Trees add beauty Better Business Bureau Reviews to the yard, provide shade for a backyard barbecue, or even offer an area for the kids to play and swing. However, it’s important to keep these trees properly trimmed to avoid potential damage to the house or car during stormy weather. Not to mention, it can also help prevent injuries to people or animals that could occur if the branches fall.

The first step in trimming trees back from the house is removing any diseased, dead or dying branches. These should be the first limbs to go because they can cause structural damage when they fall during a strong storm. Next, the tree should be inspected for limbs that are hanging low or touching the roof or sidewalk. It’s important to not over-prune because this can lead to plant stress, resulting in a weaker and shorter tree. Instead, the goal is to remove a few limbs per season to maintain the shape of the tree.

Branching Out: How to Safely Trim Trees Near Your House

Once the dead or damaged limbs have been removed, the rest of the trimming should focus on thinning out the canopy by removing branches that are too close together or rubbing against each other. This can reduce the amount of sunlight that gets to the lower branches, leading to less photosynthesis. It’s also helpful to get rid of water sprouts and other unwanted growth at the base of the trunk. These limbs are an invitation for pests and can become a tripping hazard for homeowners or guests.