The Difference Between Tree Trimming and Tree Pruning

If you’re not a lawn care expert, then you may not be familiar with all the care your property needs. Lawn mowing is one requirement, but what about tree trimming and tree pruning? But wait, you say. Aren’t they the same thing? Believe it or not, there is quite a difference between tree trimming and tree pruning – and you might require both. 

If you find yourself in an enduring battle with yard maintenance, then keep reading. You may have just found the answers for which you’ve been hunting. All that’s left for you to do now is hire a lawn care expert to take care of business.

What is tree trimming?

Tree trimming is the process of trimming the growth of hedges, shrubs, and trees. By doing so, you are promoting healthier growth and maintaining your plants, so they don’t grow out of control.

Tree trimming can also involve canopy reduction, canopy lifting, and canopy thinning – all with the idea that you can improve the presentation of your natural growth. If you choose the right lawn care expert, you may even be able to request the shaping of your trees that can contribute to your home’s street appeal. 

What tools are necessary for tree trimming?

What tools you use for tree trimming can depend on the extent of the trimming. If it has been some time since your trees saw attention, then bringing in the big guns could be a requirement. It can also depend on if you are trimming trees, hedges, or shrubs. Secateurs and clippers may be all that’s necessary. Still, power tools like chainsaws and power trimmers can speed up the process for big jobs.

What is Tree Pruning?

It’s easy to assume that tree trimming is tree pruning, but there are some differences between the two. Making it even more confusing is that some lawn mowing companies may use the two terms to refer to the same process.

However, tree pruning is not just about tree maintenance. It’s essentially giving your plant life the full manicuring package. You may need to remove branches that are dangerous or in the way, and sometimes even tree roots.

Dead, damaged, or diseased tree branch removal can also be a part of the tree pruning process. If you’re not sure what you require, but you just know your yard has seen better days, then consult a garden expert in NZ for assistance.

What tools are necessary for tree pruning?

If you plan on carrying out tree pruning yourself, then it’s helpful to know what you need to buy or own already. Often, though, it can be more cost-effective and convenient to bring in an expert team that knows how to handle the job. 

Some of the best tools for tree pruning are hand shears or lopping shears. They can cut through most thin branches. If you have thick branches, then you may require a hand saw, which can take a little more effort.

When is the best time to trim and prune trees?

Trimming and pruning trees can be a complicated task at the best of times, but did you know there’s a “right” time to do it?

If you have a damaged or diseased limb to remove, then you can tackle it at any time of the year. The earlier, the better, in fact. But when it comes to maintenance pruning, never prune after early spring growth. By doing so, you can end up stunting your plant’s growth.

There is a general timetable you can follow, but you may like to save yourself the hassle and hire an expert tree trimming team to assist.

• Late winter

  Prune mature fruit trees. Wait until near the end of winter to prune young fruit trees.

• Late summer

  Maple trees and birch trees.

• Early summer

  Hedges, early-spring blooming shrubs, and evergreen trees.

• Early spring

  Summer-blooming trees.

Safety tips for tree trimming and tree pruning

Did you know that Kiwis cost ACC millions of dollars in gardening injuries? Soft tissue injuries are among the most frequent, but chainsaws, ladders, and lifting are quite common, too. If the time has come to carry out tree pruning and tree trimming, then make sure you can do it safely. Otherwise, it might be best to contact a lawn care business to assist.

Never trim a tree while you are standing on a ladder. Instead, secure yourself to a tree from at least two points. Wear a safety hat and safety glasses while doing it, and don’t climb up the ladder while carrying your tools. Instead, climb the ladder and ask someone to pass them to you. Otherwise, haul them up on a rope.

If a job seems too complicated or dangerous, then it probably is. Listen to those inner alarm bells and call in the experts to assist.

Tree trimming and tree pruning services

Let’s face it. Life gets busy. Before we know it, the yard looks like a jungle, and we just don’t know where to begin. It’s okay to admit defeat, but you’ll be pleased to know that help is at hand. Call upon your local yard maintenance specialists for a helping hand. You’ll be back on track in no time.