What to Look for in Terms of Tree Health on Your Property: Tips for Pruning and Trimming

If you're like most homeowners, you probably don't think about tree trimming until there's a problem. And by then, it's often too late. Tree limbs can droop dangerously low over sidewalks and streets, or worse, they can fall on power lines or houses. These are signs of what to look for in terms of tree health on your property and some tips for pruning and trimming.

First and foremost, you should always inspect your trees for dead or dying limbs. These are the most likely to fall and cause damage. If you see any, it's best to have them removed as soon as possible by a professional tree service.

Another thing to look for is cracks in the trunk or large branches. These can be caused by weather damage, age, or even insects. If the cracks are large enough, they can cause the tree to split and fall. Again, this is something that should be addressed by a professional.

Finally, you should also keep an eye on the trees' roots. If you see any that are raised up out of the ground or cracked, it's a sign that the tree is unstable and could fall over. This is especially true if there has been any recent construction or excavation near the tree.

If you have trees on your property, it's important to know how close is too close for tree limbs near powerlines. The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that all branches and Tree limbs within 10 feet of overhead power lines be trimmed back to a height of 8 feet from the ground. This is to prevent them from coming into contact with the power lines and causing an outage or worse, a fire.

You should also have your trees trimmed back if they are within 20 feet of any buildings on your property. This is to prevent them from damaging the structure if they were to fall.

If you're concerned about the health of your trees, don't wait until there's a problem. Call a professional arborist to come out and take a look. We can give you an assessment of the tree and make recommendations for pruning or trimming. Taking care of your trees now will save you a lot of headaches (and potentially money) down the road.