At Seacoast Tree Care, we love trees and everything that they provide for the world around us. Trees not only produce oxygen but they offer beauty, shade, privacy screening, and more.
You know that trees have a lot of value and want to do what you can to care for the ones on your property. That’s why you might be looking into tree trimming and pruning services.
But what is tree pruning vs. trimming? Are they the same thing?
While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they aren’t actually the same thing. In this article, we’ll help you understand the terminology so that you know what your trees really need.
Tree Trimming vs. Pruning
You might be wondering if your tree needs tree trimming or pruning services….and what’s the difference.
Tree trimming typically refers to hedges or shrubs that require “shaping” in order to control their size or tidy them up by trimming away the overgrowth.
Tree pruning, on the other hand, refers to the process of removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches in a way that will improve the overall health of the tree. There are also various types of tree pruning based on your goals. Tree pruning can be used to maintain the proper size and shape of a tree.
We often call tree pruning both an “art and a science” and there is more to it than people tend to realize. The cuts that are made during tree pruning must be highly strategic. Poor pruning habits can actually harm the health of the tree rather than help it.
It’s also important to know that different trees can have different pruning needs. This is why it’s critical that your tree pruning is performed by a Certified Arborist who truly understands tree health.
Types of Tree Pruning
While we know you came to answer the question, do I need tree trimming or pruning, unless you have shrubs or hedges that you’re looking to shape up, our guess is that what you’re really talking about is tree pruning.
Let’s look at a few of the tree pruning techniques that might be needed for your tree.
Crown Cleaning
When limbs on a tree start to die, this decay can spread and cause more serious problems. Crown cleaning involves the removal of hazardous deadwood for the safety of the tree and the improvement of its overall health. By selectively removing hazardous branches, you greatly improve the overall health of the tree.
Crown Raising
Sometimes the limbs on a tree are low-hanging and cause problems with a sidewalk or nearby structure. Sometimes these lower branches actually started higher in the canopy but have sagged over time. Crown raising can give a raised appearance to the tree while improving upon these potential problems.
Crown Thinning
With crown thinning, we are selectively removing certain branches to help more light and air circulate through the crown. This can help to thin out the fullness of the tree and help create a balanced crown structure. Crown thinning does not change the overall size or shape of the tree but will help produce uniform density. This can reduce the risk of a tree uprooting during a storm. It might be performed at the same time as crown raising.
The Need for Proper Pruning
While a lot of companies seem to offer tree trimming and pruning services it’s so important that this service is performed properly. Too often, it seems that any company with someone willing to climb a tree will perform “pruning,” but pruning mistakes can significantly harm the development of a tree.
While proper tree pruning will ultimately lead to better health and less maintenance, improper pruning can do just the opposite. You could end up leaving your tree weakened and struggling. And this can lead to further problems with disease and pests.
There’s a lot more skill involved with proper tree pruning than people tend to realize. Knowing which branches to cut, and which to leave, is a huge piece of the puzzle. But you don’t want to be left with an ugly tree, either. That’s why we call it an “art and a science.” It truly is both.
Choosing Tree Pruning Services in Southern NH, ME, & Northeastern MA
Rather than trying to fully understand tree pruning yourself, you can let go of your worries and hire a tree pruning service that knows exactly what they’re doing. A company that uses trained and Certified Arborists can help ensure that this service is being performed correctly and that you’ll get the most possible benefit for your investment.
While there are a lot of tree care companies in Southern NH, ME, and MA, they don’t all take tree work as seriously as we do. But we started our business with the belief that we are here to protect and care for trees whenever we can…and that’s exactly what we do.
At Seacoast Tree Care, we’re committed to preserving the health and beauty of trees by performing vital services like tree pruning, the right way. When you make a wise choice in tree pruning services, you’ll ultimately take an important step in protecting the value of your property’s trees.
Ready for safer and healthier trees at your Southern NH, ME, or MA home? Request your consultation and get a free quote for tree pruning services. By making a wise choice, you’ll know your trees are in good hands.
