Maintaining a backyard is a laid-back and simple process. You need to cut your grass, trim some bushes, what are your plans and that is about it. But, if you have larger trees on your property, things get a little bit more complicated. The level of complexity will vary depending on the type of plant we are talking about. Usually, after a few years, they can get quite big and start to cause problems. Because of this, you will have to consider whether you want to call for tree lopping or pruning services.
But, if you have not had any kind of experience with either of these services, how can you know which ones you need to choose? What are the differences, the benefits, or the disadvantages? You probably do not want to make the wrong decision which is why you have decided to look for a guide online.
Well, you came to the right place because I wrote this guide for 2024 to explain to everyone about the differences between tree loping and pruning.
Do I need any of these services?
Before we start talking about those differences, maybe it would be best for you to focus on whether you really need this kind of service. Obviously, if you do not have any larger trees in your backyard, there is no reason to consider either lopping or pruning.
But, if you do have such a plant in your backyard, you will have to figure out whether you need such as service or not. So, what are the “requirements” that you have to consider?
Well, you have to consider just how large your tree is getting. For some, this might not be a problem depending on the size of the property, but for others, it might pose a threat. It can either be too big and blocking pathways on your property or blocking too much of your field. Making your entire land seem smaller than it really is.
There is also the threat of a branch hitting your home which could cause some serious damage. It is not that uncommon for a branch to break off and fall onto the roof of a house. Not only is this kind of a situation very dangerous, but replacing your roof is also very expensive.
So, if you want to avoid this, it is best to maintain your tree properly.
Lopping focuses on larger branches and the trunk itself
One of the main differences between these two methods is the fact that lopping focuses more on shaping the tree, cutting larger branches, or maybe even the trunk itself. Usually, people have to settle for this method because the tree is becoming a much larger problem than it should be. Whether it is too big or it poses a threat to your house or to the property of your neighbors, you simply have to do something about it.
Unfortunately, a lot of people do not know or do not understand that do not have to get rid of it entirely. Lopping exists for a reason. Why cut down your tree permanently when you can reduce it in size, save it and let it keep providing you with its fruits.
Lopping is riskier
This method of cutting down or shaping a tree is much more dangerous because it involves cutting larger branches or even the tree trunk itself. These branches can weigh up to 200 pounds or more. You can imagine what could happen if it falls down on someone or something.
That is why I never recommend anyone trying lopping by themselves. Instead, you should hire a professional team that will ensure the safety of your home and also ensure a healthy regrowth of the tree as suggested by lakesidetreesandstumps.com.au
Pruning is simpler
Like I mentioned previously, the main difference between these methods is the amount of work that needs to be put in. Pruning is simple and involves cutting down or shaping smaller branches of a tree or even a bush. There is no need to cut the trunk or larger branches that might be risky for the tree’s health.
Naturally, you should opt-in for this method whenever you feel like certain branches are too big or have started moving in the wrong direction. If you want to keep a proper shape and to stop it from entering your neighbor’s property or getting in your way, pruning is definitely the way you should go.
However, if you are dealing with a much bigger problem and much bigger branches, pruning is probably not the answer for that kind of situation.
Pruning stimulates growth
Another major difference that I assume is very important to you is the fact that this method can stimulate growth. Lopping can do the same thing, but that can never be insured. Because by lapping the trunk or larger branches, there is always a chance that growth can stop entirely and the tree can dry out and completely die.
Although keep in mind, that depends on the professional services that you have hired. An experienced worker will ensure that your plans will stay in pristine shape either after pruning or lopping.
With pruning, the chances that your plant might catch a disease or for it to stop growing are very small. In fact, it might even be healthier for the plant to cut some of its smaller branches. This can stimulate growth and even help it produce more fruit.
Pruning is regular maintenance
With lopping, you cut down a larger branch or a part of the trunk and there is no need to do that again at least for the next several years. However, there is a constant growth of new and smaller branches. In other words, there is a need for pruning more regularly. Some people like to hire pruning services at least once or twice a year. I think that will be more than enough, no matter what kind of plant you have.
I hope that this guide has helped you understand the differences between tree lopping or pruning and that you can now finally make the right decision.