Menu

Our Reviews
Ryan Lee
google

I used Driscoll Tree Service for years in Snellville, and now we use them in Atlanta. They do an excellent job every time. Friendly and knowledgeable crew.  Results are always great. Thanks, Driscoll Tree  Service!

John Miller
google

It took a while for the weather to cooperate, but when the time came, all went well with excellent results. The crew removed a large water oak and a small trash tree. They worked well together and when finished, the job site was cleaned up nicely. They were friendly and informative. Neighbors were also impressed. I highly recommend Driscoll Tree Service.

Schedule

Tree Removal Services Today

Get Appointment
sideimage

5 Bad Pruning Examples

Tree pruning and trimming are vital for maintaining a healthy and aesthetically appealing yard. Proper tree care ensures robust growth, a sturdy structure, and a beautiful shape. However, improper pruning can cause serious issues such as pest infestations, diseases, weakened limbs, and even tree removal emergencies. To protect your trees’ well-being, Driscoll Tree Services can recommend suitable pruning techniques. Consulting certified arborists can help you distinguish good pruning techniques from bad ones. Here are some common pruning mistakes to avoid.

secondary

Topping

Topping is one of the most harmful pruning practices. It involves cutting back large branches to stubs or lateral branches that are not large enough. Topping can cause significant stress to the tree, leading to weak and unhealthy fresh growth. This practice often results in an unnatural appearance and a weakened structure, making it more susceptible to pests, diseases, and storm damage. The best way to avoid such scenarios is to hire a tree service expert to assess and prune your trees regularly.

Lion-Tailing

Lion-tailing entails removing interior branches, leaving only the foliage at the ends. This practice creates a lion tail-like effect, which is unsightly and harmful to the tree. By removing the inner branches, lion-tailing reduces the ability to produce food through photosynthesis. It also makes the remaining branches more prone to breakage because of wind stress, as they are not supported by the removed inner growth. You can avoid these harmful effects by hiring a professional tree care company to conduct routine inspections and maintenance services.

Over-Pruning

Also referred to as excessive pruning, it involves removing too much foliage at one time. Trees rely on their leaves for photosynthesis, the process by which they produce energy. Removing too many leaves can starve the tree, weakening its overall health. Over-pruning can also cause sunscald, which is the sudden exposure of shaded bark to direct sunlight. While the damage might not be apparent initially, delaying care can lead to severe damage and premature tree removal emergencies.

Flush Cutting

Another bad pruning example is flush cutting. This practice involves cutting a branch flush with the trunk or a larger branch, rather than leaving a proper collar. Since the natural protective barrier of the branch collar is removed, it makes the tree more vulnerable to decay and disease. It is advisable to work with a professional tree care company to ensure proper pruning techniques that allow the tree to heal naturally and prevent pathogens from entering.

Pruning at the Wrong Time

secondary

Lastly, timing is crucial to tree pruning. Pruning at the wrong time of year can cause stress to the tree and leave it vulnerable to infections and infestations. If you prune in late fall or winter, you can prevent the tree from healing properly, as it is in its dormant phase. Also, pruning during the growing season can disrupt the tree’s growth cycle. It’s best to consult tree service professionals to determine the optimal time for pruning your specific tree species.

Proper tree pruning is essential for maintaining the health and beauty of your trees. Avoiding bad pruning practices to ensure your trees thrive. Contact us at the Driscoll Tree Service and schedule a consultation with our arborists to access valuable guidance on the best pruning techniques for your trees. We ensure they remain strong, healthy, and visually appealing for years to come.

Other News

blog1
Nov 08,2022
How to Tell if a Tree is Dead or Dying

How to Tell if a Tree is Dead or Dying Trees are a valuable addition to any landscape; after spending a lot of time with them, you can tell when something is off. Some signs of damage can be detected…

Read More
blog1
Jan 20,2024
The Best Landscaping Services for Residential and Commercial Properties

The Best Landscaping Services for Residential and Commercial Properties Landscaping enhances residential and commercial properties’ aesthetic appeal, functionality, and overall value. When most people think of landscaping, images of lush green lawns and vibrant gardens come to mind. However, landscaping…

Read More
blog1
Sep 19,2024
Fall Lawn and Landscape Care Tips

Fall Lawn and Landscape Care Tips As the vibrant colors of summer fade and fall begin to take over, it's essential to focus on lawn and landscape care. Fall is crucial for yard care as you prepare for the colder…

Read More
blog1
Jan 27,2025
9 Things a Certified Arborist Wants You to Know

Hey there, Metro Atlanta neighbors! Whether you’re battling Bradford pears that shed like a husky in July or nurturing a century-old oak that’s seen more history than Peachtree Street, the tree care specialists at Driscoll Tree Service have some tips…

Read More
blog1
Jun 06,2023
Everything You Need to Know About Residential Tree Clearing

Everything You Need to Know About Residential Tree Clearing Trees provide a range of benefits for your property and the ecosystem. However, there are instances clearing is vital to mitigate safety hazards and costly damages in the future. Before hiring…

Read More
blog1
Dec 11,2024
Understanding Root Rot Treatment for Trees

Understanding Root Rot Treatment for Trees Roots are vital for the growth and overall well-being of trees. Since roots spread throughout your backyard, it's difficult to detect signs of damage. A common culprit to look out for is root rot,…

Read More
blog1
Jun 20,2023
Professional Tree Service vs. Handyman

Professional Tree Service vs. Handyman Large green trees are a valuable addition to any landscape. Healthy trees enhance the overall curb appeal and property value, purify the air, and attract wildlife. Routine maintenance is vital to ensure your trees grow…

Read More
blog1
Aug 23,2023
4 Tree Pests to Look Out for this Fall

4 Tree Pests to Look Out for this Fall As the leaves change color and a crisp breeze fills the air, fall shifts the natural world. However, not just the season’s beauty capture our attention. With the changing weather, certain…

Read More
blog1
Jun 29,2022
How to Prevent Tree Hazards

How to Prevent Tree Hazards Tree failure is a tree's breakdown from various problems. All trees are vulnerable to problems, even healthy trees. Careful inspection of your trees can allow you to identify any potential hazards and possible treatments. Driscoll…

Read More
blog1
Oct 11,2022
Deep Root Fertilization and Its Benefits

Deep Root Fertilization and Its Benefits Property owners usually focus fertilization efforts on their turf and forget that huge, shady trees also need a nutrition boost. However, the process is not as simple as sprinkling a handful of fertilizer around…

Read More