Your trees, like all living things, need maintenance to thrive. In many cases, this maintenance can be as little as seasonal pruning or ensuring they have access to the soil-based nutrients they need to survive. Sometimes, though, it takes more than just a minor sprucing of your trees for your landscape to truly shine. On these occasions, tree shaping can be an effective tool for turning your yard from a mishmash of foliage into one that truly shines.What Is the Difference Between Tree Pruning and Tree Shaping? Your property’s trees are a long-term investment that pays off in multiple ways. The basic form of essential tree maintenance is pruning. Tree pruning helps the overall health of the plant by removing gnarly branches that may be inhibiting airflow or otherwise harming the growth of the tree. Without proper airflow, the leaves won’t be able to get carbon dioxide from the air and convert it to the nutrients trees need to live. Tree shaping turns the practice of tree pruning into an art form. In fact, tree shaping has been a method of adding beauty and other benefits to trees since the times of the ancient Romans. This art, often called topiary, also has practical purposes that can benefit the tree and your yard.What Are The Benefits of Tree Shaping? The benefits of tree shaping are both pragmatic and aesthetic. That is, you’ll find that tree shaping helps the overall health of the tree, as well as adding a style that may be missing from your current landscape.Creates A Touch of Beauty There’s nothing quite like a well-manicured yard to inspire a sense of awe. It serves as a great first impression and adds a curb appeal that’s difficult to beat. For the property’s owners, it can create a calming feeling that beckons you to spend more time outside and in the sun. When you view your landscape as a canvas, it can inspire a sense of creativity. You’ll no longer see your trees as just a bunch of branches circling around a trunk. Instead, you’ll envision ways you can work these natural components into something that speaks to your style, imagination, and even sense of humour. The options are virtually endless. Your yard could turn into an ode to geometric shapes, organic ones, or glamorous forms, and if you’re starting your yard from anew, you’ll have the ability to customize your landscape to fit your precise vision.Helps the Environment It shouldn’t surprise anyone that trees are good for the environment. Their leaves convert carbon dioxide into breathable oxygen. Their roots can stem the tide against erosion and flooding. Their branches can reduce harsh wind speeds and help cool the air. To ensure that your tree is capable of helping your local environment, though, they need to be well-maintained. Tree shaping can provide all the benefits that pruning offers, letting your trees grow and thrive due to better airflow, better access to the sun, and the removal of dying branches.Increases Property Value While beauty, creativity, and the environment are all noble ends, it’s understandable that for some people the true value of tree shaping is monetary. Tree shaping will turn heads and add to your property’s appeal. This means that should you look to sell your property, you should find an increased number of suitors that help drive the price up. Even if you’re only looking to rent out your property, you’ll find it easier to charge tenants a higher price.Contact Martin’s Tree Service Today Martin’s Tree Service is a local business serving the Waterloo region, including Cambridge, Guelph, Kitchener, and Waterloo. Contact us today for a free quote to see how we can help improve the value of your property and the aesthetics of your landscape. Steve Martin I have a profound interest in trees and their natural beauty. I grew up on a hobby farm ten minutes north of Waterloo and spent many winters in the bush collecting firewood to heat our family home. It was definitely work, so I wasn’t always eager as a young boy to help my father and big brother, but I learned to love the process... READ MORE