What does tree trimming have to do with generosity?

I hope this email finds you well.

Today, I want to share a lesson I am learning about tree care and its correlation with generosity. This will be a quick read; I pray it will bless you.

We are all familiar with the fact that trees trimmed regularly are stronger, healthier, and more fruitful than those left untrimmed. Interestingly, pruning is beneficial not only for the tree itself but also for its surroundings.

Trimming a tree benefits nearby trees and the overall ecosystem by improving sunlight penetration and air circulation, enhancing growth, and reducing disease risk. It also allows better resource allocation, reduces competition for water and nutrients, and creates a healthier environment. Additionally, proper pruning improves habitats for wildlife and promotes a balanced and thriving ecosystem.

I am learning this: pruning trees and the concept of generosity share a profound correlation.

Just as pruning involves cutting away excess to promote the health and growth of the tree, generosity involves giving away what we have to enhance the well-being of others. Both acts may seem like a loss at first—removing branches or sharing our resources—but ultimately, they lead to greater vitality and abundance for all. Pruning encourages a tree to flourish more fruitfully, much like generosity enriches both the giver and the receiver, fostering a healthier, more connected community.

Our home offers a beautiful view of rolling hills from our backyard, which our neighbors enjoy as well. When Jim and I purchased our home nine years ago, we were notified that our neighbors could not enjoy the view of the rolling hills unless we maintained our sycamore trees below thirty feet in height. Every year, the homeowner’s association sends a vendor to measure our trees to ensure we’re in compliance. Even if our trees look wonderful, healthy, and lush, the act of maintaining our trees below a certain height enhances the view for many in our community.

This practice reminds me of the spiritual growth Jesus desires for us. Generosity is essential in our Christian walk because we serve a generous God. We are made in God’s image, and He is always guiding and prompting us to live generously. Just as pruning a healthy tree can benefit the tree and its surrounding ecosystem, our generosity greatly impacts us and those around us.

This makes me read the biblical passage on pruning in John 15:1-2 a little differently, especially the second part. It says, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes, and he prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit.”

Pruning—yes, even pruning that which is fruitful—leads to generosity; when we’re generous with our time, talents, or treasure, we reflect God’s heart and glory.

Let us welcome God's pruning in our lives and watch as we flourish, and those around us flourish, too.

P.S. For more lessons on generosity, check out these blog posts on Trochia.org.

"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vineyard keeper. Every branch in Me that does not produce fruit He removes, and He prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit." John 15:1-2 CSB