Here are a few benefits of pruning trees directly from tree experts in New Jersey

Trees like humans require regular maintenance. If not trimmed and pruned, they can become wild and distorted. Pruning is the process of selectively trimming certain parts of the plant such as buds, branches, and spent flowers. Pruning ensures preventive maintenance of the tree. Regular pruning is not only good for the health and appearance of the plant but also protects other plants, people, and property from injury. 

Pruning also prevents pest infestation. Let us take a look at the importance and benefits of pruning trees.

Why is Tree Pruning Necessary?

Improves The Health of The Tree

• All living things require care and maintenance. Pruning boosts the overall health of the tree. When certain parts of the tree don’t receive enough sunlight, they start to die. Pest infestation is another reason for the spread of diseases in the trees.  The diseases and dead parts of the tree are removed during the pruning process. This not only prevents the spread of the disease but also allows a better distribution of nutrients to the healthy parts of the tree. 

A well-pruned tree also allows greater circulation of air and more sun exposure. This promotes new growth, improves balance, and enhances the structural integrity of the tree. 

Improves The Structure and Appearance of The Tree

• Regular trimming can take off the excess load from the trees. This is especially beneficial for young and developing trees as it helps them form a sturdier structure and well-shaped limbs. The overall appearance of the tree improves as well.  

Overgrown trees give a wild appearance. The hanging branches can even make your home look like a haunted place and decrease the appeal of the property. Well-pruned trees not only look good but they make the nearby properties look sharp and proper as well.  

Prevents Safety Hazards From Occurring

• A lot of trees are planted in residential areas. Sometimes trees are planted quite close to areas of common use such as garages, sheds, homes, driveways, and footpaths. Some homeowners even hang swings for kids on trees. 

If these trees become too big and wild, they can present certain safety hazards. For e.g. overgrown branches can interfere with electric wires and start a fire. A weakened and overgrown tree limb can drop off during a storm and can crash over a home or some other structure. Likewise, a weakened tree limb may not be able to support the weight of a child on a swing and can come crashing down, causing massive injuries. 

• Hence, pruning trees prevents safety hazards from taking place in the first place as high-risk branches are removed in the process.

Food Production Increases

• It is recommended to prune trees during the late months of winter so that the tree is ready to bear fruit during spring and summer. A well-pruned tree usually bears more fruit as there is a surplus of energy and nutrients to supply to the healthy fruit-bearing parts. 

Brightens the Rooms

• Sometimes overgrown trees cast a gloomy shadow and block the entry of sunlight into your home. Pruning trees will allow more sunlight to enter your home and you can result in significant power and money-saving. 

Give You An Unobstructed View

• Overgrown tree branches can get in the way of your windows, balconies, and skylights. They can obstruct the beautiful view of the outside. Regular pruning will give you an unobstructed view of the outside. 

Tree pruning requires professional tree experts. American Tree Experts offer services for tree pruning in Montclair New Jersey and nearby areas. Call Us at (973) 744-6091 to get a free estimate of our services. 

4 signs of nutrient deficiency in trees that require immediate attention

All living things require nutrients and energy to thrive. However, the nutritional requirements for plants differ from humans and animals. Their nutritional requirements can be divided into the following categories:

• Macronutrients such as nitrogen, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and sulfur. These nutrients are needed in large quantities for the growth and health of plants. 
• Micronutrients such as copper, manganese, molybdenum, boron, iron, and zinc. These are needed in relatively lesser amounts. 

Both sets of nutrients perform different functions and are important for maintaining the health and structure of trees and plants. Nutrient deficiency in plants can hamper the healthy growth and development of plants and can manifest itself in multiple ways. Look out for the following telltale signs of nutrient deficiency in trees: 

Nitrogen Deficiency

Nitrogen is one of the most important plant nutrients. It is a component of all plant fertilizers. Nitrogen is needed for the optimal growth of plants especially for the development of fruits and seeds. It makes the leaves healthier and bigger and increases the maturity of plants. The deficiency of this important nutrient can impede the growth of plants. Nitrogen deficiency manifests in the following ways:

• Plants start to lose their color and become light green. First, older leaves become yellow, and then younger leaves change their color as well. 
• If the deficiency goes on, the growth of the plants is stunted and secondary shoots grow poorly. 

Phosphorus Deficiency

It is another important plant nutrient that is needed for accelerating important plant functions such as:

• Photosynthesis
• Protein synthesis
• Seed germination
• Budding 
• bloom stimulation 

It also speeds up maturity in plants. Plants take up phosphorus in the form of phosphate. Common signs of phosphorus deficiency are:

• Older trees turn purple or bronze especially on the underside. This happens due to the accumulation and increased production of Anthocyanin pigment. 
• Plant growth is stunted and their rate of development is slowed down as well. 

Potassium Deficiency

It is the third important plant nutrient. It is found in all nutrients. Potassium helps in the manufacture of plant sugar. Energy is derived from sugar to perform important functions such as protein synthesis, root development, and mitosis. Potassium also strengthens the immune system of plants. 

Plants take up this important nutrient in the form of potassium ions. Since it’s a free radical, it can be dissolved in water and leached out of the soil easily through run-off. Hence, potassium deficiency can occur. Symptoms of potassium deficiency in plants are:

• The edges of the leaves become yellow. The death of the leaf cells occurs from the edge of the leaf to the midrib. This is called leaf necrosis. 
• The yellowing of leaves due to potassium deficiency is permanent and cannot be reversed even if potassium levels are stacked again. 

Calcium Deficiency

Calcium is an important component of the plant’s cell wall. It adds structure to the cell walls. It is also needed to produce new root tips. Unlike the above three primary nutrients, calcium does not travel in the plant and remains in specific parts of the plants. When a plant is deficient in calcium, it remains in the older tissue and is not taken up by the young plant tissue. 

Therefore, the symptoms of calcium deficiency first appear in the fresher and younger parts of the plants such as leaf tips. Calcium deficiency manifests in the following ways:

• Stunted and impeded growth of new foliage, buds, and roots. 
• Yonder leaves curl downwards and the leaf edges and tips become brown.
• Roots grow out to be short and thick. 

Organic and Liquid Injection Fertilizers are a suitable solution for nutrient deficiency. Contact American Tree Experts, Inc in New Jersey if your trees and plants are nutrient deficient. We can revitalize your trees by injecting them with organic and liquid fertilizers.