Pruning Trees Matters More Than You Think

Pruning is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep trees healthy, safe, and beautiful for years to come. When done correctly, pruning improves structure, encourages strong growth, and helps prevent problems before they start.

Why Pruning Trees Matters

Keeping Your Property Safe

Overgrown or dead branches can fall without warning, especially during storms. I’ve seen this often when pruning oaks along the roadways out here on Mount Desert Island. Removing just a few heavy, overhanging limbs can make a big difference in protecting roofs, driveways, preventing blockage of passages or taking out utilities, and of course, protecting the people below. By tackling weak or poorly placed branches early, you reduce the risk of permanent damage to the tree or to your property during high winds or heavy snow.

Over time, some trees grow into buildings, signs, parking spots, and other areas.. Standard tree clearance guidelines are:

• 2-3 ft from buildings

• 6-8 ft from roofs

• 10 ft from chimneys and power lines

• 8 ft over sidewalks

• 14 ft over roads

Following these standards not only keeps your property safer but also helps protect your trees from unnecessary damage.

Helping Trees Live Longer (and produce better fruit!)

Trees grow best when they can focus their energy on healthy branches. That’s why, when pruning old growth apple trees and fruit trees, I remove crowded or damaged limbs to let more sunlight and air reach the center of the tree. The result? Stronger, more productive growth and a tree that can withstand pests, disease, and tough Maine winters.

Improving Views and Curb Appeal

Pruning can also completely change the look and feel of a property. Sometimes it’s about opening up a water view, other times it’s about creating a balanced, well-kept landscape. I often prune ornamental trees to highlight their shape and show off seasonal color. Well-maintained trees not only look better, they also add to property value (something potential buyers and appraisers notice right away.)

Why Hire a Certified Arborist

You might think anyone can take a saw to a branch, and this is true. But not everyone knows how to prune in a way that keeps a tree healthy. ISA-certified arborists understand growth patterns, how to make cuts that heal properly, and how to work safely around homes, power lines, and other trees. This expertise means your trees get the care they need without unnecessary stress or risk.

Have you seen poorly pruned limbs?

The Takeaway

Whether it’s lifting the canopy of an ancient oak, shaping an ornamental maple, or reviving a beloved apple tree, regular pruning is an investment in both the beauty and safety of your property. Pruning trees matters. Done right, it helps your trees grow stronger, live longer, and look their best season after season.