Martin’s Tree Services: Trimming Vs Pruning

In the eyes of a layperson, tree pruning and tree trimming in Waterloo may seem like the same thing, which is why many people use the two terms interchangeably. It is true that both involve cutting away certain parts of the tree, with the end result that it is more beautiful. However, pruning and trimming are performed at different times, for different reasons, and with different tools. Here is an explanation of the differences between the two.

Purpose

The purpose of tree pruning is to remove branches that are diseased or dead in the interest of improving the overall health of the tree. Pruning helps to protect the tree from infections. Sometimes pruning is also used to remove healthy branches that are pushing towards structures or electrical wires or otherwise growing in the wrong direction. Pruning is selective, specifically targeting certain branches that are unhealthy or otherwise causing problems.

Tree trimming focuses more on aesthetics. It involves cutting away branches that, while still healthy, have become overgrown. This can negatively impact the tree’s health and cause it to look misshapen or scraggly. If there are other plants in the vicinity, they may be deprived of light, moisture, and nutrients from being in the shadow of the overgrown tree. Trimming away overgrown branches helps to encourage healthy new growth and also helps the appearance of the tree by giving it a more aesthetically pleasing shape. Trimming involves cutting multiple branches to shape a tree evenly.

There is, admittedly, some overlap between the purposes of trimming and pruning. While performed primarily to assure the health of the tree, pruning also helps to improve its appearance. Conversely, while trimming may be performed primarily for aesthetic purposes, it also helps to promote the health of the tree.

Equipment

Trimming and pruning require different tools and equipment to complete the job. Large lopping shears are used to prune thick branches from trees. These require two hands to operate. When the branches are so large that even lopping shears are not strong enough to handle them, it may be necessary to use a saw. For buds and leaves, smaller shears are used that can be operated with only one hand.

While shears and saws also have a role to play in trimming, the primary tool used for this task is a power tool called a clipper or trimmer. It may run on either gasoline or electricity. A tree trimmer consists of a long fibreglass pole connected to a motor on one end and a serrated blade on the other.

Timing

There are specific times of the year that you should prune a tree, but the timing depends on the species. It is usually recommended that you wait to prune trees until after they have bloomed, meaning that if the tree blooms in the summer, you would wait until winter or spring to prune it. The same holds true for trees that bear fruit in the summer. For spring-blooming trees, pruning in winter will affect their yield. You should wait until the summer once their bloom cycle is complete for the year.

The timing for tree trimming is less strategic. Some people carry it out as a matter of routine course at least once a year but sometimes as often as twice annually. Other people do not trim trees according to a specific schedule but wait until the tree starts to look awkward or scraggly. Trimming is largely a matter of your own tastes and preferences.

Martin’s Provides Comprehensive Services Including Tree Trimming in Waterloo

If you are not sure whether you need tree trimming or pruning, the professionals at Martin’s Tree Service can make a recommendation and perform the service for you. Find out more about why your tree deserves professional pruning and trimming.