12 Signs Your Ann Arbor Tree Needs Professional Pruning

Are you one of the lucky homeowners enjoying the lush, leafy streets that give Ann Arbor its “Tree Town” nickname? While the city’s urban forest is a sight to behold, keeping those trees healthy, safe, and beautiful is up to you. Regular pruning is essential to keep trees safe, healthy, and looking their best – but how do you know when it’s time to break out the pruning shears (or better yet, call in the pros)?

In This Article

• Regular pruning is essential for maintaining the health, safety, and beauty of the trees in your yard, especially in a community like Ann Arbor known for its extensive urban forest.
• Pruning helps address various issues such as broken or dead branches, overgrown limbs encroaching on homes or power lines, pest/disease problems, and obstructed sightlines or pathways.
• Preventive pruning before harsh weather can minimize the risk of property damage or injury from falling branches, while post-storm inspections help identify and address any new hazards.
• Pruning at the right time, such as during winter dormancy for most species and early spring for others, leads to healthier, more attractive trees. Avoid fall pruning and only trim oak trees in winter to prevent oak wilt.
• Some pruning tasks, particularly those involving large trees, hazardous situations, or complex issues, are best left to certified arborists who have the knowledge, tools, and expertise to handle them safely and effectively.

Telltale Signs That Your Trees Need Pruning

Sign #1. Broken Branches Pose a Safety Hazard

Summer thunderstorms, heavy snow, and freezing rain can leave broken or cracked branches hanging precariously. Don’t wait for them to come crashing down – schedule pruning ASAP, especially for large branches near your home, driveway, or outdoor living spaces.

Sign #2. Branches Encroaching on Your Roof

Tree limbs hanging over your roof aren’t just an eyesore. They can:

• Scrape and damage shingles
• Clog gutters with leaves and twigs
• Give critters easy access to your attic
• Cause costly repairs if they break and fall

Pruning overhanging growth protects your roof and extends its lifespan. Your trees (and wallet) will thank you!

Tree branches growing over a home’s roof can cause damage and expensive repairs if not pruned.

Sign #3. Trees Threatening Power Lines

Did you know that trees are the number one cause of power outages in Michigan?

Since Michigan experiences the third most power outages in the country, utility companies try mitigating damage done by trees by pruning those along public roads. However, they rarely prune trees in a way that maintains their aesthetic qualities.

To prevent the unsightly trimming of your trees, be proactive and hire an arborist to do the job correctly, preserving both safety and aesthetics.

Sign #4. Dead Wood is Dragging Them Down

If you spy bare, lifeless branches or ones dropping leaves out of season, it’s time to prune out that deadwood. Clearing out dead limbs gives healthy branches room to thrive and shine.

Sign #5. Pests or Diseases Have Taken Hold

Trees looking a little under the weather? Premature leaf drop, discoloration, and stunted growth could point to a pest infestation or disease. Many can permanently disfigure or kill trees if left unchecked.

It can often be difficult to tell why your tree looks “off,” which is why it’s best to bring in an experienced arborist to inspect the tree. An arborist can diagnose the issue and may prescribe pruning as the first step to restoring your tree’s health. Don’t let issues fester until it’s too late!

Sign #6. Branches Criss-Crossing Every Which Way

Funky or lopsided growth isn’t just unsightly, it can leave your tree vulnerable to broken branches, a split trunk, or even complete failure. Major structural issues can develop if trees, especially young ones, aren’t pruned to maintain a structurally sound form. Nip strange shapes in the bud with early training and proper shaping by an experienced arborist.

Sign #7. Stormy Skies on the Horizon

If harsh weather is headed our way, a bit of preventive pruning goes a long way. Removing problem branches before extreme winds, driving rain, or heavy snow and ice hit can keep your property and loved ones safe. Don’t get caught in the storm!

Sign #8. In the Aftermath of Stormy Weather

Even if your trees seem unscathed post-storm, it’s wise to have an arborist give them a once-over. They can spot subtle cracks, splits, and weak points that could spell future failure (and a giant mess in your yard). Better safe than sorry!

Sign #9. Bark is Splitting and Cracking

If you notice vertical cracks forming in the bark near the base of branches, your tree is crying out for corrective pruning. Ignoring those fissures could lead to serious structural instability down the road.

Sign #10. Branches Rubbing Shoulders

Branches that cross or rub together are a recipe for disaster. The constant friction creates wounds that become an open invitation to pests and diseases. Prune out the offending limbs now before they cause irreparable damage.

Sign #11. Obstructed Sightlines and Pathways

Is your overgrown foliage blocking street signs, impeding pedestrians, or creating blind spots for drivers? Time to break out the pruners before you run afoul of local codes (or your fed-up neighbors). A little trimming goes a long way for everyone’s safety.

Sign #12. Neglect Has Turned Them into Unruly Monsters

Trees with dense, overgrown canopies aren’t just an eyesore. All that extra foliage blocks vital sunlight and airflow from reaching inner branches, leaving your tree vulnerable to disease and decay.

Tidy things up with some thoughtful thinning cuts, making room for the remaining branches to grow strong and healthy. Your tree will be back to its former glory in no time!

Prune at the Right Time for Best Results

While impromptu pruning is sometimes necessary, scheduling this task strategically leads to healthier, more attractive trees. Here in Ann Arbor, aim for pruning during winter dormancy or, for some species, in early spring. Avoid pruning in fall when trees are shutting down for the season.

And remember, winter is the ONLY safe window for pruning oaks if you want to avoid deadly oak wilt. Whenever you prune, be sure to sanitize your tools between trees to avoid spreading diseases.

Leave the Tough Jobs to Ann Arbor’s Tree Pruning Pros

Some pruning tasks are best left to professionals, especially when it comes to large trees, hazardous situations, or complex issues. Highland Tree Services’ certified arborists understand the unique needs of Southeast Michigan trees and have the tools and expertise to prune them properly.

Don’t let your trees become an unsightly hazard. If any of these 13 scenarios sound familiar, contact us for a free pruning proposal today at (734) 999-3880 or via our online form. Let us help keep your slice of “Tree Town” thriving for generations to come!