As property owners tend to their homes, vehicles and driveways during the winter, they should also consider checking the health of their trees.
Vancouver Urban Forestry suggested getting trees professionally inspected and serviced during the wintertime. If properly tended, trees could last a long time, which has positive benefits for both the environment and property values.
Proper pruning is one of the most common forms of tree care, which involves removing dead or diseased branches from a tree. Doing this reduces the hazards of falling branches, as well as improves a tree’s shape and structure.
However, prospective pruners must err on the side of caution and ensure they have an adequate understanding of tree biology. Improper pruning, or topping, can cause lasting damage and shorten a tree’s life. Each cut on a tree can potentially change its growth or lead to decay, so contact a local arborist to avoid topping.