The spring and summer months are a great time for tree pruning in Ottawa.
What is tree pruning? How is it different from tree trimming?
Let’s take a look – in this edition of the Croft Tree Experts Ottawa Tree Blog.
Tree Pruning vs. Tree Trimming
The phrases “tree pruning” and “tree trimming” are often used interchangeably.
But these do not mean the same thing.
Tree-Pruning: What It Is & How It Helps
Tree pruning is the healthy and beneficial practice of “less is more” with trees. It involves cutting tree branches, branch systems and portions of tree branches – in the interest of promoting tree growth.
Tree pruning helps a tree grow and stay healthy. It allows the sunlight to reach more branches and leaves on the tree.
Tree pruning also balances the tree out and gives it a better aesthetic look and feel.
Another strategic use of tree pruning is when the tree has become a hazard. Perhaps a portion of the tree is threatening a power line or telephone cable, or it is starting to lean towards or even touch a building.
In these instances of tree hazards, tree removal would be the last resort. If we can avoid removing the tree entirely by conducting an effective tree pruning instead, we’ll save you costs AND save the tree. Win-win!
Trimming: It’s Not Tree Pruning, But It’s Good to Cut Your Hedges & Bushes
When we as arborists say “trimming,” what we’re really referring to is the cutting back of hedges, shrubs and bushes.
Hedge trimming and bush trimming are a valuable practice for landscaping. Trimming keeps the bushes and shrubbery looking good and even growing better, too.
A visitor or buyer will approach your home with admiration if you have hedges that are meticulously manicured.
So What About Tree Trimming?
But wait, you say, what about this “tree trimming” that folks seem to be talking about?
Well, there are two possibilities here.
One is that people are simply using the two terms synonymously, which as you now know is doing so incorrectly. What they really mean is “tree pruning.”
If someone has told you, “hey, you need to trim your trees,” what they’re really suggesting is to perform or hire a tree pruning service, cutting back some branches to promote tree health and tree growth.
Another kind of “tree trimming” comes around at Christmastime.
That’s when we trim the trees in our homes, decking the halls and putting out some hot cocoa for Santa.
Tree Pruning in Ottawa
If it’s time for a tree pruning at your Ottawa home or business, call on the certified arborists at Croft Tree Experts.
We’re Ottawa’s tree pruning pros, performing hundreds of tree pruning services each season to help our clients with their tree health and tree growth.
If you haven’t had our tree pruning or other services before, we’ll be happy to visit your property and give you a free quote for tree pruning in Ottawa.
Contact us today to get started.