Everything You Need to Know About Tree Trimming and Pruning

Doug Bedford June 29, 2022

If the trees around your property appear shaggy, or if there’s a few precariously hanging branches, it may be time to give them a touch-up. There are many safety and aesthetic advantages to giving the trees around your property a proper trim and pruning. You may be tempted to grab a ladder and some shears and try to finish the job yourself. However, there are a few complications to consider before you start tree trimming yourself. Keeping your trees in pristine condition not only helps protect your home and property from hanging or falling tree limbs, but also boosts the curb appeal of your home. At Red’s Tree Service, we want to help you keep your home safe and beautiful. Here’s everything you need to know about tree trimming and pruning.

What’s the Difference Between Trimming and Pruning?

Tree trimming helps trees, shrubs, and hedges grow in a healthy way. Commercial clients often trim trees to make their property more attractive to potential clients. A cleaner appearance helps draw in more visitors. At Red’s Tree Service, our team prefers to focus on removing green shoots, which helps encourage healthier growth overall. On top of environmental growth, trimming also improves the appearance of the tree or shrub itself.

Pruning is not just for tree maintenance. The term is often associated with the removal of unnecessary branches and sometimes even roots. These branches and roots may be dead and need to be cut away for the health of the tree. In some cases, branches grow in the wrong direction. They may push towards electrical utility wires or structures, which can prove to be a safety hazard. Pruning helps keep unwanted growth in check so you can have better control over your greenery.

Why You Should Trim Your Tree

Whether your home is surrounded by a smattering of trees or you have just a few small hedges that need a makeover, you may be wondering about the benefits of regular tree trimming. Pruning or trimming a tree allows you to reduce the possibility that dead or decayed material in the branches could be shifted to healthier trees. Another reason many people trim the trees on their property is to allow more sunlight to filter through to the ground. This helps to reduce the possibility of mold and mildew by drying up the ground. In turn, this allows the plants underneath the tree to receive the nutrients that they need to grow successfully.

Your safety and the security of your property, as well as that of your neighbors, is a major reason why people schedule a quick trim for their trees. If you notice that a tree has a decayed or dying limb, there is always a possibility that the limb could fall during a storm and cause damage to your home or your neighbor’s property. A quick trim can be a bit costly, but it will be worth avoiding a limb falling into your neighbor’s home or ruining your expensive roof. 

Lastly, aesthetics are another reason why tree trimming is a worthwhile project. If you’ve recently upgraded your home’s exterior, such as adding new siding or decor for your yard, you may find that cutting back some extra tree growth will add to your home’s curb appeal and really showcase your new upgrades. 

Everything You Need to Know About Tree Trimming and Pruning

Tips for Trimming and Pruning

There are many different methods and strategies for trimming and pruning, and it’s important to know the best approach. A poor pruning job can damage your tree for the rest of its lifetime, so it is important that you consult a professional who understands your trees and how to properly care for them. To help you out, our team has a list of tips for keeping your trees looking pristine after their trim:

  • Don’t remove foliage too frequently. Allow time for the tree to naturally grow before making too many gratuitous cuts. Cutting too much can damage the tree’s health.
  • Don’t tackle a pruning job yourself that requires you to go within ten feet of a power line
  • Always sharpen your tools before use. Dull cutting implements can needlessly damage trees
  • Maintain a solid tree structure by reducing co-dominant leaders, or branches that grow near the top of the tree that both grow upwards
  • Prevent storm hazards such as low limbs that extend over a walkway or garage
  • Before making a cut, look for the branch collar, which grows from the stem tissue at the bottom base of the branch. Look for the branch ridge, which is on the upper surface and is parallel to the branch angle at the stem.
  • Always cut outside the branch bark ridge and angle your cut down and away from the stem. Be careful not to injure the branch collar.

If you follow these tips, you can better maintain the health of your tree and the aesthetic of your property. This important maintenance project allows you to boost the curb appeal and frame your home with lovely greenery.

Everything You Need to Know About Tree Trimming and Pruning

Get the best at Red’s Tree Service

With Red’s Tree Service’s all-inclusive commercial tree service, your yard will be completely transformed. Whether you are interested in beautifying your yard, cleaning up after a storm, or requiring emergency tree service, our commercial tree service covers everything you need. 

With over forty years of experience, our family-owned and operated tree service delivers you the best results. We have the tools, experience, and equipment to take care of your trees and leave your yard safe, healthy, and beautiful for years to come. Contact Red’s Tree Service in Memphis, Collierville, and the Mid-South area for your free estimate today!