SAve, BEautify and Love Your Trees: Tree CAre Tips

You may have heard the term tree lopping and wondered what differences it has from tree pruning. The two activities seem extremely similar, so many people confuse the processes. However, tree lopping is very different, and it is done for specific reasons. Keep reading to learn more about the difference between lopping and pruning and when you should do either one.

What Is Tree Lopping?

Tree lopping involves removing large portions of the tree to change its look and growth direction. While a skilled tree service will try to preserve the tree's health, lopping has little to do with tree maintenance. Tree lopping has no season, and you may see the process at any time of year. The tools are also larger with less precision.

What Is Tree Pruning?

Tree pruning is usually a more delicate process with smaller tools Tree pruning is usually based on the season and the species. Like lopping, you can also use pruning to change the appearance of your tree. However, you will likely remove much less of the tree and have a less drastic change to its look. Your tree will likely remain close to the same size as before you pruned it.

When Should You Have a Tree Lopped?

Tree lopping is not something you would do regularly. The procedure often removes a large portion of the tree. One common reason to lop a tree is if the tree's growth has caused a hazard or may cause one soon. For example, if a tree has grown too close to power lines or the limbs are growing wild over a roof, you may want to have it lopped for safety reasons.

When Should You Have a Tree Pruned?

Tree pruning is a normal part of tree maintenance. Often, regular tree pruning involves removing budding branches and thinning out the canopy. The procedure may also remove dead or dying branches. The goal is to improve the health of the tree and encourage fruit growth. The timing of when you prune can affect your tree's growth and production, so you need to do it at a specific time of year to get the results you want.

Because tree lopping often involves removing large portions of the tree, have an expert perform the work. Tree service companies and arborists know how much and where to lop the tree without killing it. If you don't do the procedure correctly, you could make your situation worse. Give a professional tree service a call if you have a tree that needs lopping or pruning for the best outcome.