Arborists based out of Your Area, BC talk about tree trimming methods.
What is the Purpose of Tree Shearing and Tree Pruning?
Human beings have been using trees for shelter and food throughout recorded history. Cultures of the past revered trees for all that they provide, and trees were used as symbols of life and the gods. Yet we humans have still sought to be masters of these things that live many times longer than we do and have perfected techniques to make trees not only produce more and better fruit but to shape them into designs of our own making. Much of this comes down to proper tree pruning, tree shearing, and tree trimming.
Defining Tree Cutting Terminology
To the uninitiated, all tree-cutting terms may seem to be the same. Is there a difference between pruning, shearing, and trimming, really? The short answer is yes. There are differences in these terms and it is not as subtle a difference as one might expect.
- Pruning: Taking off limbs near the trunk in order to produce the best outcome for the tree’s health. Cuts are made in a way that is natural for the tree.
- Trimming: Removing limbs due to inconvenient or unwanted growth, for example cutting limbs near a roof or power lines.
- Shearing: Trimming the edges of the tree or shrub to produce the desired shape. Shearing is for aesthetics only.
All of these methods have their place but are used in very different situations.
Benefits of Pruning
The act of pruning is beneficial to plants and trees in several ways. By removing limbs close to the base of the tree or shrub, it promotes new growth from the trunk which creates a fuller, lusher interior. It can help the trees increase their productivity. This is, of course, important in flowering trees and fruit trees. It prevents overcrowding of branches. Pruning clears out unhealthy branches helps the tree conserve resources for further healthy growth.
Benefits of Shearing
Shearing is an excellent tool for trees, shrubs, and hedges that are used in highly structured landscaping. Shearing cuts off new growth on the very end of branches in order to maintain a particular shape. Square hedgerows are the easiest example of this. Any time you see a round living topiary or extremely angular evergreen, it has been sheared. In order to maintain these precise shapes, a tree or bush must be trimmed back several times during the growing season. Despite this need for tree maintenance, shearing does give a precise and clean look to plants and trees in certain landscaping scenarios.
The Dangers of Over-Shearing or The Importance of Relying on the Professionals
Because shearing cuts off the newest green growths on the end of branches, it is possible to damage or kill a plant with over-shearing. Shearing must be done in conjunction with pruning in order to keep a tree healthy. Consult a certified arborist if you have any concerns. Their primary job is to keep trees healthy and growing and they will have all the answers you need. They can show you how to treat your trees for their best life.
About My Tree Service
If you have concerns about your trees, call My Tree Service in Your Area, BC for answers. We do commercial and residential vegetation maintenance and will find a solution to meet your needs.