Trees are one of the most valuable resources on earth, and seeing them around in the neighborhood can be a delight. However, certain practices have to be employed to maintain tree health. Two of those are tree pruning and tree lopping. Unfortunately, they are often thought to be the same thing, and this is a common misconception. Tree lopping, in fact, is not easily permitted, whereas tree pruning can be done anytime.

Both are tree trimming techniques often used to maintain tree health. This is generally done to ensure that the nutrients and minerals are redirected to the developing and growing parts.

So what exactly is the clear difference between tree lopping and pruning? Let’s find out!

Tree Lopping

Tree lopping involves trimming branches of trees to reduce the overall tree size. This consists of the removal of the huge tree branches. It helps to modify the tree’s shape and to direct the tree’s growth in a certain direction without compromising its health.

Even sizeable and damaged portions of the tree can encourage better growth and longevity. This is generally done to maintain the tree’s height, not to cause any inconvenience, or not to let it grow past a certain height in orchards.

It is a very heavy-duty task depending on the type of tree and hence, requires gas-powered clippers, manual shears, electrical shears, and other mechanized equipment to do it efficiently.

Tree Lopping is widely used to maintain artificial parks or prevent any electrical mishaps near the lines. There would be services of experienced tree loppers that make sure that the structure or aesthetics of the tree won’t be impacted.

Tree lopping should also be done carefully, as removing too many leaves and branches can hurt the tree’s health. This can make the tree susceptible to parasites and diseases.

Tree lopping has no specifics about the seasons; however, it is recommended that lopping is avoided during winters when the metabolic activity of the plant is less. This can hinder recovery, so lopping is to be avoided in this season.

Tree Pruning

Tree pruning is a more common word. This method is more directly involved with maintaining tree health. It protects the trees against diseases and ensures longevity. This just includes trimming the tree branches and is done using lopping or hand shears that can cut through thicker branches and stems.

Pruning is also done annually to maintain tree health. This is done to enhance the flowering nature of the aesthetic plants. After every blooming cycle, pruning shrubs is highly recommended. This is because trees excrete unwanted wastes by storing them in older plant parts. These tend to just become an extra weight on a tree and should be removed.

Pruning should, however, be done with precaution. Good services like Tree pruning are available for effective pruning. The pruned branches should not be directed inwards and should not grow crossed with other branches as sometimes friction or improper growth can cause them to break off. Water sprouts and small branches with no leaves or bud can also be trimmed.

The advantages of tree pruning are to enhance newer growths on trees and improve fruit development and production. Pruning also protects against viral, bacterial, or fungal diseases of trees by helping remove the infected part.

In addition, the branches that can pose a danger to the people or surroundings can be removed. As a result, the garden would look more maintained and aesthetic. Pruning is also resorted to during severe weather damage to protect the tree and help in correcting any harm to it. There are various types of pruning like lifting, reduction, and thinning of the crown regions.

What decides if you should prune or lop a tree?

Experienced arborists and landscapers often can tell immediately which to resort to for the maintenance of a tree. Getting an expert opinion would ensure the safety of your tree, and you would also understand how to follow it up after the deed is done. They would also know the legal sides of tree maintenance and whether it is pruning or lopping that should be done.

To decide whether to prune or lop a tree, first consider the tree and outline why you want to trim the tree.

1.   In case of disease

If the tree has faded or has mosaic spotted leaves, it is an indicator of viral or fungal disease. Make sure you understand how the disease transmits and decide whether to prune or lop it.

If the disease spreads by contact, lopping would be the safest option. If the disease is localized, pruning would be enough.

2.   In the case of tree shaping

If you want to trim it for aesthetic purposes, then look at the structure of the tree. If the branches are thick, lopping is the best option. However, if the branches are thin and more foliage has to be trimmed, then pruning would be enough.

3.   In case of ensuring safety

The number of deaths caused by trees is up to 30 to 35 in certain areas in Australia. Hence, ensuring the safety of walkers is essential. Furthermore, some trees that have a fast developmental rate have to be lopped to prevent regrowth.

In addition, large trees can often cause inconvenience to electrical lines and houses. Whereas shrubs, small trees that cause inconvenience can be just pruned regularly to avoid any mishaps.

4.   In the case of architectural incorporation

Many houses and mansions often are built around a tree to prevent harming the ecosystem. However, this cannot be done without redirecting the tree’s growth so as to not cause damage to the houses.

Hence, lopping is often resorted to ensure the tree grows in a safe and controlled way. This ensures there is no harm to the tree, and building a structure around it did not require tree-cutting.

Final Words

Tree pruning and lopping are different techniques to trim a tree. Consult with our expert arborists to ensure the best health of your trees. To decide which service is better, first, understand the reason for cutting and the nature of the tree and then opt for the appropriate option.