So, for the last 4-6 weeks, crews had been working diligently (I use that term very loosely) on Route 83.  It’s an annual thing.  You can almost set your watch to it.  What they were working on, I’ll never know.  As I said, it’s become a custom, like great migrating birds that flock to the highways and tollways rather than water ways and forests, but there was something slightly different this year.  In the drab, functional, concrete median, there arose trees.  Trees!  They actually dug up the concrete, planted trees and threw down some seed.  Green spaces!  I have to admit I was somewhat impressed until I started to think about the maintenance process.  How on earth will they maintain these spaces without closing lanes of traffic and inconveniencing me again?  Ah, the things we’ll do for trees…

… and what trees do for us!  Trees and shrubs often form the backbone of our landscapes, providing structure, shade, buffers, privacy, beauty, and value. Although they are mostly low maintenance, they do sometimes require human intervention – in the form of pruning.  There are several reasons to prune.  I’ve listed the top, most important reasons below, but beware, improper pruning can be more harmful than not pruning at all, leading to weakened, deformed plants that are no longer able to reach their full potential, so before you head out to complete your due diligence, make sure you are pruning for the right reasons, at the right time with the right techniques, or you can simply reach out to Sweeney’s.

Health

Diseased, injured, damaged, or crossing limbs should be pruned to help maintain the overall health of the plant.

Vigor

Pruning can help stimulate new growth.

Shape

You can shape or reshape a plant by pruning.  Awkward, out of balance plants can be corrected.

Structural Soundness

Proper pruning techniques help ensure the plant is structurally sound.  Incorrect pruning methods, like “topping” can weaken the plant, making it susceptible to pests and disease, and in some instances can lead to a slow death.

More Light

Careful, proper pruning can allow more sunlight to penetrate your yard.

Encourage Foliage, Flower & Fruit

Proper pruning can encourage and improve the quality of foliage, flowers, and fruit.

Improve Aesthetics

Pruning out dead, weak, or dying branches helps maintain a neat and tidy appearance.  Pruning should always allow and encourage the natural form of the plant.

Safety

Trees or shrubs planted next to structures or overhead wires pose potential risks.  Proper pruning and monitoring can help keep structures, wires, and people out of harm’s way.

Keep your trees and shrubs healthy, strong, beautiful, and safe by employing proper pruning techniques.  Sweeney’s is here to help.  Call or email today.  Don’t your trees and shrubs deserve it?

Remember, Sunday is Father’s Day.  From all of us at Sweeney’s, a Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful Dad’s out there.

“A man never stands as tall as when he kneels to help a child.”

-Knights of Pythagoras

Best wishes,

Kim Sweeney