Proper tree pruning is done with specific purpose

FALLBROOK – Fall is a great time to be outside in one’s landscapes and gardens, taking stock of which plants are looking good and which plants seem to need a little help. It is natural to want to do something to help a tree – prune it, fertilize it, polish it – one can’t help wanting to touch it in some way.

Pruning is an oft-needed maintenance treatment for good tree health, and to keep one’s tree and yard safe and looking good, but pruning without a good reason is not good tree care practice. Pruning just because a neighbor is doing it may not be beneficial for the tree, an...