Tree Trimming & Pruning

Tree Trimming & Pruning Services

It may look as simple as slicing off a branch here and there, but proper tree trimming and pruning require an artful hand and a scientific understanding of how your actions will affect your tree. While there are instances where DIY tree trimming is acceptable — such as removing smaller dead branches or clipping back unwanted growth — for the most part, pruning and trimming should be left to professional arborists with the necessary experience.

Here at Gosnell Tree & Landscape, we have over 60 years to practice and perfect tree care and maintenance. We know that pruning and trimming are important elements of tree care, and we do our utmost to stay abreast of relevant methods and equipment to offer you the best trimming services in Santa Barbara.

Whether you’re looking to add style to your landscaping with perfectly manicured trees, want to make sure that your trees are healthy and well-cared for, or need to make your property safer by ensuring your trees are trimmed and cleaned, our team is here to help.

Pruning and Trimming – What’s the Difference?

While many landscaping companies offer pruning and trimming services, the terms are often used interchangeably. And though either service can be incredibly beneficial to your property, there are several differences you should be aware of.

Tree Trimming

The trimming process is primarily concerned with aesthetics, though it can also promote healthy growth by allowing more light and air to filter around the tree and the plants below it. Trimming is often done by removing new shoots from trees or by thinning extraneous branches to allow more mature and hardy limbs to retain a greater amount of nutrients and grow stronger. Unlike pruning, trimming can usually be done any time throughout the year.

Tree Pruning

Pruning is removing dead, infected, diseased, broken, or dangerous branches in order to protect your tree and make it strong and healthy. Pruning can even be done to the roots, though this should always be handled by professionals to reduce the risk of severely damaging or killing your tree.

The process of pruning primarily involves removing dead or unusable branches from a tree to halt the spread of pests, fungus, or decay and prevent the limbs from becoming a hazard to people or property.

When to Prune Your Trees

Timing matters when it comes to tree trimming and pruning, as cutting back your tree in the wrong season could result in stunted growth or other issues. While a professional arborist can help you identify the best times for pruning and trimming, here are some general guidelines:

• Most shrubs and trees require annual pruning for maximum health and growth.
• Generally, trees should be pruned during colder winter months — this will promote growth during spring.
• Alternatively, pruning trees during the summer will discourage new growth.
• Pruning a tree directly after a blooming cycle will boost flowering capacity.
• Young trees should be pruned early to optimize their health and improve their overall shape.
• To retain a clean and polished look to your trees, trim at least twice per year.
• It’s generally best to avoid pruning in the fall.
• Pruning a palm tree is much different than pruning other common trees and often needs to be done bi-annually at the very least.
• There is never a bad time to remove dead or damaged branches — however, if they’re large or out of reach, it’s best to let the professionals do it.

Of course, there are many other reasons to look into tree pruning. The bottom line is, you’ll reap more rewards when you invest in proper services provided by professionals like those at Gosnell Tree & Landscape.

Trimming Trees for Over 60 Years

Our team at Gosnell Tree & Landscape has been serving the Santa Barbara area for over 60 years. Every member of our family has a commitment to honesty and dedication to hard work. Our goal? To provide the services and expertise to keep your trees healthy and strong, and your landscaping well-maintained.

If you’re looking for tree trimming services or would like assistance with your landscaping projects, we’re here for you. Our one-stop-shop offers all the services you need to complete your dream landscape — from masonry to tree installation to maintenance, we do it all. Contact us today for your free project estimate. We can’t wait to work with you!