Mature trees are abundant in just about every neighborhood. If correct tree procedures are not followed by homeowners, trees can cause serious damage to property – and the trees themselves will end up in poor health. Some trees require serious pruning, while most require tree trimming. But, what’s the difference between the two?
The terms “tree trimming” and “tree pruning” are often used interchangeably by many homeowners and even some tree service companies. However, strictly speaking, tree pruning and tree trimming are different processes, albeit closely related.
Tree trimming refers more to shaping or grooming a tree to a specific design. You focus more on the tree’s outer perimeter and remove new growth of small branches or leaves on the external portion.
On the other hand, tree pruning refers to thinning out a tree to get rid of dead branches and diseased limbs. It typically involves cutting back selected branches to the new growth, a larger branch, or even the main trunk.
To put it simply, tree trimming is essentially a procedure performed for aesthetic reasons, while pruning is performed for health and safety reasons. Tree pruning for safety reasons involves cutting off branches that may fall on people or part of a building or property.
Another reason for pruning is to maintain a tree’s health. This involves removing decayed or insect-infested branches and thinning out its crown to create better air flow. You can also prune trees to promote blooming in flowering trees, and stimulate the production of fruit in fruit-bearing trees.
