Basic Types of Tree Trimming

Tree trimming is the process of felling/limbing/trimming in residential built environments like roads, lawns, parks and other built vegetation. Residential trees and landscaping trees are at the heart of the landscape industry. There are many different ways to cut, shape and prune residential trees. These processes can be manual, mechanical or automated. Mechanical trimming includes the use of pruning saws, secateurs and clippers. Manual trimming requires experience and skill and should only be attempted by trained professionals.

Trees can also be felled for landscape maintenance including mulching and trimming around power lines. Power lines are essential for safety. In areas where there are power lines running through a neighborhood, trees should be routinely trimmed close to the power lines for aesthetic purposes. This helps prevent damage to the power line structure itself, trees and property. It is important to do routine maintenance on these trees to make sure that they are growing properly, strong and are not damaged from high winds or ice.

If pruning is needed to prevent large limbs from breaking off from trees, it is often done by hand. Larger branches can often be removed by using large pruning shears. However, tree trimming should be done by hand, if at all possible. When removing branches, homeowners should consider using pruning shears to help remove larger branches without damaging the tree's health or causing injury to passersby. Homeowners should also use their common sense when it comes to removing branches of any size, as branches that appear malicious may in fact be healthy and may need to be removed.

When it comes to tree trimming and pruning, professionals offer several methods that are considered safe and oftentimes, easier. Some homeowners prefer to use a weed whacker to prune unwanted branches, but there are safety and environmental issues that need to be considered before using this tool. Instead, many opt to use a pair of scissors that have small pruning blades attached. Many homeowners have reported being able to prune trees without fear due to the small size of these specialized pruning tools.

One of the most basic forms of tree trimming involves making short branches grow in the same direction. This allows trees to grow in dense clusters in backyards without creating a dense outline that can hinder walking and sometimes even run across driveways. While this method is often used to create a more elegant style, some choose to use this approach to create smaller more manageable branches that flow naturally with the main trunk. These shorter branches are then often left unattended, allowing them to grow in different directions and add character to a yard. Doing this type of trimming can provide homeowners with the benefit of having less of a dense outline that requires extra care, while still allowing the tree to continue to provide benefits to surrounding areas.

When it comes to tree trimming, one of the most common tools homeowners use is a pair of shears. Shears can be purchased in a variety of styles and sizes, allowing a person to find a pair that best fits their needs. A common use for shears is to prune back branches that grow towards a home. These shears can be used to trim back the upper portion of a tree, or they can be used to help remove unhealthy branches that can cause damage to a home. Many homeowners will also choose to use shears when pruning old growth that grows too far out of proportion with the rest of a tree.

When it comes to tree trimming, certain limbs pose a greater risk than others. Tree trimming with a chainsaw, for example, involves cutting through a tree's thick stem and causing the branch to fall. Tree pruners, on the other hand, use a metal blade that resembles a cookie cutter. This blade can be used to cut through different sized branches and thin out weak or unwanted branches. Tree trimmers that specialize in tree trimming will have either chainsaws or pruners that are specifically designed to trim trees.

Another type of tree trimming involves cutting away portions of a tree's stem that have become dangerously overgrown. Tree services will often utilize a form of tree pruning known as a crown thinning. This method involves cutting away a specific part of the stem and leaving a gap between it and the top of the tree where the stem is usually growing. This gap is covered up by a new crown, which will usually grow around the gap to bring it up to the proper height and shape.