A Look at the Differences Between Tree Trimming and Pruning

Two of the most important tasks you have to do when you have trees are trimming and pruning. Both involve cutting off parts of the trees’ canopies, and both are often done by arborists and tree care companies. The two tasks may seem very similar to you, and if you’ve been using the terms interchangeably, you aren’t alone. But not knowing the difference between trimming and pruning can cause problems down the line if you can’t tell tree service companies exactly what you want them to do for the trees.

What Does Trimming Do?

Both trimming and pruning involve cutting off parts of a tree’s branches. However, trimming is mainly cosmetic. You trim twigs to control unruly growth and shape the canopy. Occasionally, there can be a functional aspect, such as trimming leaves and twigs that were blocking light or airflow. Trimming often promotes new growth and is usually a yearly task. As the tree gets older and bigger, it may need more trimming each year.

What Does Pruning Do?

Pruning also helps you maintain a tree’s shape, but there’s a rescue/repair/health reason driving the pruning. You prune to remove branches that are damaged, such as after a severe storm where wind has caused a large branch to crack. You also prune to remove branches that are infected with diseases that can’t be treated, and you prune to remove dead branches because those are at risk of falling suddenly. Pruning also allows you to remove branches that pose a safety or pest hazard. For example, you’d prune branches back from the roofline of your home to stop animals from accessing an attic. You’d also prune them if they were growing tall enough to interfere with electrical wires. Pruning is done either on an as-needed basis (for damage or disease) or every few years.

Sometimes you’ll hear people talk about thinning a tree canopy, or cutting out branches that are growing inward or crossing. This, too, is a form of pruning, and it’s done to allow more air to flow throughout a tree canopy. Poor airflow can lead to fungal growth and create hospitable environments for pests looking for shelter.

Are Trimming and Pruning Tasks You Can Do?

While it’s technically possible for you to trim or prune trees yourself, it’s not a great idea. Trimming a few small twigs from the bottom branches of a small tree may not sound so difficult, but trimming a canopy on a large, old tree can be dangerous. You’d need to get up on a very tall ladder to reach the top of the tree, which is risky. Not to mention that trimming too much can harm the tree, and if you’re new to trimming, you may have a difficult time knowing when to stop.

Pruning can also be unsafe; you may be able to prune shrubs easily, but removing a heavy branch that’s suffering from a disease could lead to you hurting yourself. You may also increase the risk of potentially spreading the pathogen that caused the disease. It’s much better and safer to have a tree service take care of those tasks for you.