Rocky Mountain International

Tree trimming is a practice that lets you make changes to the growth and form of a tree. It's a combination of both hard science and subjective aesthetics, but many also just view it as a means of preventative maintenance. Proper tree trimming during a tree's formative years can prevent quite a few issues.

Tree trimming shouldn't necessarily happen just for its own sake, if you're wondering about that. However, many specific reasons exist that make good cases for doing it. Pruning to help plant health is a good one, especially if you're removing dying or dead branches that have been injured because of weather or disease.

Animals, adverse mechanical damage, and severe insect infestations are other things that might cause wood to get sick or hurt to the point of needing to be taken down. Also look for branch stubs or branches rubbing against each other. Branch stubs in particular need to be removed so that the plant stays looking natural in shape and so you can avoid suckering or weak branches developing.