Structural Pruning vs. Aesthetic Pruning: What's the Difference?

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Lindy Sanderson

We called to have two large pine trees removed since they were in the way of where we needed to put our fence. We are slackers and always wait until the last minute to do anything so of course, we tried to find someone that could take these out quickly as we needed it done ASAP. These guys came out the same day I called and were able to get them out the next day. I was so impressed by how nice and professional they are, it’s nearly impossible to get anyone to come out and/or follow up with anything so it was extremely refreshing that they did both without me having to call and ask what the hold up was. I will forever use this company for future needs. Thank you again!!

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Great job they removed a big tree stump on our property with no problem and at a better price than the others guys wanted to charge us. Driscoll Tree Service team was on time and had the right equipment and got right to work.

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When most people hear the word pruning, they probably think of someone snipping away at tree branches with big clippers. While that’s technically true, tree pruning is way more complex - and interesting - than just cutting random limbs. Pruning can shape the way a tree grows, protect your home and yard, and even help the tree live a longer and healthier life.

It's not just a 'haircut.' Pruning is also about safety, strength, and long-term health. That’s where two major types of pruning come in: structural pruning and aesthetic pruning. In this brief article brought to you by Driscoll Tree Service, we highlight the differences. But before we break it down, let’s look at why pruning matters in the first place.

Why Prune a Tree?

Trees in the forest grow wild and free, but the trees in our yards, parks, or neighborhoods get a little more attention. Typically, that’s where a tree company steps in. These professionals know how to care for trees in a way that keeps both the tree and nearby people safe. More specifically, here are just a few reasons pruning is important:

Safety: Dead or weak branches can fall during a storm (or even on a clear day) and damage your (or others') property or hurt someone.
Health: Removing diseased or insect-infested branches helps prevent the problem from spreading to the rest of the tree.
Growth control: Pruning can direct the way a tree grows to help it stay strong and balanced instead of leaning awkwardly or growing into power lines.
Looks: A well-pruned tree looks better and boosts your home's curb appeal.

These are some of the benefits of regular pruning, but the real magic is in knowing how and when to prune.

Structural Pruning: Building a Strong Tree

Structural pruning is all about helping a tree grow up right - literally. This type of pruning is usually done when a tree is young. It's meant to shape the tree's growth early on to avoid problems later. It’s kind of like braces for your teeth; it may not seem important right away, but it makes a big difference in the long run. Structural pruning focuses on:

Developing a strong main trunk (called the leader)
Balancing the branch structure so one side doesn’t outweigh the other
Removing weak and narrow branch connections that could break in a storm
Encouraging spaced-out branches that allow light and air to flow

Structural pruning is especially important for trees planted near homes, sidewalks, or roads. Plus, a tree with good structure is less likely to need emergency tree removal down the road - a surprise that nobody likes.

Aesthetic Pruning: Shaping for Beauty

Now let’s talk about aesthetic pruning. As the name suggests, this is more about how the tree looks than how it functions. This is where the artistic side of tree trimming comes in. Aesthetic pruning is meant to highlight a tree’s natural beauty, improve symmetry, and/or fit a tree better into the landscape.

Now, you’re still being careful not to hurt the tree, but your main goal is to make it look its best. Aesthetic pruning may include:

Thinning out crowded areas so that light filters through
Shaping the tree’s outline to look neat and balanced
Emphasizing interesting features (like a twisty trunk or arching limbs)
Clearing views for windows or walkways without harming the tree

It’s not just for fancy gardens, either. Even regular backyard trees can benefit from a light trim that makes them look more polished and cared-for.

Which One Do You Need?

The answer depends on your tree and your goals. If you’ve got a young tree and want it to grow strong and safe, then structural pruning is the way to go. If your tree is already mature and healthy but just needs a little touch-up to look better, then aesthetic pruning may be the right choice. Both tree service are valuable in their own right.

At Driscoll, we offer both services in our tree trimming plans. If you still have questions or concerns, then give us a call to consult with a trained and courteous member of our team.