The Difference Between Tree Lopping and Tree Pruning

Lopping is not the right approach for the long term health of your trees, but it is sometimes required for safety reasons when large limbs are close to buildings, homes or cars. However, the majority of the time tree lopping is a poor choice and is far more damaging than the alternative, which is tree pruning. In this article we discuss the differences between the two so that you can make an informed decision about the way your trees are trimmed.

Traditionally, tree lopping involves the removal of significant sections of the trees canopy, often in the top part of the crown. It is an aggressive service that leaves the tree significantly weakened. Lopping also leaves open wounds, which expose the tree to infection and pest invasion. In contrast, pruning is performed using clean cuts that prevent infection and promote the growth of healthy regrowth.

A major disadvantage of lopping is that it deprives the trees of their leaves, which is essential to photosynthesis. The lack of foliage will starve the tree of energy and can lead to its death. It can also leave a vulnerable, unstable regrowth pattern that is difficult to manage.

Another problem is that lopped trees are prone to breaking and falling, which is very dangerous for those living around the tree. The new branches that form after a tree has been lopped are weak and poorly formed, meaning that they are more likely to fall in storms and cause damage or injury. Furthermore, the open wounds caused by a lopped tree are prone to infestation and disease. This is because the tree is not equipped to close these wounds, and the pests will take advantage of this.

In contrast, a well-trained and qualified Sydney arborist will only recommend tree lopping in the most extreme of situations. They will always try to perform a risk assessment and health inspection before recommending this type of service. They will also be more than happy to provide alternatives, such as tree pruning, which is safer and more beneficial for the overall health of the tree.

When looking for a professional to trim your trees, it is important to choose an experienced arborist who understands the difference between lopping and pruning. A well-trained arborist will never lop your tree, but instead will use a more careful approach, which will result in your tree having the potential to grow stronger and healthier for the future. It will also be much more visually appealing and add value to your property. The most important thing is to find a reliable company that offers the best quality of work and has an extensive track record in the industry. A good company will also offer a free quote before beginning any work and will follow all necessary regulations to ensure the safety of all those involved in the process. They will also have a high standard of customer service and provide a detailed and clear explanation of the work that they will be doing.