Tree Trimming and Tree Shaping

Trees are an integral part of the overall landscape and they add a lot to its beauty. In addition to that, they also help boost the health of your lawn and property. However, sometimes they can become overgrown, leading to unsightly and unhealthy looking trees. In such cases, it is important to perform regular trimming on your trees and shrubs. Tree trimming is a type of pruning that involves cutting specific branches to reduce their density, promote growth in the right direction and remove any potential hazards.

Tree shaping, on the other hand, is a type of artistic horticultural practice that uses living trees and shrubs to shape them into ornamental designs and structures. It is similar to pleaching, bonsai and espalier techniques that involve manipulating plant stems into specific shapes.

While a combination of art and science, this technique requires a good understanding of the biology of trees, mastery of pruning techniques, and an artistic vision to achieve desired shapes over time. It can be a fun and rewarding activity to do for yourself, as well as for those with the proper training and experience.

Trimming is the basic form of pruning that most people know about. This involves removing the excess branches from your yard to enhance their appearance and to ensure that they do not interfere with power lines or other infrastructure. It is often conducted on hedges and shrubs as well to keep them neat and tidy.

Regularly performing this task will reduce the risk of injury or damage to your property and promote healthy growth by allowing sunlight and air circulation to the entire plant. It will also prevent the buildup of excess weight that may lead to a broken branch or even the entire tree falling over.

To get the most out of your pruning routine, make sure that you follow best practices. For example, when cutting a large branch, always begin with an undercut about 12-18 inches away from the point where it joins the trunk. Then, cut about 1/3 of the way up from there to the branch collar. Avoid applying paint or wound dressing to the cuts as this can slow healing and leave the tree vulnerable to disease and insects.

The most common trimming tools are hand shears and loppers. The latter is usually preferred for thicker branches as it has a long handle that allows you to apply leverage. Other common hand tools include hand pruners and hand saws. When choosing a tool, you should consider its size and weight, as well as the diameter of the branches that need to be cut.

Having the right tools and following proper pruning techniques is crucial for getting the most out of your trimming process. Using incorrect or outdated equipment can result in poor quality cuts, which will weaken the integrity of the branches and may cause additional damage to your landscape.

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