Pruning vs. Trimming - At Last, a Definitive Answer!

When it comes to tree care and maintenance, people often confuse trimming with pruning. Yet, these are two very distinctive concepts, with different end goals, and easily distinguishable techniques. In the paragraphs below, we’ll look at the difference between trimming and pruning, including pruning and trimming methods, necessary tools, and tree maintenance budget.

Pruning vs. Trimming Trees and Shrubs: Definitions

Source : Service d'arbres Nord Ouest

While trees are truly magnificent and foster the well-being of humans and the planet, they may, at some point, become problematic. This usually happens when the branches grow too fast, uncontrollably so, or parts of the tree are disease-ridden (emerald ash borer, fungi). Hence, the tree becomes weakened and certain branches are at risk of falling.

Over the last few years, tree branches have fallen on power lines, causing several power outages. Power companies, such as Hydro-Québec, are committed to significantly trimming and pruning trees every year to protect their power networks.

As for the trees standing on residential properties, homeowners will often consider their aesthetic aspect when carrying out eye-catching landscaping efforts. As such, regular maintenance services become necessary. Branches are pruned or trimmed to maintain a certain control over the shape of your trees.

What Is Tree Pruning?

Pruning is a drastic form of tree trimming, which typically consists of removing the top of the tree (pollarding) or cutting all vertical branches, starting at a specific height mark. However, at times, cuts are made along horizontal branches to narrow the width of the tree (e.g., if a tree exceeds the property line).

Pruning techniques are often used to eliminate water sprouts, which are secondary branches that spurt from the tree’s main branches. Water sprouts siphon energy from other branches, and, when dealing with fruit trees, cease bearing fruit. As a result, it’s best to cut water sprouts so the tree can focus its energy supply elsewhere.

There are risks associated with tree pruning, especially since it’s a rather draconian practice. Pruning can result in long scars coating the tree’s surface, and the more cuts are made, the more significant the damage. Old, less resilient trees are more likely to suffer from said damage. 

As for young trees, pruning will stimulate their regrowth. Therefore, trimming is prescribed—which will delve into below—in the years following to maintain a certain control of the tree’s growth. 

Experts generally recommend pruning as a second-last resource, prior to considering cutting down trees. It’s best to regularly hire tree care and maintenance services, rather than carry out intense cuts from time to time.

What Is Tree Trimming?

Trimming is a selective arboricultural maintenance method that’s now recommended. Every branch that will be removed is chosen with care. Diseased or damaged branches are removed one at a time, using precise cutting methods designed to limit injuries to the tree.

Trimming can be used to:

• Improve a tree’s aesthetic aspect

• Remove dangerous branches

• Guide the tree’s growth to control the direction of the branches

This last measure serves to protect nearby buildings and power lines. With that in mind, the primary objective of trimming is to preserve the tree’s health and integrity first. As such, we recommend not removing more than 20% of a tree's branches a year.

What Is the Difference Between Tree or Hedge Pruning and Trimming?

  Source : Service d'arbres Nord Ouest

The main distinction between the two techniques is the pruning method’s drastic nature. While a tree can be significantly trimmed, the nature of the effort will always be more selective than not. Moreover, the techniques used are very different, as are the tools. Moreover, the training needed is also unassociated.

How to Trim and Prune Trees: Methods and Tools

Tree pruning must be done by specialists. It’s a risky task, both for the one performing the job and for the tree being pruned. Employing job-specific techniques, having enough know-how, and access to the right tools is paramount to ensure results that meet expectations. 

Pruning Techniques

Even though drastic, pruning efforts must be carried out with care to avoid cutting down the tree in the end. Tree pruning exerts can choose amongst various pruning techniques, adapting their methods based on your needs and desired results.

These are the most common techniques used today:

• Topping: A pruning technique that revitalizes tall greenery.

• Thinning: A technique used to stimulate growth, which reduces the space occupied by the tree and shaded areas.

Saws, Pruning Shears, and Loppers

As for tools, arborists typically use top-quality chainsaws, pruning shears, and loppers. 

Tool care and maintenance are imperative—tools must be well-kept and sharpened to streamline the job at hand and limit the damage made to the tree’s surface. Also, good precautionary measures mean preserving the tree’s health. A dull tool could aggravate the injuries made to a tree, affecting the scarring process.

Staying Safe

Workers must be well-equipped, wearing a helmet, fall protection harness, steel-toed boots, and thick protective clothing, since accidents are quick to happen when working at great heights on unpredictable elements, such as tree branches. When it comes to working methods, one must implement safety measures specific to the task at hand.

Pruning Services: Tree Branch Cutting Techniques

The pruning process will, without a doubt, harm the tree. That said, one must do everything in their power to lessen the injuries and their impact. Hence, the importance of using well-maintained tools to cut branches.

Next, cutting techniques must be adapted, which is done through easy, swift motions. Even if pruning practices are drastic in nature, it doesn’t mean the cuts should be done in a hurry, without a thought as to how they'll impact the tree’s health.

To do so, experts recommend adopting an angled cutting technique, ensuring the base of the branch is kept in good shape should you want it to grow back eventually or scar quickly.

If the pruning is done correctly, the result of the process can have a lot of upsides. The tree’s surroundings will be safer, and the tree will be thinned, topped, and revitalized. The tree’s energy will be directed to alive, healthy branches, making for a majestic and leafy top. As for fruit trees, a valuable fruit-bearing cycle.

However, the tree may be severely damaged, and in the worst case, a potential candidate for felling. If a wound on a branch and bark doesn’t close in time, it risks infection.

When and Why to Prune a Tree?

Source : The real tree masters Inc.

Here are the main reasons for pruning a tree:

• Safety: Remove branches that risk damaging buildings and power lines, or injure passers-by.

• Clearing: Trim down a tree crowding a yard. 

• Minimize shade: If you have a garden, backyard, or agricultural land lacking sunlight.

• Aesthetic purposes: If the tree’s look doesn’t appeal to you

• Weak-looking tree: If the tree is showing signs of weakness and needs to be revitalized.

If need be, trees can be pruned anytime during the year. However, the best time to carry out such efforts is at the beginning of spring, just before budding, or toward the end of fall, a few weeks after the leaves have fallen.

What Are the Challenges of Pruning Trees in the City?

Source : The real tree masters Inc.

In cities, pruning operations can be quite tricky on account of several factors, especially nearby power lines, the amount of trees to cut, and adjacent buildings.

Trees found on your property often protrude onto your neighbour’s yard, which means having to agree on a type of cut while placing a certain responsibility on the landowner on which the tree trunk stands.

That being said, pruning and trimming practices are all the more important in cities since we can’t wait for nature to take its course and for damaged tree branches to fall on their own. Neglecting to do so would put the safety of passers-by and buildings at risk. Moreover, some illnesses, such as emerald ash borer, can be easily transmitted, contaminating a lot of trees at once.

Building owners and municipal authorities are responsible for ensuring the proper maintenance of trees growing on their respective land.

How Much Does It Cost to Prune a Tree in Canada?

Source : The real tree masters Inc.

Presenting an accurate price point is rather challenging without having seen the tree(s) in question. At the very least, we’re talking about $150 for a shrub and up to $1,500 for a tall, dense tree. A tree pruning budget is likely to vary a lot based on a lot of factors:

• Size of tree

• Type of tree

• Time of year

• Ease of access to the tree

• State of tree

• Pruning technique

• Location of residence

• Amount of branches to prune

Don’t hesitate to ask for several quotes to compare rates, techniques, and services offered by different pruning services.

FAQ About Tree Pruning and Trimming

What should you look for when hiring a tree pruning expert?

The criteria for hiring tree pruning or trimming experts are as follows:

• Level of experience

• Ability to spot tree diseases

• Know-how

• Knowledge of the tree species found on your property

• How they prioritize safety measures while working

• Use of efficient tools

• Interest in preserving the tree in question

• Maintenance services offered

• Sense of responsibility

Schedule an appointment with several providers to compare rates and services.

What should you do if tree branches are touching power lines?

Have you spotted dangerous branches hanging near power lines and external power cables? Contact a team of qualified arborists to assess the situation. You can also reach out to your local power company, which can guide you in the right direction, especially if the risk is imminent. A quick intervention will then be mandatory. Such experts will do their best to address the danger while proceeding safely and cautiously.

When is felling or pruning trees necessary?

At first glance, it can be hard to gauge whether a small trim job is what it takes or if a massive tree felling or pruning job awaits. Take in the situation and closely assess it. When scheduling an appointment, the hired expert will evaluate the various options. 

Here are some examples of situations where felling is likely to be the sole course of action:

• The tree is disease-ridden (emerald ash borer, fungi)

• It's living out its last days

• It’s infested with carpenter ants

• The tree trunk is leaning to one side and can’t be righted

• The tree is dead

• It's poorly positioned