Well before you trim and prune your trees to complement the flower beds beneath them, you’ll need to know what kind of garden you want. For example, you may need to trim trees one way if you have a shade garden and another way if your flower beds need lots of sunlight. There are also pure aesthetics and the health and beauty of your trees to consider. If you’re not sure how to trim trees the right way, don’t hesitate to call a professional arborist to help you.
Prune the Lower Branches to Let in the Sun
Pruning the lower branches of your trees helps the flower beds beneath them get more sunlight in the morning and just before sunset. This is called crown raising, and when it’s done properly, it also helps the tree by allowing air to circulate around its branches. Another benefit of clearing away lower branches is that it’s simply easier to plant and tend to flowers beneath your tree. One thing to be mindful of is to never remove more than a third of the tree’s healthy leaves. To prune more than this can cause the tree to go into shock.
Pruning for Aesthetics
Even if your flower beds get enough sunlight or they’re shade-loving flowers such as hellebores, pruning your trees the right way can enhance your garden’s aesthetics. Well-pruned trees tend to be healthier. They display more vibrant foliage and flowers of their own and draw the eye to elements such as arbors, front porches, patios or seating areas. The sight of beautifully shaped trees and shrubs in your backyard pleases you, your family and your guests. Healthy and symmetrical trees among your flower beds in the front yard create curb appeal. It may even raise the resale value of your property if you’re thinking of selling sometime in the future.
Pruning for Health
Well-pruned trees also reduce the risk of pests and diseases. Some of these problems can not only affect the trees themselves but can also affect the plants beneath and around them. Make sure that when you prune your trees, you remove all the pruned away limbs and leaves rather than leaving them in or around the flower beds. If they’re healthy, you can grind them up and use them as mulch. If you think they’re not healthy, you shouldn’t even put them in your compost pile. Dispose of them in the trash. Determining if tree branches are sick or not is where a professional arborist can really be of help.
Creating a beautiful garden is work, but it’s worth it in the long run and even in the short run. How you trim and prune your trees can make your garden unforgettable. If you live in Vancouver, WA or a surrounding area and need tree trimming services, make your first call to Reyes Tree Service.