Tree Trimming and Pruning Services
Black Eagle Tree Services is Your Local Tree Trimming and Pruning Expert
The Difference Between Tree Trimming and Tree Pruning:
Although these two terms are often used interchangeably, they have distinct functions and applications. Tree trimming occurs when you cut back overgrown shrubs and hedges in order to improve their appearance, making them appear shapely and well-groomed. Trimming alleviates excessively dense bushes that block essential sunlight and moisture from reaching your landscape.
On the other hand, Tree pruning is the process of removing weak and diseased tree limbs in order to maintain it strong and healthy. Proper pruning removes potential safety hazards due to falling branches and adds to your yard’s aesthetic, allowing you to control tree shapes and sizes.
Both trimming and pruning are critical to supporting the overall health and natural appearance of any tree. Our certified consulting arborists at Black Eagle Tree Services will assess your tree’s pruning needs from removal of unhealthy tree limbs to disease reduction.
The first decision you will have to make, is whether you would like to prune your trees by yourself or hire a certified arborist or urban forester. Pruning shrubs or small trees won’t require much knowledge or equipment on your end if you decide to do it yourself; however, in cases of larger trees, we highly recommend hiring a professional tree care company that is licensed to do the job and also protected by a liability insurance policy. Your personal safety should never be compromised for a tree maintenance project.
The Importance of Pruning and Trimming Trees:
There are multiple benefits of pruning trees, such as minimizing risks, removing dead branches, and improving the strength and health of a tree. Keeping your trees regularly pruned will not only help them maintain their fullness and shape, but also have their branches growing correctly.
It is important to keep in mind that every type of tree requires a different pruning technique and tree maintenance. Trimming trees also offer different aesthetic benefits, and these may be increasing light or air penetration in some areas of your yard or house or providing safe clearance and visibility.
Black Eagle Tree Services is fully equipped, licensed and insured to perform residential and commercial tree services in Pinellas, Hillsborough County, and Pasco County, FL.
FAQ
Do you need a permit to trim a tree?
Homeowners don’t need a permit to trim trees located on their properties and can only trim up to 25% of the tree’s foliage. In case of commercial trees, it is important to refer to your local tree ordinance for specific information and guidelines. In some cases, permits are not required if the tree trimmings are carried out by a certified arborist.
What is the difference between tree trimming and pruning?
Tree trimming is when overgrown or dead branches are removed from a tree in order to improve its appearance, making it appear shapely and well-groomed. Trimming alleviates excessively dense bushes that block essential sunlight and moisture from reaching your landscape.
Tree pruning is the process of removing weak and diseased tree limbs in order to maintain it strong and healthy. Proper pruning removes potential safety hazards due to falling branches and adds to your yard’s aesthetic, allowing you to control tree shapes and sizes.
Does pruning help trees?
Pruning is very important to all trees and plants. Proper pruning can significantly improve your tree’s appearance and overall health. It also stimulates good growth. By removing weak and diseased limbs, you are helping your trees to not only avoid breakages, but also to develop sturdy and structurally sound frames.
How do you trim an oak tree without killing it?
If possible, avoid trimming oak trees during the summer to reduce the chance of Oak wilt. Oak wilt is a fungal disease that has resulted in thousands of dead trees throughout the U.S. Symptoms of oak wilt may start within a few weeks and tree death can occur within several months. A tree with open pruning wounds is vulnerable to fungal diseases and summer months are very common for pests and other tree diseases.
Tree preservation is something we take very seriously and consider that pruning techniques are different from tree to tree. If your oak tree is under 5 years old, it is recommended that you only trim dead wood or broken branches.
Oak trees 5 years or older can be pruned and trimmed to a certain shape, but you must remove branches that have started growing towards the center of the tree. Branches that rub against each other start creating wounds and this can make your trees vulnerable to disease.
What happens if you don’t prune a tree?
The major cause of dead and hazardous trees is improper pruning and lack of maintenance. Trees must be pruned periodically to improve their safety, health, and value.
Not removing dead or broken wood from your trees can represent a safety hazard in the event of high winds or storms. Fallen tree branches can cause serious damage to your personal property.
When dead or decaying wood is not properly trimmed from a tree, it may attract woodboring insects, also known as beetles, which will weaken the tree and eventually cause it to fall.
How often should trees be trimmed?
It is recommended to start trimming your trees at a young age when branches are less than 3” thick. During the first five years of a tree, periodic tree trimming, of no more than 25% of the tree’s live wood, can lead to healthy and strong branches that grow in the right direction.
For mature trees, it is important to remove all dead or diseased wood at least once a year. It is recommended to prune no more than 20% of the tree’s live wood.
It is important to have a professional tree service company or urban forester inspect your trees once a year to determine if they are due for trimming, and also provide you with insights on different tree care techniques that can prevent long-term damage or disease.
When should you not trim trees?
It is only necessary to trim broad-leaf trees and conifers. Unlike broad-leaf trees, conifers don’t have canopies to thin, but you should trim them to control their outward growth and to get rid of diseased limbs.
Palm trees don’t need to be trimmed, although they do appreciate a bit of care now and again. You can remove coconuts, large seeds, and brown fronds, but they are otherwise very low maintenance.
Service Areas
We provide top quality service for trees in Pinellas and Hillsborough County. Our most popular areas of service are:
| Tampa, FL | Largo, FL |
| Brandon, FL | Dunedin, FL |
| Plant City, FL | Pinellas Park, FL |
| Lutz, FL | Palm Harbor, FL |
| Odessa, FL | Safety Harbor, FL |
| South Tampa, FL | St. Petersburg, FL |
| Westchase, FL | Tarpon Springs, FL |
| Clearwater, FL | Indian Rocks Beach, FL |
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FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
Do I need a permit to remove a tree?
If a certified arborist determines that your tree poses a danger, Florida property owners do not require a permit from their local municipality to remove, replant, prune or trim a tree. Contact us! We’re here to help.
When Should my Trees be pruned?
When it comes to tree pruning, the best time to do it is during late fall, between the changing leaves in fall and flower blooms in spring.
Do I need to fertilize the trees on my property?
Trees and shrubs should be fertilized in early spring, and a light fertilizer application can be made in early summer if conditions are conducive to plant growth.
