If you have evergreen trees on your property, and they have become to look unruly as they grow upward and outward, you are likely considering trimming them so they have a more favorable appearance. Trimming evergreens not only aids in their aesthetics but also keeps them in optimal health. Here are guidelines to follow when trimming an evergreen. 

Remove Dead Branches From The Tree

The first step in pruning an evergreen is to determine where dead branches are located so they can be removed. Take a look at the tree you are ready to trim and check for branches without needles growing from them. The color of dead branches may be discolored, covered with splotches due to disease, or crumbling. Each branch that does not provide needle growth needs to be removed. To do so, find out where the dead portion of a branch starts and cut it away from the tree. If you are unsure as to whether a branch is completely dead, cut it flush with the base of the tree.

Take Away Any Broken Or Ailing Branches

When dead portions of your evergreen are out of the way, you will be able to view the remainder of the tree a bit better, making it easier to find branches that may not be dead, but that will likely die in the near future. If you have broken branches growing from your evergreen, they will not continue to grow properly. A branch that is not completely intact needs to be removed. This allows the tree to expend its energy toward living branches instead of needing to divide it into areas that are not expected to thrive. If your tree is suffering from disease, contact an arborist for assistance in deciding what treatment is best to save it. Remove diseased branches as soon as they are noticed so the condition does not spread to other areas of your tree.

Remove Branches That Cross Or Rub Other Branches

It is best to allow branches to grow without others on top of them. If branches cross over each other closely, heavier ones will threaten lighter ones. This can cause breakage to occur. If you see branches crossing each other, select the larger, heavier branch to remain and remove the weaker one from your tree. Branches rubbing against each other can cause damage to both pieces. Again, select the branch that appears structurally sound and cut away the weaker branch from your evergreen tree.

Contact a local tree trimming service to learn more.