The terms “tree pruning” and “tree trimming” are commonly used interchangeably, however, what many people don’t realise is that there is a difference between both tree maintenance techniques. If you are unfamiliar with the distinction and want to make sure that you are taking proper care of the trees on your property, then this is the article for you.
We’re going to highlight the differences between tree pruning and tree trimming. Then we’ll look at what time of year is best to prune a tree, including some of the general ‘rules’ for tree pruning so you can ensure that you are doing everything correctly.
Read on if you’d like to learn more…
What is the difference between pruning and trimming?
So, what is the difference between tree pruning and tree trimming? Is it an important distinction? Let’s take a closer look:
Tree pruning
Tree pruning is not only limited to ‘tree maintenance’. In fact, the term is often also associated with the careful removal of any branches and roots that are deemed unnecessary. These branches and roots might be dead, dying, diseased, and even crossed with other branches, thus impacting the overall health and well-being of the tree itself.
Tree pruning is a process for removing these ‘unnecessary’ branches.
Additionally, it’s not uncommon for branches to grow outward in the wrong direction. For example: they may grow towards electrical utility wires or neighbouring structures which can not only be dangerous, but a public liability for you.
Pruning can help you keep those unwanted growths in check and ensure that your tree is as safe, happy, and healthy as possible – while also keeping you and your family safe from injury in the event of a dead branch snapping off in heavy winds.
Tree trimming
Tree trimming on the other hand is used to help trees, shrubs, and hedges grow is as healthy a manner as possible.
In many cases, people trim the trees on their property in order to make their environment more attractive.
When trimming your trees, it is always recommended that you cut away green shoots, which is essential for encouraging healthier growth on the whole.
So, in addition to managing a tree’s growth, trimming is also commonly used to improve the overall appearance of the tree itself.
Just be careful when trimming. You must be conservative as trimming away too much from a tree can cause unnecessary trauma, thus leading to all manner of health issues.
What time of year is best to prune a tree?
If you’d like to know what time of year is best to prune a tree, first you should think carefully about the tree species in question. The fact is, certain species of tree do sometimes benefit from being pruned at certain times of the year—and indeed at different intervals.
In any case, there’s never really a “bad time” to prune a tree when you are removing dead, dying, or diseased branches.
Most typical tree species in Australia benefit greatly from being pruned in mid to late winter. This is because pruning during a tree’s dormancy can encourage new growth the moment the weather begins to warm up.
Additionally, a tree’s lack of leaves during the Autumn months can help you to better identify any branches and limbs that need removal (without having to dig your way through thick foliage).
What are the general rules for pruning?
If you are thinking about pruning the trees on your property by yourself, you’ll need to brush up on some of the basics. Here are the 10 rules of pruning to help get you started:
- The first rule of tree pruning is that it is always best done during the tree’s dormancy period. Again, it’s easier to both see and access the branches of a tree when the leaves have fallen.
- Remember, you can prune dead, diseased, and dying branches at any time of the year. Don’t feel like you need to wait until Christmas to remove a branch that is otherwise hazardous. Ultimately, by removing diseased growths, you’ll be doing the tree a favour and allowing it to focus its energy elsewhere (e.g., desired growth and fruiting).
- Any Spring flowering trees should typically be pruned immediately after the flowering process has finished.
- Any Summer flowering plants should typically be pruned in the late Winter. If you do so before flowering, it may result in you accidentally removing young buds thus impacting their future formation.
- As for fruiting trees, wait until the main fruiting season has finished before pruning.
- Certain fruit trees may need additional pruning / thinning during the fruiting period. You should aim to remove any excess or overcrowded fruit that would otherwise weigh a branch down and result in it breaking.
- For berry bushes (e.g., Lilly Pilly), consider pruning after the fruiting finishes.
- Always use the right tool for the job! You don’t need large garden sheers for a small shrub. In some cases, small buds can easily be pinched off using your fingers.
- Keep your tools, loppers, and saws, sharp and in good working condition. Cleaner cuts heal quicker – thus reducing any risk of disease.
- Prune close to the collar but make sure you avoid damaging the limb (the collar is the swollen growth around a branch joint on the main limb).
Bonus: Always double-check to make sure that your trees aren’t protected. Certain regulated and significant trees may need approval before touching.
Final thoughts
To recap:
- Pruning is the process of removing dead, dying, or diseased branches.
- Trimming is typically used for improving the appearance of a tree – and promoting healthy growth by removing green shoots.
- The winter months are a good time for pruning a tree when it is in dormancy.
- If you follow the ‘rules’ of pruning, you shouldn’t run into too many problems.
If you feel overwhelmed and don’t want to make any mistakes when pruning the trees on your property, we highly recommend calling professionals to assist you.
In any case, we hope that you’ve found this article insightful and inspiring. Best of luck with taking care of the beautiful trees on your property!