You probably see it all the time: People cut off tree branches for one reason or another. As counterintuitive as it seems, cutting or pruning tree branches can help your tree in several ways.
How does it help? Do tree branches grow back? In this post, we get into greater detail about cutting or pruning tree branches and whether they grow back, as highlighted by the best tree trimming experts in Knoxville.
What Happens After Tree Branch Removal?
When done correctly, cutting away weak, dead, overgrown, or diseased tree branches encourages fresh growth and helps to maintain healthy trees. Pruning branches to reduce a tree’s thick canopy or get rid of dead branches as the tree grows trains it to develop a sound branch structure.
Such pruning improves the tree’s shape, boosts air circulation, and allows more sunlight to reach the tree for improved photosynthesis. Trees that are not routinely pruned deteriorate rapidly and die faster than their regularly pruned counterparts.
Additional benefits of tree pruning include:
- Improved safety
- Enhanced aesthetics
- Improved property value
Can Cut Tree Branches Grow Back?
So, do tree branches grow back after being cut? The short answer is no. When pruned properly, removed tree branches will not grow back, at least not at the exact location of the cut. Improperly pruned branches, however, can grow back. But these branches often grow weaker, compromising the tree’s overall health.
Did you know you can cut weak branches to trigger the growth of entirely new branches? Doing so successfully depends on factors such as the part of the tree you cut. If you want to encourage the growth of new branches after pruning, avoid cutting into the trunk wood.
Cutting the trunk wood may prevent regrowth or prolong the time it takes for new branches to grow. A few proper care tips may help to encourage proper tree growth after pruning.
Using Fertilizer: Use a natural fertilizer that will slowly seep nutrients into the soil and encourage the growth of more branches.
Applying Mulch: Cover the tree’s base with woodchips to trap heat and moisture for enhanced tree growth.
Providing enough water: Ensure the tree has sufficient water to support growth. Different trees have varying water demands.
Bottom Line
Proper pruning plays a critical role in healthy tree growth and development. If you need someone to help with proper tree pruning, hire a professional. Professional arborists know how and where to cut tree branches to encourage healthy rather than weaker tree growth.
Call Your Local Tree Service
When you need professional tree services from a team that responds quickly to calls, count on Pro Tree of Knoxville. We continue to deliver on our promise of quality service to both commercial and residential clients throughout Knoxville, TN. Our services include:
- Tree fertilization and healthcare
- Tree trimming and pruning
- Tree removal
- Emergency tree services
Call us at (865) 294-0062 for answers to questions like, “Do tree branches grow back?” and expert advice on how to trim lower branches on young trees.