Menu

Our Reviews
Chad Thibodaux
google

I was very impressed with how quickly and professionally they worked. They were in and out in an afternoon. They had to remove a giant Red Oak, and did so with great skill and speed. Their price is very affordable and beats out most of the competition around. I highly recommend Driscoll Tree Service. We will use them again for all of our future tree removal needs! Seriously, give them a call. They are awesome!

Ryan Hunt
google

Driscoll Tree Service and its team are professional, friendly, and excellent at tree removal. Their prices are the best. We had them remove a completely dead tree and a super large branch. For both experiences, they came out fast and did an Incredible job. Highly recommend.

Schedule

Tree Removal Services Today

Get Appointment
sideimage

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.

secondary

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

secondary

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.

Other News

blog1
Jun 06,2024
Identifying and Removing Hazardous Trees

Identifying and Removing Hazardous Trees Trees add beauty to your premises and improve the overall quality of the environment. While these magnificent entities provide many benefits, detecting and addressing risks posed by hazardous trees is advisable. Whether a tree is…

Read More
blog1
Jun 17,2025
Top Reasons to Hire a Certified Arborist for Tree Services

Top Reasons to Hire a Certified Arborist for Tree Services Trees are among the best investments you can make in your property. They offer aesthetic, provide shade, increase home value, and can even give you delicious fruit to enjoy. However,…

Read More
blog1
Jul 17,2025
The Benefits of Tree Pruning for Safety and Curb Appeal

Trees are some of the most beautiful and beneficial parts of any outdoor space. It’s hard not to appreciate their tall branches, fluttering leaves, and calming presence. They offer us oxygen, shade, privacy, and - in some lucky cases -…

Read More
blog1
Sep 01,2022
How to Keep Your Trees Healthy

How to Keep Your Trees Healthy Keeping trees healthy is not just essential for the aesthetics and safety of your landscape but also improves the quality of the environment. However, like other living things, trees need routine care and maintenance…

Read More
blog1
Jul 10,2022
5 Signs of Tree Problems

5 Signs of Tree Problems Trees are an important part of our lives; one we can’t live without. This is why it’s crucial to take care of our environment. Sometimes you can tell when a tree is ill or dying…

Read More
blog1
Mar 14,2024
The Hidden Dangers of Bagworms

The Hidden Dangers of Bagworms Bagworms are a type of moth larvae that can wreak havoc on trees and shrubs, causing severe damage and premature tree removal projects. Despite their small size and discreet appearance, these pests pose hidden dangers…

Read More
blog1
Oct 07,2025
Tree Roots vs. Your Driveway - What Homeowners Should Know

It’s one of the most classic homeowner dilemmas: you plant a tree, watch it grow tall and proud for decades until, one day, you notice the driveway starting to buckle. Cracks appear and spread; the once-smooth concrete begins to lift…

Read More
blog1
Jun 20,2024
What is Anthracnose?

What is Anthracnose? Trees enhance the quality of our environment, offering many benefits that improve the quality of life. However, they are susceptible to diseases, prompting the expertise of certified arborists. A common threat to these magnificent entities is anthracnose,…

Read More
blog1
Mar 25,2025
What Happens If Tree Roots Freeze?

What Happens If Tree Roots Freeze? Wintertime isn’t just tough on plumbing and roofing; it is also brutal on trees. Tree roots can freeze when soil temperatures drop below 15°F or the water within the soil surrounding the roots freezes…

Read More
blog1
Dec 21,2024
5 Essential Tips for Emergency Tree Removal

5 Essential Tips for Emergency Tree Removal Trees provide shade, beauty, and a habitat for wildlife. They also convert the carbon dioxide we breath out into fresh oxygen. However, there are times when their removal becomes unavoidable. Whether it's due…

Read More