What Is the Difference Between Tree Trimming and Tree Pruning in Santa Ana, CA?

Although tree trimming and tree pruning sound similar enough, and actually even overlap a bit in terms of what they cover, they serve different purposes for the tree. Tree trimming services make sure the look of your tree is neat and aesthetically appealing, while tree pruning has a heavier focus on the removal of disease and decay and preserving the overall health of the tree. Your local arborists are here to explain some of the distinctions between tree trimming and tree pruning in Santa Ana, CA, as well as describe the best times of year to have each of these services performed.

Tree trimming 

While tree trimming isn’t done for strictly cosmetic reasons, this does represent one of the largest differences between trimming and pruning. In taking care of these vital aesthetic needs, though, the health of the tree is also improved. For example, a tree that is excessively bushy requires a lot more energy than normal, which could cause a shortage for the branches on the tree and the surrounding wildlife. In addition, shorter branches discourage animals from jumping onto them to try to navigate the tree. You can also reshape the size and direction of a tree or bush through trimming services, which will allow you to maximize sun exposure in your yard during cooler months.

Tree pruning

Special pruning techniques are usually used when the tree is dealing with dying or loose branches, and is thus most closely related to the promotion of healthy tree growth. One of the main purposes of pruning services is to eliminate diseased branches so that they don’t harm the rest of the tree, which will in turn help to protect the growth of nearby vegetation and keep humans safe as well. With these dying and potentially harmful branches removed, the tree can continue to grow while the health of the tree is systematically maintained.

Getting down the timing

As a general rule, trimming services should be performed at least twice a year, while pruning can be done on an annual basis. If your tree flowers during the summer, the spring or winter seasons are the best times to prune. If your tree is healthy and you only need trimming services to clean up the look of your tree, this can be done during the flowering season. However, if your tree’s health is struggling, it is best to wait until the tree is dormant in the winter so as not to affect potential growth.

Whether you are in need of tree trimming or tree pruning in Santa Ana, CA, the number one goal of our team here at ArborWest is to make sure that your tree is healthy now and well into the future. If it turns out that your tree can’t be salvaged, we can also work with you to remove the dying tree so that a new one can be planted in its place. No matter what your needs may be, make sure you give us a call today so we can help ensure your trees are one of the best features on your property.

Categorised in: Tree Pruning