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Tree Trimming vs. Tree Pruning: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

2/18/2025

1 Comment

 
​Proper tree care is essential for maintaining a beautiful and healthy landscape. Two common practices, tree trimming and tree pruning, are often used interchangeably, but they serve different purposes. Understanding the differences between these techniques can help homeowners and property managers maintain their trees more effectively and prevent unnecessary damage. In this guide, we’ll explore the distinctions between trimming and pruning, their benefits, and when to use each method.
Picture of tree trimming in Baton Rouge

What is Tree Trimming?

Definition
Tree trimming involves cutting back overgrown branches to maintain a tree’s appearance and ensure proper growth.

Purpose
  • Enhances the tree’s aesthetic appeal.
  • Controls overgrowth to prevent interference with buildings, power lines, and other structures.
  • Improves air circulation and sunlight penetration for nearby plants and trees.

Common Applications
  • Removing excess foliage to give the tree a well-manicured look.
  • Cutting back branches that extend too far, obstructing driveways, windows, or rooftops.
  • Keeping hedges and shrubs in shape for a polished landscape design.

What is Tree Pruning?

Definition
Tree pruning is a selective process that removes dead, diseased, or weak branches to improve a tree’s health and structure.
​
Purpose
  • Prevents the spread of disease and decay by removing affected branches.
  • Encourages healthy growth and strengthens the tree’s overall structure.
  • Helps shape young trees for long-term stability and resilience.
  • Enhances flowering and fruit production for fruit-bearing trees.

Common Applications
  • Removing branches that show signs of disease or decay.
  • Shaping trees to maintain structural integrity and prevent potential hazards.
  • Cutting back branches that may cause safety concerns during storms or high winds.
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When Should You Trim or Prune Your Trees?

​Tree Trimming
  • Best performed during the growing season (spring/summer) when trees are actively growing.
  • Recommended for trees with excessive foliage or overgrown branches.
  • Ideal for maintaining the appearance of ornamental shrubs and hedges.

Tree Pruning
  • Best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Necessary when trees show signs of disease, decay, or have weak or broken limbs.
  • Helps improve the tree’s resilience to storms and extreme weather conditions.
​
Why Professional Tree Care is Important
  • Ensures proper cutting techniques to prevent disease and structural damage.
  • Reduces the risk of injury and property damage from falling branches.
  • Professionals have the expertise to determine the best approach for each tree species.
  • Specialized tools and safety equipment make the process more efficient and effective.

Conclusion
Both tree trimming and pruning are essential for maintaining healthy, attractive trees, but they serve different purposes. While trimming keeps trees aesthetically pleasing and under control, pruning improves their health and longevity. Knowing when and how to perform these tasks can make a significant difference in the well-being of your landscape. For expert assistance, consider hiring Big Bark for professional tree care services to ensure your trees receive the best possible maintenance.
1 Comment

What To Do With Your Trees During Spring?

3/5/2020

373 Comments

 
Picture of what to do with your trees in spring
Spring is a time for rebirth. There are so many changes occurring this time of year that it is easy to lose sight of them all. Take a moment to review these tips to see if the trees around your house could use them. Spring is the time to:

Trim Palm Trees
The threat of winter hard freezes is over. Pruning your palm trees now will have them looking great during the summer when you are by your pool.

Remove Dead Branches And Suckers
Dead branches and suckers are sapping vital nutrition from your tree. Removing dead branches and suckers promotes growth and an overall healthier tree. Dead limbs are a safety hazard and is even more of one when the weather warms up and the little ones venture outdoors to play.

Fertilize Oak Trees, Pecan Trees, And Elm Trees
Big trees need the right nutrition to be healthy. Replacing thousands of leaves lost during fall is taxing. Fertilization will keep your tree in better shape while extending its life.

Arborist Administered Insecticide Tree Injections
Caterpillar season is coming soon! Caterpillars range from an annoyance to a real tree damage dealer. Tree injections done by a certified arborist can keep these pests away. 
373 Comments

Why is Tree Cutting and Tree Pruning Important?

11/20/2018

55 Comments

 
Trees are a beautiful and functional asset to your property. They provide shade, oxygen, and in some cases fruit, nuts, or flowers. Knowing this, why is pruning and cutting branches on trees important?
Picture of tree cutting in Baton Rouge Louisiana
Health
Removing weak or dead branches prevent decay and insect problems. Canopies that are too dense can cause increase disease and insect problems. Crossed branches rub the bark away from where they meet. These exposed areas are easy spots for pathogens to be introduced. 

Removing competing leaders. Leaders are branches at the top of the tree. Having two that compete can lead to wood that splits and tears. 

Older trees can form pockets where water will sit. Sitting water can rot wood and lead to some real damage. Selectively pruning these locations can improve the well being of your tree.

Safety
It reduces the risk of branches falling and damaging property or people. Low growing branches can hit people or cars. Branches that hang over property can lead to damages during storms and high wind.

Picture of magnolia tree before pruning
Picture of magnolia after raising tree canopy
Form
Trees tend to grow best when they keep their form. Removing wild growing branches early keep your tree's form looking good and your tree healthy. 

As trees grow larger, they do not need to keep such a low canopy. The higher branches block out more sun, and the lower branches are less effective at producing food. raising a tree's canopy helps to make the tree more productive while making it easier to walk beneath the tree. ​
55 Comments

Get Tree Service Before the Hurricanes Start - New Orleans and Baton Rouge Tree Service

6/1/2018

4 Comments

 
Picture of fallen tree removal after hurrican in New Orleans
Not a happy car owner.
Hurricane season is upon us yet again. After closely watching subtropical storm Alberto make landfall, it is certainly here. Hurricane preparedness saves lives. We are repeatedly informed to make sure our family has enough food, water, hygiene supplies, batteries, and gas to last in case disaster strikes. We are asking you to take a look at one more thing that could become deadly, your large trees.
​
If you have a large tree on your property, have one of our arborists take a look at it for free. Healthy trees often have dead wood hanging from limbs that can cause damage in a storm. A large tree could have a lot of branches that generate wind resistance. A few select cuts will reduce the chance of the tree falling during strong winds. It can also look better and allow light to pass through to the plants below, making them healthier and better looking.
​
The most dangerous situation is if you have a dead or dying tree. A large dead tree during a hurricane can kill. It is safer to have dead trees removed immediately. These are the first trees to fall during a storm and tend to be the ones on the news shows firmly through the roof of someone’s home. Even if you are insured and no one gets hurt, it will take months to get everything repaired and replaced. 
​
Be on the safe side. If you live in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, or anywhere in Louisiana between, get one of our arborists to inspect your tree’s health today for free. Contact us today to get it scheduled.
4 Comments
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    Loves the outdoors and has a great appreciation for trees.

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