Tree Trimming and Pruning Services

Although they seem subtle, there are big differences between the two methods.

Pruning: According to Canadian forestry terminology, pruning means removing unnecessary branches and even roots. The term is not limited only to tree maintenance.

Trimming: is often used for commercial needs. At nurseries, trimming is done to promote healthy tree growth. Lower branches are removed from the trunk to discourage animals from browsing and eating them.  Mostly preoccupied with removing green shoots to encourage healthier overall foliage, trimming is done to improve the appearance of the tree.

Everyone has their own definition…

What are the primary motivations for pruning or trimming?

Danger

  • Branches growing in the direction of electric utility wires or other structures including your garage, home and swimming pool, must be cut back.

Tree health

  • Dead, broken, or rotting branches due to fungal contamination or insect infestation need to be removed.

Improve appearance

  • An overly bushy tree loses a lot of the energy needed to adequately feed its branches, some of which may die as a result.
  • Thinning allows you to re-shape the tree, change its directional growth, while maximizing energy and diverting it to the right places.

Familiarize yourself with the services being offered

Maintenance of the crown: Removing dead or diseased branches at the top. Removing branches to allow light to permeate and to stimulate growth and openness.

Crown lifting: Enhancing the crown by removing low-lying branches along the trunk, or removing them because they are dangerous.

Reducing the size of the tree (height, width or both). This technique allows for a greater clearance area at the base of the tree, and also decreases shade on the property.

Heading back cut: Strengthens the plant or tree, and gives it more density.

Since the terms trimming and pruning are often synonymous and can be virtually interchangeable in a tree conversation, be clear about what you want to achieve in terms of results when contacting an expert arborist.

Whatever you want to call it, we at Lakeview Tree Company are experts in doing the right thing for the right reasons to your trees and shrubs!