Tree Trimming vs. Pruning: What’s the Difference?

Short answer: People use the words interchangeably. Pruning usually means selective cuts for the tree’s health and structure, like removing dead or crossing branches. Trimming often means cutting back for looks and clearance, like lifting limbs off the roof.

Pruning: For the Tree

• Removing dead, diseased or broken branches.
• Taking out branches that cross and rub.
• Thinning the crown to let light and air through.
• Shaping young trees so they grow strong.

Trimming: For Your Space

• Cutting branches back off the roof, siding or wires.
• Lifting low limbs over the driveway, walkway or patio.
• Keeping a tree’s size in check near the house.

In Practice, It’s Usually Both

Most jobs are a bit of each. When we come out, we don’t worry about the label. We look at what your tree needs and what’s bothering you, and explain what we’d do. See tree trimming and pruning.

What We Don’t Do

We don’t top trees, meaning cut the whole top off flat. It badly weakens the tree and leads to messy, weak regrowth.