When talking about trees, most people consider trimming and pruning to be the same. An Arborist’s knowledge goes beyond this. Each of these has different implications, equipment, and purposes. Understanding the difference could also help you avoid unnecessary expenses. A professional tree service in St. George will understand this difference before getting to any actual tree work.
What is Tree Trimming?
Trimming is a visual process that, for the most part, involves removing overgrown branches. Each tree should have its own clear and distinct shape. To achieve that, branches need to be trimmed to stay below the roof and power lines. Trimming should also be done to help lower branches access sunlight. This process is intended to enhance the overall landscape’s visual appeal rather than the tree’s health. Trimming should be done 2 to 3 times a year, and most St. George residents hire a tree service to handle the visual maintenance.
What is Tree Pruning?
Tree pruning has the purpose of improving a tree’s health. Pruning involves taking the time to remove specific limbs and branches that are either dead, decayed, or damaged. Pruning also involves removing crossing limbs and branches to improve the weak structure. Pruning also improves a tree’s growth and helps minimize the risk of limbs falling during a storm. This type of service is left to a tree service in St. George due to the heavy-duty tools needed, such as loppers, hand saws, or pole saws.
Knowing When to Trim vs. Prune Trees
If you want to improve your yard’s curb appeal and reduce the foliage around your home, you need to schedule tree trimming. However, if you see tree limbs with deadwood, storm damage, fungus growth, or if there are tree limbs hanging over your driveway, you need to call an expert to tackle those issues right away, regardless of the season. Those are cases of tree pruning.
Timing is critical in southern Utah. Late winter is the best time to do structural pruning of trees in southern Utah, since trees are dormant and cuts will heal with minimal tree growth. Tree pruning when temperatures are over 100F in late summer is not only difficult; it can be harmful, as trees are stressed and trying to prevent dehydration. Tree trimming is much more flexible and can be done almost any time. However, a good tree service in St. George will avoid working in the summer, which can be unreasonably hot.
There can also be issues with the local monsoon season. Sail-like canopies can catch the wind, and weak, unpruned limbs will be the first to snap. A combination of trimming and pruning can prepare trees best before winds and storms arrive.
The Bottom Line
For most properties, tree trimming improves appearance, and tree pruning improves safety. Most properties require both tree trimming and tree pruning, but not typically at the same time. If you are unsure, a quick inspection from a trusted tree service in St. George will give you the best place to start.