Tree Removal, Lopping and Prunning: They Aren’t the Same Thing!
In talking to qualified arborists you’ll often hear different terms thrown around, and you might be left thinking they all mean the same thing. Terms like tree removal, lopping and pruning may seem interchangeable, but in reality they aren’t.
Total Tree Services Senior Arborist Jamie Nairn likes to make the differences between these commonly used terms known so that home owners can discuss the right options for their circumstances.
Tree Lopping – A common term that’s used by many to encompass anything to do with the maintenance or removal of a tree. In reality, lopping is hard and substantial cutting down of branches without consideration to the effect on tree stability, regrowth, or whether the action will kill the tree. Lopping involves cutting back the upper branches to expose the lower canopy and restrict the height of the tree. Professional arborists don’t usually recommend wholesale lopping as the regrowth is often weaker and that makes the tree more susceptible to storm damage. Lopping a tree back to the trunk also opens the tree to extensive decay and encourages potential termite infestation.
Pruning or thinning – A planned reduction and removal of nuisance branches to improve the appearance of the tree, promote healthy regrowth, and protect people from the potential of falling branches. Proper structured pruning and thinning has the added benefit of improving air circulation in and around the tree to reduce wind loading on the branches. During a storm it could be the difference between a few leaves on the ground versus substantial damage to homes and nearby buildings.
Tree Removal – The structured and planned removal of all branches followed by the trunk. The trunk is usually cut and removed in pieces for safety and effectiveness. Professional arborists will use commercial grade grinding equipment to remove any remaining stump and prevent termite infestations and other dangers.
Total Tree Services welcomes enquiries on tree management strategies, and can develop an appropriate plan to fit your circumstances. When engaging a professional arborist, you aren’t forced to compromise between quality and cost. Fair pricing, quality services, and with a strong safety focus is the mark of true arborist.