Tree trimming and pruning are essential practices to maintain the health, safety, and aesthetics of your backyard trees. But there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to these two tasks. Here’s a list of five must-know facts about tree trimming and pruning that can help you keep your trees in prime condition.

1. Pruning Is Different From Trimming

Pruning involves selectively cutting away parts of the tree, usually branches or limbs, to encourage healthy growth. Tree trimming, on the other hand, is more focused on the overall shape and size of your tree. The goal of trimming is generally to prevent any potential hazards such as branches growing too close to your roof or powerlines.

2. Certain Times of Year Are Better for Pruning

Pruning is typically done during the dormant season — which differs depending on species, climate, and region — since this is when trees are least active and able to heal quickly. Additionally, pruning in winter can help you avoid any potential insect or disease infections as trees are most vulnerable to these risks in the summer months.

3. Different Pruning Styles Are Used for Different Purposes

When pruning, it’s important to choose the right technique. Common types of pruning include thinning, heading back, and deadwood removal. Thinning is used to reduce overcrowding and increase airflow in the canopy while heading back focuses on maintaining a certain size or shape. Deadwood removal, on the other hand, is used to remove diseased or decaying branches.

4. Trimming Can Be Done Year-Round

Trimming can be done at any time of year since it’s not as invasive a task as pruning and does not require the same level of healing time. The only exception to this is if your tree’s species is more susceptible to infection during certain times of the year. In that case, it’s best to wait until the risk has passed before trimming.

5. Professional Tree Care Is the Best Option

Tree trimming and pruning are essential tasks for tree health, but they should only be performed by a trained arborist. Professionals can identify any potential risks and properly care for your trees to ensure their longevity. It’s better to invest in professional services than risk causing damage to your trees yourself.

With the right knowledge, you can keep your trees in great condition. Now that you know more about tree trimming and pruning, you’re ready to get started on maintaining a lush garden oasis. And if you ever have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for advice. Contact A+ Tree & Landscaping to learn more about trimming and pruning in Wilmington, NC.