If you’re like most people, you may use the terms tree trimming and pruning interchangeably, so you may not know the difference. Though they both involve trimming away a piece of the tree or shrub, they involve the use of different tools and are performed at different times throughout the year by arborists and horticulturalists. Here’s a quick look at the fine details that distinguish trimming from pruning. 

Trimming

Trimming applies to trees and shrubs for safety or aesthetic reasons. When long branches have grown into areas that pose a threat to property or block the sunlight for other plants, trimming is the best option. Trees and shrubs are also trimmed to keep them a desired shape or size. Most people use shears and hedge trimmers for the job. Typically, trim your tree annually, but it may vary depending upon the species of tree or shrub and the growth rates. 

Pruning

It’s all about the health and well being of the tree or plant. Trees are pruned to cut away dead or infected limbs and help promote healthy growth. Pruning is also used to keep up aesthetics. There are two types of pruning; pollarding and topiary. Topiary is when the tree is cut into shapes to resemble animals or artistic geometric shapes. Pollarding is done to protect the health of the tree. Old branches are cut away to make room for new shoots.

Typically, you prune with one of two types of shears: hand or lopping. Where hand shears are great the fine details of cutting away leaves, lopping shears have large handles and can cut through thicker branches.

Pruning is generally done twice a year, though species and growth rates. Flowering trees will require pruning proceeding they’ve stopped producing flowers, where shrubs will require pruning when their branches exceed a foot in length. 

If you need help with tree trimming or tree pruning on your property, L & M Tree Service in Kalispell, MT, is there. They assess your tree’s needs first and help formulate a plan for trimming and pruning depending on your trees’ needs. Visit their website to read about their services, commitment to safety, and their friendly approach to customer service that have earned them an A+ Better Business Bureau® rating. Call them today for more information, or to schedule a consultation at (406) 261-7240.