuries and property damage.

Here are some typical safety-related reasons for pruning branches:

Clear walkways and roads – Branches hanging too low can impede pedestrians and vehicles.

Reduce falling branch hazards – Old, damaged, or weak branches may break off and fall.
Clear visibility – Pruning branches at intersections and driveways improves sight lines.
Remove hazards near homes – Branches touching roofs or siding should be pruned.

Clear utility lines – Trees growing under or near power lines must be pruned for safety.

In some cases, entire trees may need removal if they present serious, ongoing safety issues.

Aesthetics

Pruning is often done simply for aesthetic reasons. People want their trees to look a certain way, so they prune to shape the canopy.

Here are some examples of pruning for aesthetics:

Improve form – Branches are cut to develop an attractive, balanced shape.
Thin density – Pruning opens up a thick canopy to let more light through.

Raise canopy – Lower branches are removed to increase clearance under the tree.
Reduce size – Pruning controls overall height and spread.
Maintain desired shape – Formal pruning maintains a tailored shape like a hedge.

It’s important not to over-prune just for looks. Removing too much interior foliage and small branches can stunt tree growth.

Utility

Pruning is also done for practical utility purposes like:

Increase fruit yield – Pruning opens up fruit trees’ canopies to improve production.

Clear planting area – Branches may be pruned to accommodate gardens, sheds, patios, etc.
Reduce size for control – Pruning can restrict size to fit a certain space.
Rejuvenate old trees – Cutting back major branches can stimulate new growth in declining trees.

However, there should be a purpose behind the pruning. Cutting for no reason can damage trees.

When to Prune

Pruning should be done at the right time of year for best results:

Spring – Pruning stimulates new growth as rising sap helps heal cuts. It shapes young trees.

Summer – Minimal pruning only to remove hazards and dead branches. Pruning when trees are actively growing can drain energy.
Fall – Good time to prune mature trees as they enter dormancy. Avoid provoking new tender growth before winter.
Winter – Pruning while trees are fully dormant. Some experts recommend avoiding maples and birches in winter.

Try to time pruning cuts just before growth periods to limit sap bleeding from cuts. Each tree species has optimal pruning times too.

Proper Pruning Technique

Using proper technique when cutting branches is critical:

Always use sharp, clean tools to ensure precise, smooth cuts. Jagged cuts from dull blades invite insects and disease.

Cut just outside the branch collar, the bulge where branches attach to parent limbs or the trunk.
Do not leave branch stumps or flush-cut bark at the collar, which slows healing.
Avoid damaging or tearing the branch collar, trunk, or neighboring branches during removal.

Use the three-cut method for heavy branches to prevent ripping off bark and wood.

Take time to make quality pruning cuts. Damaging trees when pruning defeats the purpose and can shorten tree life.

Hiring an Arborist

It is best to hire a professional arborist for major pruning jobs or hazardous removals. Here are some key advantages of hiring an arborist:

Proper training and techniques
Knowledge of tree health and structure
Specialized safety equipment

Insurance coverage
Efficient work to minimize stress on trees
Clean-up after job completion

For large trees near homes or challenging removals, a professional arborist is highly recommended for safety and optimal tree care.

Potential Problems from Poor Pruning

Pruning trees incorrectly or excessively can lead to significant problems, including:

Permanent damage – Improper cuts that tear bark and wood instead of severing cleanly.

Stunted growth – Removing too much live foliage reduces food production and slows growth.
Sunscald – Thinning the canopy too much may lead to bark damage on exposed areas.
Disease – Pruning wounds or jagged cuts provide entry points for disease.

Weak structure – Over-thinning interior branches leads to weakly attached limbs.
Tree decline – Excessive pruning stresses trees and can shorten lifespan.
Rapid regrowth – Overzealous pruning often provokes dense, cluttered regrowth.

Pruning should be done with care and purpose to avoid unintended harm to trees.

Conclusion

Pruning branches is an important tree care practice when done properly and for the right reasons. Thinning the canopy encourages better tree health while removing hazardous or problematic limbs improves safety. Pruning also gives people control over the aesthetics and utility of trees. However, trees should only be pruned minimally and with care to avoid causing harm. If in doubt, hiring a professional arborist is the best option for major jobs. Responsible, mindful branch pruning provides benefits for both trees and people.