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Tree Trimming vs. Pruning

Differences Between Trimming and Pruning Your Tree

Arborists use two techniques to take care of their woody plants: trimming and pruning. Trimming is used for small shrubs or young trees, while horticulturists prune larger trees and shrubs. Both techniques have different purposes and are done at other times. The result is a healthy and good-looking landscape.

Key Points of Pruning

Pruning is removing branches from a tree to protect other plants or people. Removing these limbs allows the tree to produce healthy blooms and fruit. Pruning is not designed to limit a tree’s growth but to encourage it to flourish.

Pruning a tree is a common practice among arborists. Getting rid of diseased or infested branches and creating the tree to take on a specific form for aesthetic reasons are some reasons why trees are pruned. Pollarding and topiary are two forms of pruning that induce the tree to grow unnaturally.

The practice of removing branches to maintain a continual supply of new ones in other areas of the tree is known as pollarding. Topiary is the practice of forming trees into an animal or geometric shape.

Key Points of Trimming

Pruning is the process of removing trees that are no longer safe. Trimming is removing excessive branches from a small shrub or hedge to maintain its appearance. To keep a shrub from getting overgrown and unhealthy, trim it at least twice a year.

What tools are needed to prune and trim trees?

We call pruning tools shears. Hand shears and lopping shears are used for different situations. Hand shears are tiny and straightforward to use. They’re used to remove tiny buds and leaves. Lopping shears are high-quality, ergonomic tools with three detachable blades made of premium carbon steel that will make your garden look amazing. They have longer handles and blades made for more giant stems and branches.

The lopping shear is designed to help arborists apply more force when cutting. Arborists will use saws if a branch is too thick for both shears to cut down. Trimming bushes and hedges with hedge trimmers is possible using either shear type. Trimming a hedge’s branches with an electric hedge trimmer is preferred for large jobs with several plants.

How often should I prune and trim my trees?

The frequency of pruning or trimming a large tree depends on the species. For example, you would prune a spring-blooming tree just after it finishes blooming. In Chicago, the best time to prune a summer-blooming tree in autumn or spring.

The most appropriate periods for trimming depend on a tree’s appearance rather than its flowering cycles. Arborists should trim their hedges before branches grow more than a foot out of usual form.

These forms of maintenance are necessary to keep your trees growing for years. After all, they will likely be on your current property long after you find a new home.

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