You might believe that trimming just targets sickly or dead branches, but Georgia Tree Company, a qualified tree service specialist in Buford, GA, knows that different types of tree trimming serve various purposes. Sure, some techniques strictly eliminate problematic growths. Below, you’ll learn about other pruning practices, too.
Types of Tree Trimming That Could Improve Tree Health and Beauty
First things first: never try to trim large, mature specimens by yourself. DIY pruning can be deadly or injurious. A skilled arborist possesses the equipment and know-how to safely navigate the uppermost branches with ease. Now, let’s delve into various pruning practices to learn how they enhance tree health and beauty.
Crown Reduction
Sometimes, the crown outgrows the tree, which may lead to structural issues. Heavy branches may splinter and split if the trunk can’t steadily uphold the crown. Crown reduction controls this issue by reducing the crown size while shaping it for consistent aesthetics.
Deadwooding
Deadwooding (or crown cleaning) is the pruning technique that most people are familiar with. It involves removing dead, dying, or injured limbs while leaving the rest of the branches intact. Arborists use this particular method to protect surrounding vegetation, building structures, and vehicles.
Topping
Some types of tree-trimming methods should be avoided when possible. Tree topping or heading is among them. When an arborist tops a tree, they cut off most of the crown to accommodate power lines and other overhead utilities.
If you top a specimen, you open the wood up to diseases, slow healing, and structural instability. These issues can put your tree on a fast track toward death and deadly property hazards.
Thinning
Some people confuse thinning with deadwooding. Both techniques target specific branches to improve overall tree health. Thinning targets branches that might impede sunlight and airflow while deadwooding eliminates dying limbs.
Trees with dense crowns might seem healthy at first glance. But numerous limbs inhibit much-needed breeze and sunlight. The leaves use sunlight for photosynthesis, so too much foliage eventually becomes a burden. When air can’t flow freely between the branches, moisture collects and encourages fungal and bacterial growth.
Specialized Pruning
What about pruning trees for aesthetic purposes? A knowledgeable arborist, like those at Georgia Tree Company, might recommend:
- Curtain pruning to enhance a property’s privacy with full, well-shaped foliage
- Vista pruning to clarify and frame a scenic view
- Pollarding to accentuate the limb and trunk structure
- Topiary pruning, which gives specimens that classic, rounded shape
- Espalier for training branches to spread along supports like walls and trellises
The best pruning techniques will typically depend on the tree species. For example, palm trees have vastly different trimming needs than an oak or pine tree.
Let Georgia Tree Company Trim Your Trees to Perfection!
Which types of tree trimming do your specimens need? Our crew at Georgia Tree Company can help you find out! You can also find out who to call when a tree falls on the road. Call 404-990-0010 for a free service estimate in Buford, Georgia. Learn more now.