When it comes to tree care and maintenance, there’s lots of different terms you may have heard. There’s tree pruning, tree lopping, tree shaping – and lots more! So, what’s the difference between these services and why does it matter when it comes to looking after your trees? Understanding the difference can help you protect the health, strength and beauty of your trees and avoid some costly mistakes.

What Is Tree Pruning?

Tree pruning is the strategic removal of branches, limbs, fruits, flowers, buds, seeds and even roots from a tree which aims to improve the tree’s health, safety, structure and longevity. Proper tree pruning, done to industry standards, is the accepted method of caring for a tree, ideally done by a qualified Arborist who knows when it is the right time to prune, how and where to cut, who has an understanding of tree biology, so the tree isn’t damaged in the process. 

Why Prune?

There are a multitude of reasons to prune and benefits that come with it:

• Stronger, safer trees less prone to falling over and falling, heavy branches
• To promote overall tree health
• To remove dead, dying or diseased branches
• Supports natural growth
• Reduces disease risk
• Reduces the risk of pest infestation
• To encourage strong, balanced growth and structural integrity
• To improve air circulation
• To increase or decrease flower and fruit production
• To improve aesthetics or how the tree looks
• To increase sunlight to the tree’s canopy
• To maintain size, shape and form
• To train growth in a desired direction – away from powerlines, gutters, roofs for example
• Reducing weight on branches

What Is Tree Lopping?

Tree lopping is the practice of cutting often large, random sections off the top or sides of a tree without proper regard for long-term tree health, structure or growth. It is not recommended by modern Arboricultural standards and can create more hazards than it removes. It is generally regarded as a quick fix to reduce the height or spread of a tree, often done by someone who is unqualified or inexperienced, which comes with serious consequences that can over time, make your tree extremely unsafe and vulnerable to a raft of problems, long term damage and possible removal.

The Effects That Can Result From Tree Lopping:

• Serious shock and stress to the tree which can result in weakness and ill health
• Weak regrowth that can actually make the tree grow back thicker and faster
• Loss of structural integrity
• Higher risk of branch failure as new growth has poor attachment
• Increased vulnerability to disease and pests
• An often disfigured, unappealing appearance
• Expensive ongoing maintenance costs as the tree requires correction from incorrect technique

What Is Tree Shaping?

Tree shaping is the practice of gently guiding a tree’s structure to create a desired silhouette or shape while maintaining natural growth, using proper cutting techniques, ideally done by a suitably qualified Arborist. The aim is to craft a beautiful, balanced form, ideal for ornamental trees, feature trees and trees that may be planted close to structures.

Arborists may use shaping to:

• Create a desired shape or silhouette
• Improve the tree’s aesthetics or how it looks
• Balance out uneven growth
• Maintain the tree’s natural character

Hire A Qualified Arborist

When it comes to tree care, hiring a professional Arborist is almost always better than trying to do it yourself for so many reasons. Your safety, time and the health of your tree are just a few! Your trusted Arborist will be able to assess your tree, its health and structure and recommend the best option.  They will have the expert knowledge, skill, tools and equipment to ensure your tree gets the very best care. A little expert care now will save you money in the long run, protect your family and property and keep your trees thriving for years to come.

For all your professional tree pruning, care and maintenance needs, speak to the team at Aussie Tree Solutions today. We have been looking after South-East Queensland trees for over forty years, so whatever your tree issue – we’ll get to the root of it! From tree pruning, to tree removals, Consulting Arborist services to stump grinding, we’ve got you covered.