Quote:
Originally Posted by sclitheroe
What is the benefit to pruning? I have a choke cherry tree in my front yard that is demonstrating fantastic growth year over year - I kinda like it looking big brash and bushy...
So does pruning do anything to improve the health of the tree? Can I just let it grow unchecked?
|
Pruning dead wood helps keep trees healthy. Beyond that pruning is all about shaping the tree. You can inspire new growth or slow the growth of your tree depending on how and when you prune. You can also control the direction of new growth to fill in holes or prune to avoid the tree growing into an areas you want open. If your tree has the room to grow and you like its look then leave it alone. The truth is any time you prune a tree you are cutting it. Also, trees unlike humans don't heal when wounded. They just try to compartmentalize the wound and grow around it.