When it comes to tree care, one of the most delicate tasks is pruning. Just one simple pruning error can mean the difference between a thriving tree and a declining tree. And on the topic of differences, one of the most common mistakes made in tree care is misunderstanding the difference between trimming and pruning a tree.

Continue reading to learn some facts about tree trimming and pruning, including their differences, benefits, and more.

Trimming vs. Pruning a Tree

The primary differences between trimming and pruning a tree are the time of year they are performed and the types of tools used to perform them. Below is a basic explanation of both tree services, and why they are important for your landscaping trees.  

🍃 Tree Trimming

Tree trimming is more of a light, routine tree practice that is implemented to support better-looking canopies, reduce obstructions caused by the canopy, and promote growth of foliage. This practice concentrates more on removing specified twigs and leaves to create a more balanced canopy and to let more sunlight in for better growth. Tree trimming is often reserved for ornamental trees and shrubs, but can be performed on other trees.

Generally, tree trimming is performed during growth cycles, as the trees are developing their canopies. Most often, tree trimming is a task that can be performed by home and property owners themselves. On the other hand, it is strongly recommended to have it done by a professional Indianapolis tree service provider to ensure the job is done in adherence to industry best-practices.

🌳 Tree Pruning

Tree pruning is a bit more invasive, and therefore, riskier. Overall, pruning is performed to ensure the protection and survival of a tree by stimulating new, healthy, vigorous growth come the following spring. This practice focuses on eliminating branches and limbs, rather than twigs and leaves. Not only does this require more specialized equipment and heavier labor, it also requires an astute knowledge of tree pruning standards. That is because improper pruning practices can kill a tree in just one season.

You see, tree pruning is much more complicated than simple trimming because deeper, more complex cuts are made in the bark of a tree, which means a job can quickly go wrong if not carried our according to industry best practices. In fact, it is necessary to implement tree pruning jobs according to the ANSI standards, also known as the American National Standards Institute A300. The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) developed a set of standards for proper tree pruning that is used among true professional tree service contractors.

Tree pruning should only be carried out by a licensed tree service contractor who is experienced with ANSI tree pruning standards. Furthermore, it is a task that should only be implement while trees are in their dormant state, usually between fall and winter. If carried out any other time, trees can have difficulty recovering from the cuts and changes to their biology, and as a result, experience premature leaf drop, leaf discoloration, diseases, and other forms of health decline.

Indianapolis Tree Trimming Services

Call Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 for professional tree trimming services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We are licensed and experienced tree care contractors who offer a wide range of professional-level tree service for both residential and commercial properties. Whether you need a tree removed, a stump ground, or an entire lot cleared, we are the trusted tree care contractors who can get the job done right the first time, and at a price you can afford. Request a free estimate, today.