What is Tree Trimming and Pruning? The Benefits, Importance, and Methods of Each Arbor Technique

Forest trees are free to grow according to their environment, which is usually just up as they compete for sunlight.  However, when they do grow in other directions, forest rules come into play.  That is, the forest habitat and competition among all plants will dictate how and where a tree can grow.  Further, deadfall is commonplace on the forest floor as trees can naturally shed branches and die without any ramifications to humans or their property.  

Landscape trees - trees in yards and public spaces - don't have the freedom to grow as they please.  That is, without impacting people and property.  So how do we keep our trees in check so they play by our rules yet look beautiful in your landscapes and public spaces?  The answer is tree trimming and pruning.  
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What You Should Know About Difference Between Trimming and Pruning

What are the definitions of tree trimming and pruning?

Trimming and pruning s the selective cutting of limbs from a tree.  The mission is to cut unwanted limbs, improve the tree's overall structure and shape, and re-direct healthy, new growth.  The different between trimming and prune is the scale.  Think of pruning as a lesser, smaller version of trimming.  In tree trimming, you cut large branches from a large, mature tree, while in pruning the size of the cuts are smaller and the age of the tree is younger.  Trimming focuses more removing dead or burdensome limbs and cutting back an overgrown tree; while pruning is trimming at the early stage of the trees life to provide it with the property structure and direction for new growth.  
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What are the benefits of pruning?

Trimming is one of the best things you can do for a tree that is overgrown and potentially a hazard in your landscape, such as having limbs lay on your roof or grow too near electrical lines.  Pruning is the best thing you can do for a young tree to ensure optimal growth and structure.  
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Trimming and Pruning Provides a Plethora of Benefits to Include:

• Eliminates broken, damaged, and dead limbs
• Safeguards your property from potential damage an overgrown tree can cause
• In removing old limbs, you enable the tree to focus its growth on new, healthy branches
• Provide the tree with structure to grow in a way suitable for your landscape and nearby property structures
• Improve the overall aesthetics of the tree
• Provide for its overall long-term health

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What are the different objectives for trimming and pruning?

Different arbor goals demand different approaches to cutting.  ​Below are the most common objectives:

• Thinning eliminated branches all the way back to the trunk.  This is a technique to allow more sunlight to reach the interior of the canopy as well as reducing wind resistance, which will help a tree weather strong winds
• Cleaning is a like detailing a car.  Cuts are made to eliminate diseased, dying, damaged, and dead branches to give the tree a fresher look.  
• Reduction trimming and pruning seek to reduce the tree's width and/or height.  Limbs are shortened to allow for access around electrical lines and the eliminate a tree's threat of touching a home or building.  
• Structural trimming (or pruning) utilizes some or all of the above objectives to improve the tree's structure and provide for its overall long-term health.