Are all branch-cutting services the same? Where does tree pruning vs. trimming diverge? As your trusted provider of tree services in Vienna, VA, we have extensive experience with both services. Dos Amigos Tree Service is happy to explain the differences below. 

What Does Tree Trimming Involve?

Tree trimming services primarily focus on maintaining the crown shape maintenance and overall appearance of the tree. They can contribute to healthier trees, but the goal is to make each specimen look good and enhance curb appeal. Let’s go over the basics of tree trimming techniques below. 

How Arborists Trim Trees

When an arborist conducts a trimming service, they typically identify undesirable characteristics, such as:

• Asymmetrical crown shaping: When a tree has more foliage or branches on one side, it creates an imbalance, making the specimen appear heavier on one side. 
• Overgrowth: Trimming typically helps with overgrowth control, ensuring the crown looks neat and even. 
• Dead foliage or branches: Sickly limbs or wilted, discolored leaves make the tree look ragged and unkempt. Your arborist will get rid of dying branch sections.
• View-blocking limbs: Some trees frame an outdoor seating area or window, but their limbs block the view. 

Schedule trimming services during spring to encourage full growth throughout the growing season and ensure your tree reaches the desired shape.  

What Methods Do They Use?

If you schedule tree trimming services, you likely want to improve the aesthetic appeal of your shrubs and trees. But what do you want to achieve from these improvements? Your goals will influence your arborist’s chosen trimming methods:

• Arborsculpturing transforms shrubs and trees into functional art, like arches.
• Topiary methods create those classic geometric shapes, such as spheres and cubes. 
• Your arborist may use pleaching to create a privacy or border fence from multiple trees or shrubs in a row. 

How Is Pruning Different?

When do you need tree pruning vs. trimming services? Your arborist prunes to protect the tree’s health. While pruning can also improve the specimen’s overall appearance, it focuses primarily on deadwood removal and ensuring property safety. What does a pruning service look like compared to trimming services?

What Goes Into Pruning Services?

When an arborist prepares to prune a specimen, they inspect for:

• Branches that negatively impact structural integrity.
• Sections of dead or wilting leaves.
• Limbs that seem diseased or wounded.
• Issues impacting the tree’s crown.

Basically, a pruning service targets any growth that negatively impacts the specimen. That might mean combating diseases, preventing future storm damage, and ensuring all primary branches get enough nutrients. 

What Are Some Common Pruning Techniques?

Arborists employ several pruning techniques to achieve ultimate tree health:

• Canopy cleaning: This selective cutting method solely focuses on pruning obviously dead or diseased wood. 
• Canopy thinning: Branch overgrowth inside the canopy limits air movement and sunlight. Your arborist might thin the crown density to promote better airflow and maximize the sun’s reach. 
• Crown reduction: If you want to keep the branches from stretching over buildings or becoming entangled with power lines, you might request reduction techniques to make the canopy smaller and more manageable. 
• Crown lifting: Pedestrians can walk under low-hanging branches. These lowermost limbs can also rake across cars or buildings. Lifting the crown removes those bottom branches. 

Pruning and trimming services are most effective in late winter and early spring, when trees begin to grow. However, you can book a pruning session anytime a specimen needs it. 

Reach Out to Dos Amigos Tree Service About Tree Pruning and Trimming Services in Vienna, Virginia

Want to learn more about tree pruning vs. trimming? Read about avoiding shrub pruning mistakes or call Dos Amigos Tree Service at 703-300-6103. Book your next tree trimming or pruning service with us in Vienna, Virginia.