The Distinct Benefits Of Tree Trimming And Pruning
Tree trimming and pruning performed by knowledgeable technicians are beneficial for the health of these stately plants. When done correctly, the service is useful for any species. From enormous oaks and evergreens to lilac bushes and fruit trees, the work helps them thrive.
People often use the words trimming and pruning interchangeably. However, in the world of arboriculture, there is a technical difference. Trimming refers to cutting overgrowth. Pruning, in contrast, is the removal of infected, damaged, or dead branches.
Pruning
A tree tries to heal injury caused by insect infestation, fungal disease, and storm damage. It directs resources to the injured areas, becoming stressed in the process. Now, the tree no longer flourishes. After technicians cut away the problem branches, the plant now can return to full health. A healthy tree is stronger and less susceptible to disease and infiltration by bugs.
Trimming
The tree also benefits from trimming away some healthy branches. This allows for better airflow and the leaves receive more sunlight. That's essential for optimum photosynthesis, in which plants capture sunlight and convert it to chemical energy.
Branches growing low to the ground may cause the soil to remain saturated too long after rainfall. This is most common with evergreens. After the removal of those branches, the roots become stronger and lengthier. That provides stability, and the tree is less likely to topple over in a windstorm.
Large Limb Removal
Tree service technicians sometimes remove large limbs. This requires a certain level of expertise to avoid harming the tree. A notch is cut in the branch about a yard away from the trunk. When the largest part of the limb is removed, a small piece of wood is left. The technician then trims back the wood closer to the trunk, leaving enough so the tree can naturally heal the wound. It does so by forming a protective material.
Inexperienced individuals typically cut the limb off at the trunk. This can cause the trunk's bark and the wood underneath to split. The action also may result in a wound that never heals because the tree has no way to cover it with callus tissue. Without a protective barrier, decay may set in.
Removal of Shoots and Suckers
During trimming service, the technicians also will want to remove shoots and suckers. These growths at the base draw a significant amount of water and nutrients away. They also detract from its beauty. Left to grow, they become large and make the tree look like it has numerous trunks.
Hiring a professional service for tree trimming and pruning is important. Done correctly, the work maintains the well-being of healthy trees and helps injured ones recover.