When it comes to tree maintenance, the most common method for branch and foliage control is tree trimming. However, there are additional approaches that are used in the industry, some of which are recommended, while others are against best practices. These methods include pruning, topping, reduction, and a less common approach known as pollarding.
It is important to understand the meaning and difference among these tree maintenance variations if you are planning to have any tree work done on your property. Not only will it better educate you on the proper needs of your landscaping trees, it will give you the knowledge you need to avoid unlicensed tree service scammers who use the terms interchangeably to purposely confuse and mislead clients, which unfortunately, is more common than you think.
Continue reading to learn about tree pollarding, and how it differs from the other tree services mentioned above.
Tree Care Best Practices
In the tree care industry, there are good, bad, and acceptable tree trimming and pruning practices. In fact, the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) developed these standards for proper tree pruning, which are used collectively among true professional tree service contractors. These standards are called the ANSI standards, also known as the American National Standards Institute A300.
In addition to these standards, there are other acceptable tree trimming methods, but this does mean that they are always recommended.
Tree Pollarding
Tree pollarding is considered to be an acceptable approach to tree trimming. The process involves removing fundamental branches in order control the shape and size of a tree, perhaps for landscaping architecture, hazard abatement, or similar need. It must start when a tree is very young, and continue once every two years.
Crown Reduction
Also referred to as tree reduction, this practice is also considered acceptable, but only under certain circumstances. Such factors that influence the application of tree reduction include tree species, location, condition, and more. The process involves removing a predetermined quantity of branches and limbs for the purpose of abating obstructions or improving aesthetics.
Tree Topping
Although an offered tree service among several tree care companies, tree topping is not considered to be an acceptable practice. The dramatic cuts made to flatten the top and sides of a tree render it highly vulnerable to disease, pests, sunscald, dehydration, and more. This practice is only recommended for dead trees, dying trees, or trees that are causing extreme obstacles or safety hazards to the public.
Indianapolis Tree Trimming Services
Call Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 to schedule Indianapolis tree trimming service for your residential or commercial property. We are licensed and experienced tree care contractors who offer a wide range of professional-level tree work at all scopes. Whether you need a stump removed, or an entire lot cleared, we are the pros to trust for quality work at the right price.