5 Types of Tree Pruning

Pruning your trees has many different benefits, including keeping them healthy and strong. While it may seem counterproductive, cutting off large, heavy branches or diseased limbs can help your tree recover and make it even more disease-resistant. Still, most homeowners don’t take the time to research professional tree trimming or pruning until it’s too late. In fact, many don’t call Nature’s Select Triangle until limbs are lying in the lawn after a bad storm. However, any one of the following types of tree pruning could have prevented the extra damage.

5 Types of Tree Pruning

1. Crown Thinning

Crown thinning is an essential tree pruning procedure that removes smaller, weaker limbs from the tops of your trees. This opens up the tree canopy, allowing more air and light penetration to the branches and leaves below. Crown thinning also lightens larger limbs’ loads, lowering the risk of losing bigger branches in a spring thunderstorm. 

2. Dead Pruning

Removing dead, dying, or diseased branches is an essential part of having trees on your property. Dead pruning not only removes infected limbs, but also improves the appearance of your trees, instantly boosting your property’s curb appeal. Removing all of the dead branches lowers the risk of injury to you and your home. 

3. Crown Reduction

If your trees’ overall height is a concern, then they’re the perfect candidates for crown reduction. By removing small branches attached to the larger, heavier branches, crown reduction ensures that your trees don’t become too top-heavy. This type of pruning is especially crucial for younger trees, and helps promote the young tree to continue to grow big and strong without all the added weight of smaller branches.

4. Crown Lifting

Crown lifting is the pruning process that removes the low-hanging branches and limbs that are weighing down the higher ones. This process is usually done for trees that overhang sidewalks, roads, or even your home. However, this process is harmful to larger, more mature trees, making it a process intended for younger trees. Crown lifting also allows for your trees to match the rest of your landscaping, leaving them both well-manicured and healthy. 

5. Pollarding

Pollarding involves removing all branches so that all that remains is a framework of the secondary branches along the main stem. Pollarding begins when your trees are still young and is done at regular intervals during their lifespan. This type of trimming provides a constant supply of small diameter poles without killing your tree. 

Tree Care Matters to Us

Tree care and pruning is an essential part of homeownership. If your trees haven’t been pruned in a while, it’s time to call the professional team at Nature’s Select Triangle. Not only can we prune your young or mature trees, but we can also treat them for diseases, treat your lawn for pests, and set you up with a boxwood treatment program. We proudly serve residents throughout Chapel Hill, NC, and the surrounding areas. To get a free tree pruning estimate, give us a call today at (919) 240-4239.