Foliage Experts in Pittsburgh, PA Explain the Differences and Benefits of Common Tree-Care Methods.
Even Trees Need TLC
Trees and shrubs are quintessential to a well-groomed yard. When foliage becomes scruffy, the entire look of a home can suffer. Maintaining a home’s foliage is important not just for the looks, but for the safety of the home and the health of the plants. Shearing is one method of maintaining foliage as well as a method of expression and aesthetic for a home. Shearing, trimming, and pruning are all various methods used to maintain foliage, but few homeowners know the difference between them. Keep reading to discover the benefits of shearing foliage, the techniques that often accompany it, and information on preventing over shearing a home’s plants.
Shearing, Pruning, and Trimming
Most homeowners think “pruning” is the universal term for tree and bush maintenance. In reality, pruning refers to only one method of foliage maintenance.
- Shearing: Tree shearing is the process of defining and maintaining a specific aesthetic or shape in a tree or bush. Neatly organized tree branches or bushes cut in the shape of a cube are examples of shearing. The process does not necessarily encourage the growth of the entire plant, instead, new growth is kept around the outside edges until the desired aesthetic is achieved. It is one method used to keep bushes and trees smaller and kept to a confined space.
- Pruning: Tree pruning is similar to a haircut – it removes dead or unwanted branches from a plant to maintain a specific shape and size. Unlike shearing, branches may be removed from deeper within a plant than the exterior edges, and the process is used to help plants grow. Done correctly, pruning is an excellent way to shape a new plant as it grows.
- Trimming: Tree trimming is similar to shearing and is a technique often applied to bushes, shrubs, and hedges as well as trees. Trimming is used to maintain the desired shape of a plant while also removing unhealthy or dead branches. The technique is used to allow better exposure to sunlight to encourage the growth of a plant.
What Trees and Plants Need Shearing?
A local arborist or tree service company can identify the right method to use to maintain any plant. However, as a general rule shearing is a tool best used with fast-growing plants. Deciduous shrubs like azaleas and broadleaf evergreen shrubs, boxwoods, yew, and chrysanthemums are just a few examples of plants the respond well to shearing. For trees, it’s safe to assume that any conifer and pine trees will benefit well from shearing.
Protect Plants with a Professional
It’s important to work with a professional when looking to shear and maintain trees and bushes. A tree service company will know how to identify when shearing is an option or when another method is necessary to maintain tree health. Additionally, working with a professional will protect the trees and bushes from an overzealous hand. It is easy to over-shear a plant, leaving it without enough surface area or resources to stay alive. It’s better to work with a professional who understands what is “just enough” for a plant and has the tools to give the tree exactly what it needs to thrive.
About Greater Pitt Tree Service
With over twenty-five years of industry experience, Greater Pitt Tree Service knows what it takes to keep the foliage of Pittsburgh picture-perfect. Their technicians are trained to trim and beautify foliage while encouraging the health and longevity of the plant. Focusing on safety and customer satisfaction, their service has been a household name in Alleghany County for years. Greater Pitt Tree Service is the top local expert ready to care for your home’s tree and plant maintenance needs.