When it comes to pruning vs. trimming, do you know the difference? As the go-to provider of top tree service in Louisville, KY, our team at New Leaf Tree Service can help you understand which service you need. While both jobs have similar benefits, knowing the type of work you need can help you determine when to call for service so you can keep your trees beautiful and healthy.
The Goal and Benefits of Pruning
Tree experts perform pruning for the primary purpose of maintaining tree health. It involves removing specific branches or areas of growth that could affect the tree’s health or proper growth. While it improves the tree’s beauty, aesthetics is not the task’s primary goal.
Growth Regulation
By carefully selecting certain branches and removing them, an arborist can help guide the tree’s growth. Pruning can help avoid an overgrown canopy or coax the tree into growing away from powerlines or a structure.
Disease Control
Pruning remains an essential part of treating disease or insect-infested trees. These conditions often start in a specific area of the tree, usually in a few branches. By removing the problematic portions of the tree, you avoid the disease spreading to the rest of the tree or other areas of your yard.
Deadwood Removal
If you notice a few dead branches on your tree, it doesn’t necessarily mean it has a disease. However, you should still remove these branches because they could fall and injure someone or damage property.
Improved Fruit Production
When it comes to pruning vs. trimming, one major difference includes the effect it has on fruit production. Regular pruning can increase the size, taste, and amount of fruit.
The Objective and Benefits of Trimming
Trimming a tree focuses on improving how it looks, though it can also improve your tree’s health.
Aesthetic Shaping
Trimming can enhance your curb appeal because you can shape your tree. You may just keep it from looking overgrown, but you can also trim some trees and shrubs into certain shapes. If you want your property to stand out, schedule trimming every few years.
Structural Improvement
When a tree develops an overgrown canopy, it can become top-heavy. Not only does this reduce its aesthetic appeal, but it also leaves it vulnerable to developing a lean or falling over in extreme winds. Regular trimming keeps your tree structurally sound.
Increasing Sun Exposure
With a dense canopy, your tree will block a significant portion of sunlight. This can harm the tree’s health, as the inner branches don’t receive the nutrients they need. However, it can also prevent the sunlight from lighting your home, which many people enjoy.
Knowing Whether You Need Trimming or Pruning
Urban trees face specific challenges, but regular trimming and pruning help keep them healthy and beautiful. How do you know when you need pruning vs. trimming?
Frequency
In general, you should trim or prune your trees every three to five years, depending on their growth rate. However, homeowners tend to prune more often than trim because trees can develop health issues at any time. Some trees require pruning every two years.
Goal
If you’re trying to decide between the two services, ask yourself what you want to achieve. If you want a tree that looks better, schedule trimming. If your tree has health issues, schedule pruning.
You can always ask a professional for input.
Schedule Tree Care Service Today
At New Leaf Tree Service, we know when to use pruning vs. trimming to keep trees healthy and beautiful. Whether you’re wondering about the best time to trim trees or need emergency tree removal, you’ll appreciate our expertise, professionalism, and diligence.
To schedule an appointment, call (502) 419-9899.