Pest infestations are a homeowner’s nemesis. They often don’t make themselves known until the infestation is extensive. That complicates tree care and potentially ruins all the work you’ve put into your garden.
But invasion doesn’t have to happen. If you trim your trees yearly, you can stop many infestations and infections from taking hold. Trimming trees opens canopies and exposes more of the tree to light, which all helps to keep the tree in great shape.
Removes Dead Material That Attracts Pests
First and foremost, trimming removes old or dead material that attracts pests. Lots of bugs like to nest in decaying wood. If you leave old branches alone, you’re just inviting pests to build a new home there. Once the pests are established, they can spread to healthier parts of the tree in search of more food.
Combined with debris removal from around the base of the tree, trimming goes a very long way toward making the tree inhospitable to insects and other pests. These services remove hiding places and potential food sources. They also make the tree look a lot better because it no longer looks as messy or overgrown.
Dries Out Canopies to Prevent Fungal and Insect Problems
Dense tree canopies trap moist air, increasing the humidity level inside the canopy. Trimming inward-growing branches opens up the canopy, allowing for more air to flow between the leaves and branches. This air flow dries out the canopy and lowers the humidity level, making it harder for fungal pathogens to take hold.
Opening up the canopy also helps prevent moisture-loving insects from infesting the tree. Aphids, for example, love shady, humid spaces. Trim those extra branches, however, and the canopy is no longer so attractive. There’s a better chance that aphids will look for other trees with more aphid-friendly canopies.
Makes Pest Infestations More Visible
Trimming also helps you stop infestations quickly by letting you see more of the tree. If you have an old, overgrown tree, you aren’t going to have a good view of every part. That lets bug infestations grow for a while before you start to notice problems. A well-trimmed tree increases visibility. When you can see into the tree, you have a better chance of spotting a problem when it’s still small and more manageable.
The ISA-certified arborists at American Arborists have been helping homeowners in Reno, NV, with tree trimming and pest prevention since 2007. Contact us today if you want your trees trimmed before new spring growth appears. Give your trees a healthy start to the new season!