The Difference Between Shearing and Pruning

Arborist from Atlanta, GA share insider tips about shearing and its effect on tree health

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The Only Definition of Shearing You Will Ever Need 

Both pruning and shearing are methods of tree maintenance. Besides the fact that they are both tree trimming methods, the two couldn&#;t be more different. For shearing, imagine a hedge maze. The unnatural and formal look in these plant-made labyrinths is crafted through shearing. Christmas trees are also often sheared to create the iconic triangular shape. The focus for this tree service is mainly on the top portions of the tree or shrub to create a uniform look. 

New growth is sheared off to maintain a tailored appearance. A tree service company is often solicited to shear a plant because of the expertise needed to create the look and to do so in a way that maintains tree health. Read on to learn more about shearing and how it is different from pruning or trimming. 

What Sets Shearing Apart from Pruning and Trimming

Pruning and trimming are two other methods for containing development and promoting tree health. Trimming cuts back overgrown sections, which in turn provides the rest of the plant with sufficient moisture and light. Trimming should promote healthy growth. Pruning focuses on tree health by eliminating infected, loose, or dead branches. Shearing involves the appearance of the trees or shrubs. 

The effects of the various methods differ as well. While all methods of controlling growth can promote tree health, pruning and trimming prioritize airflow. Shearing creates a thick wall on the outside of the plant. This makes it harder for sunlight and airflow to reach the center of the shrub. Proper tree care with shearing can require a more skilled hand, as the art form naturally gives the center of the tree a disadvantage over pruned or trimmed plant life. 

What Trees and Plants Can Be Sheared?

Shearing is ideal for hedges that are used as a boundary. The thick plant walls are perfect for creating privacy from nosy neighbors or busy streets. If a gardener wants a tailored look in their garden, it&#;s important they choose a plant that will thrive with the seasonal or annual cutting back. Evergreen shrubs and trees are a classic choice for shearing. Herbaceous perennial shrubs also benefit from shearing. This shrub will have new shoots growing annually from the roots. 

Cutting back the perennial after it blooms can encourage regrowth and reflowering. Keep an eye out for plants with brown tips around midsummer, as these plants might need some light shearing as well. A good rule of thumb for assessing if plants are suited to shearing is to look at the leaves, branch density, and growth rate. Shearing shrubs and trees should have dense branching, leaves that are less than two inches, and a slow growth rate. 

The Benefits of A Tree Service Company 

An arborist&#;s goal is to help plants thrive. Poor technique with shearing can ultimately kill a shrub or tree. If a gardener cuts back on new growth too much, only older and less healthy branches and leaves will remain. The center of the plant will be weak and barren from a lack of sunlight and airflow. Tree shearing can be done safely and support tree health, but it is best done with someone that knows when and where to cut. 

About Boutte Tree, Inc.

Boutte Tree is the top-rated service on both Angie&#;s List and HomeAdvisor for all tree services. These arborists bring their love of trees to every job, whether it&#;s tree pruning, risk assessment, tree removal, cabling for weaker trees, or general tree health care. For any and all tree needs in the Atlanta, GA area, call Boutte Tree.

Last Updated June 1,

Why prune trees? Pruning is an excellent preventative practice for both young and established plants. There are many benefits of pruning, and it&#;s an important part of a long-term maintenance strategy to keep shrubs and trees healthy and thriving.

What Is Pruning?

Pruning is the practice of selectively removing specific parts of a tree or shrub, such as buds, branches, or roots. Proper pruning ensures that your shrubs and trees stay healthy and attractive. When it comes to pruning, timing is essential, and so is knowing how and where to cut, such as trimming at the right angles and proper distances and lengths.

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What Is Pruning Used For?

There are multiple reasons why pruning is important. The benefits of pruning include the following:

Improving the Health of Trees and Shrubs

Improving the health of trees and shrubs is one of the most significant benefits of pruning, especially for residential and commercial property owners. But how? Removing the dead, diseased, and injured parts of a tree or shrub maximizes their vigor and aesthetic qualities. Removing vulnerable parts of the plant will also minimize the potential for pest damage. Plus, pruning encourages good growth patterns and improves air circulation.

Enhancing the Appearance of Landscapes

You can think of pruning as giving your trees and shrubs a haircut. It makes them look better, enhancing the appearance of your landscape. Pruning can be more than just trimming and removing dead or diseased branches and buds. A professional landscaper can create distinctly specialized forms that give your landscape a fresh and stylish look.

Increasing Fruit Production

Sometimes fruit trees need a little help to increase their fruit production. The good news is that pruning benefits fruit trees, too. A great way to maximize flowering and fruit production is by removing old, unproductive branches. Doing this provides two immediate benefits for your trees. First, it will open up the canopy. Opening the canopy allows more light to penetrate, stimulating flower bud development and leading to more fruit! Second, pruning unproductive sections reduces the amount of branches competing for water and nutrients, which will help the remaining branches flourish.

Promoting Safety

Another reason why pruning is essential is that it promotes safety. Weak and rotting branches and limbs pose hazards to people and pets. Limbs and branches can also become hazardous when they grow too close to power lines or buildings. Our experts can safely remove any parts of the tree that create a dangerous situation or pose a hazard.

Supporting Wildlife Habitat

Trees are invaluable to our environment and help support wildlife habitats. When trees are neglected, they look overgrown, lack good quality fruit products, and are at greater risk of disease and damage from wind. Pruning can help support wildlife habitats by providing food and shelter for birds, insects, and other animals. Plus, pruning benefits wildlife habitats by promoting healthy growth patterns that can support a diverse range of species.

The Different Types of Pruning

There are various pruning methods you can use based on the needs of your trees and shrubs, including thinning, topping, raising, and reduction. Each type is:

Thinning

This procedure removes a branch from its point of origin. Thinning can enhance light penetration and manage growth. This method is especially beneficial for trees and shrubs that grow quickly, to ensure they do not become overgrown. This increased light penetration can also benefit trees and shrubs that are in close proximity.

Topping

This process involves removing a good portion of the branches from the top of the tree. Topping is commonly used when training young trees to grow in a certain way or direction.

Raising

This method of pruning involves trimming low-hanging branches to create more headroom for pedestrians, parked cars, or to clear entryways.

Reduction

This type of pruning requires trimming back a tree&#;s volume, typically for safety reasons, such as creating space for power lines or in preparation for a weather event.

Dangers of DIY Pruning

DIY pruning usually requires climbing a ladder to tall heights to cut down limbs, which can result in injury to people or property. Additionally, improper pruning can harm trees and shrubs. These alone are good enough reasons to seek professional pruning assistance. We can help! Our pruning services can assist with pruning trees, shrubs, and other plants, without the risk or personal injury or property damage.

Contact Us for Professional Pruning Service

Since many homeowners don&#;t have the proper tools and aren&#;t sure what to do or when to prune, hiring a professional is often the best solution. The Grounds Guys are your local tree care experts. We have the right equipment, skills, and experience to do the job safely and correctly. And all our work is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise&#;, which guarantees your satisfaction. We&#;re happy to provide free estimates for pruning services, so contact us today!

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