Clients contact us for pruning and pruning more than for any other service. But did you know that these two terms do not mean the same thing? Certainly, in both cases, it is about cutting off parts of a tree. However, the approach is distinguished by the primary goal sought.
Understanding the difference between pruning and pruning a tree When it comes to pruning, the main concern remains the tree and its good bearing capacity. Of course, what people want is still important, but it is not the priority. On the contrary, compromises will be made in terms of the human needs concerned in order to satisfy them without compromising the well-being of the tree.
In the case of pruning, the work is more global and carried out with a long-range perspective. This is why it is part of a planning process designed to ensure the extent and quality of the tree's development. So each cut is carefully thought out and restricted to the strict essentials.
Pruning, on the other hand, is more drastic, because its ultimate objective is the resolution of human problems, to the detriment of the tree if necessary. In other words, humans take precedence over trees. This does not mean that the gesture of pruning is not justified in this case. On the contrary, the goal is so important that it may ultimately lead to having to sacrifice a tree.
A good example is when Hydro-Québec has cut back the tops of trees or a lot of branches without regard to the aesthetic result or damage, because it is imperative to preserve a protective clearance around electrical wires. It's a matter of system safety. The protection of such a large and mass-used infrastructure justifies such consequences to trees.
Tree pruning
Pruning therefore aims to trim or delimb the lateral parts of a tree with a view to imperative objectives. However, such a radical and short-term action usually puts considerable stress on a tree to the point of slowing down or compromising its development to a greater or lesser extent. The death of the plant may even follow as a result of the resolute action.
However, pruning may be unavoidable if the safety of people is at stake or if there are protection requirements for otherwise damaged structures. In such cases, pruning may be unavoidable regardless of the consequences.
Pruning is therefore to be reserved for objectives such as cutting the top to clear a view to which one aspires or to safeguard infrastructures. Or again, we want to cut down bulky branches that prevent the installation of relaxation furniture to create the oasis of peace we've been dreaming of for ages, at the foot of our so majestic plant colossus. And this, even if the health of the tree suffers, because the objective is considered superior.
Tree trimming
It is now understood that pruning is part of long-term planning and that the appearance and composition of the trees remains the prerogative.
This is why a pruner is concerned with cutting only the bare essentials of your tree. He is meticulous and thinks about the impacts. Sick, dead, weak or damaged sections are therefore cut back. When branches compete with each other, he takes care to remove those that are in competition with each other so that each one can grow freely. Because of its long-term perspective, pruning can be considered a preventive measure, as it involves anticipating the consequences, and therefore the application of this technique may mean that pruning is not required in the future. Pruning can also sometimes prevent the tree from being felled.
For example, pruning can be done to make a tree look more proud; to remove its deteriorated or dried out parts; to direct the tree in a different direction over time; to allow sunlight to eventually shine on a corner darkened by disturbing foliage... but the health of the tree and the long-term vision remain the ultimate concern. The strategy and actions to be taken are designed with this in mind.