Having trees on your property can be very beneficial, as trees provide exterior shading, help block direct sunlight from hitting your house, create homes for wildlife, and can increase your home’s value. However, regular maintenance such as tree trimming and pruning is necessary for preserving these benefits and avoiding issues on your property. Though people commonly use these tree service terms interchangeably, trimming and pruning are applied for different reasons. The guide below will help you to determine when these types of work should be performed.

When to Perform Tree Trimming or Pruning

Tree Pruning

When trees develop dead, pest-infected, or broken branches, tree pruning is applied to remove these limbs and improve the health and growth of the tree. Additionally, removing these damaged branches prevents them from landing on your home or anyone lingering under the tree. This maintenance is often needed at least once a year, preferably after the tree’s blooming cycle. However, whenever you notice damaged limbs, take immediate action to have them removed to avoid any problems such as falling or broken branches.

Tree Trimming

When you want to improve the design of a tree, trimming techniques are applied. Typically, this is used to reduce the denseness of bushes or trees that block essential sunlight from reaching all their the limbs or moisture from getting to all their roots. While shears can be used to complete this particular maintenance, it is most often done with gas or electric clippers. The time to complete this task can also vary, but professionals often recommend homeowners trim once right after the flowering season for aesthetic purposes. 

When to Call a Professional Tree Service

If you are unsure of the different techniques and tools for trimming and pruning, it’s best to leave the task up to a professional. Cutting branches incorrectly can cause the limb to die off and could lead to disease within the entire tree. Additionally, performing maintenance on tall trees can be dangerous if you don’t have the right safety equipment or training. A professional service will arrive with the necessary tools for the job and know how to work safely around power lines and other hazards.

If you’ve spotted damaged limbs on one or more of the trees on your property, have them taken care of before winter arrives to avoid possible harm to your home. At Todd’s Tip Top Complete Tree Service, they have provided comprehensive tree care services to the North-Central Wisconsin area for over 30 years. Their licensed and trained technicians are able to help with everything from tree trimming to tree removal. Call them today at (715) 282-5858 to schedule an appointment or for emergency service. You can also visit their website to learn more about their work.