{"id":22635,"date":"2024-04-23T16:10:21","date_gmt":"2024-04-23T16:10:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=22635"},"modified":"2026-08-07T23:49:18","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T23:49:18","slug":"difference-between-pruning-and-trimming","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/difference-between-pruning-and-trimming\/","title":{"rendered":"Difference Between Pruning and Trimming"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key takeaways:<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 Pruning improves plant health; trimming maintains plant appearance.<br>\u2022 Prune during dormancy; trim during the active growing season.<br>\u2022 Never prune and trim at the same time.<br>\u2022 Trees over 15 feet or near power lines: hire a certified arborist.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pruning and trimming are often used interchangeably, but they&#8217;re not the same thing. Pruning removes specific branches to improve plant health and structure; trimming cuts back overgrowth to maintain shape and appearance.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The difference matters. Using the wrong technique\u2014or doing both at the same time\u2014can stress or damage your plants. For trees and shrubs that need professional care, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/bush-trimming\">Lawn Love<\/a> connects you with local tree trimming and pruning pros who can handle the job safely.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-7c3cb030-3c77-4ca8-87e1-430f818d33f8\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\"><strong>In this article:<\/strong><\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/difference-between-pruning-and-trimming\/#0-how-are-pruning-and-trimming-different\" style=\"\">How are pruning and trimming different?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/difference-between-pruning-and-trimming\/#1-what-is-pruning\" style=\"\">What is pruning?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/difference-between-pruning-and-trimming\/#4-what-is-trimming\" style=\"\">What is trimming?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/difference-between-pruning-and-trimming\/#7-when-to-prune-and-trim\" style=\"\">When to prune and trim<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/difference-between-pruning-and-trimming\/#8-tools-for-pruning-and-trimming\" style=\"\">Tools for pruning and trimming<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/difference-between-pruning-and-trimming\/#9-faqs\" style=\"\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-how-are-pruning-and-trimming-different\"><span id=\"how-are-pruning-and-trimming-different\">How are pruning and trimming different?<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trimming and pruning both involve removing branches or stems, but they serve very different purposes. Pruning improves structure, while trimming manages appearance. If both are needed, prune first and wait until later in the season to trim.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>&#8220;The most common mistake I see is homeowners treating a tree like a hedge \u2014 shaping the outside while ignoring serious structural problems underneath,\u201d says Cameron Miller, founder of <a href=\"https:\/\/spartantreeny.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Spartan Tree and Landscape<\/a>, from Stanley, NC. \u201cCrossing branches, weak unions, deadwood \u2014 none of that gets addressed with a cosmetic trim.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He says homeowners often think about looks and not the health of the tree.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe worst offender is topping. People want a shorter tree, so they hack the top off. What they get is decay, stress response, and regrowth that&#8217;s weaker and more dangerous than what they started with,\u201d Miller says.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><\/td><td><strong>Pruning<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Trimming<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Primary goal<\/strong><\/td><td>Plant health and structure<\/td><td>Appearance and size control<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>What&#8217;s removed<\/strong><\/td><td>Dead, diseased, damaged, crossing branches<\/td><td>Overgrowth, straggly ends<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Timing<\/strong><\/td><td>Dormant season (late fall\/early spring)<\/td><td>Growing season, or as needed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Tools<\/strong><\/td><td>Pruners, loppers, pruning saws<\/td><td>Hedge shears, pruning shears<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Frequency<\/strong><\/td><td>Every 4\u20135 years for established trees<\/td><td>As needed<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read more: <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-cut-down-tree-safely\">How to Cut Down a Tree Safely<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-what-is-pruning\"><span id=\"what-is-pruning\">What is pruning?<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pruning-tree.jpg\" alt=\"Person pruning a tree branch with hand pruners in early spring, maintaining tree health and preparing it for new growth.\" class=\"wp-image-42434\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pruning-tree.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pruning-tree-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pruning-tree-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pruning-tree-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pruning tree branches with shears. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/gardening-in-orchard-pruning-fruit-tree\/331164194\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">encierro<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pruning is primarily done to promote long-term health and structural integrity. It involves selectively removing branches to encourage new growth, eliminate damaged or diseased branches, and improve airflow through the center of the plant.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-technique\"><span id=\"technique\">Technique<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each cut is strategic and targeted\u2014sometimes removing entire branches, sometimes thinning crowded areas, or reshaping the plant&#8217;s structure. Pruning requires hand pruners, loppers, or saws to make strategic, deep cuts.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The three core methods serve distinct purposes and are covered in depth in our <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-pruning\/\">pruning guide<\/a>:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Canopy thinning:<\/strong> Cut select inner branches at their base to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration.<\/li>    <li><strong>Canopy raising: <\/strong>Create space underneath the tree by sawing off the bottom limbs just outside the branch collar.<\/li>    <li><strong>Canopy cleaning:<\/strong> Protect tree health by pruning dead, diseased, or broken branches all the way to healthy wood.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pro tip: <\/strong>When pruning, your main goal is to identify and fix <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/signs-of-drought-stress-in-trees\/\">structural defects<\/a>. Miller advises looking for \u201cBranches crossing or grinding against each other, a canopy so dense you can&#8217;t see daylight through it, and cracks at branch attachment points.&#8221;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>He notes that the biggest red flag is split trunks,<\/strong> where the trunk splits i<strong>nto a tight V-shape<\/strong> rather than a strong U. Miller warns, \u201cThat&#8217;s a failure point waiting for a storm. If you see bare, barkless limbs mixed into a live canopy, that&#8217;s not a cosmetic issue\u2014that&#8217;s a hazard.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Warning: <\/strong>For trees over 15 feet or with branches near power lines, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/reasons-to-hire-a-certified-arborist\/\">hire a certified arborist<\/a>.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/common-pests-that-damage-trees\/\">Common Pests That Damage Trees<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-treat-iron-chlorosis-trees-shrubs\/\">How to Treat Iron Chlorosis in Trees and Shrubs<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-timing\"><span id=\"timing\">Timing<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prune most trees and <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-long-do-shrubs-last\/\">shrubs<\/a> during dormancy in <strong>late fall after leaves drop<\/strong> or <strong>early spring before new growth begins.<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the University of <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.illinois.edu\/news-releases\/trim-trees-shrubs-dormant-season-stronger-healthier-plants\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Illinois Extension<\/a>, dormant pruning minimizes plant stress and reduces disease transmission. Two exceptions exist for flowering plants:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Spring-flowering shrubs (azaleas, forsythia, lilac\u2014bloom before mid-June):<\/strong> prune right after flowering<\/li>    <li><strong>Summer-flowering shrubs (crape myrtles, butterfly bush \u2014 bloom after mid-June): <\/strong>prune in late winter or early spring before new buds form<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-take-care-of-trees-during-drought\/\">How to Take Care of Trees During a Drought<\/a><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-what-is-trimming\"><span id=\"what-is-trimming\">What is trimming?<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/trim-bushes.jpg\" alt=\"Gardener in orange gloves trims round boxwood shrub with large green handled hedge shears in sunny landscaped garden background bokeh.\" class=\"wp-image-45930\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/trim-bushes.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/trim-bushes-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/trim-bushes-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/trim-bushes-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gardener trimming shrubs. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/garden-worker-trimming-trees-with-scissors-in-the-yard\/531619291\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Petro<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trimming keeps trees and shrubs looking neat and manicured. It can remove dead or damaged foliage to freshen the plant&#8217;s look\u2014but it doesn&#8217;t address the structural or health problems that pruning fixes. Think of it as cosmetic maintenance, not corrective care.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-technique\"><span id=\"technique-2\">Technique<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike pruning\u2019s deep, structural cuts, trimming uses hedge shears and power trimmers to shape a plant\u2019s exterior, controlling overgrowth and maintaining an <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/beginners-guide-to-landscaping\/\">attractive landscape appearance<\/a>.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Shearing:<\/strong> Sweep hedge trimmers evenly across the exterior foliage to cut back overgrowth and maintain neatness.<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/landscaping-what-shrubs-and-bushes-are-best-for-shaping\/\"><strong>Shaping<\/strong><\/a><strong>:<\/strong> Clip outermost twigs with hand shears to mold the plant into specific aesthetic geometric designs.<\/li>    <li><strong>Edging: <\/strong>Trim along the plant&#8217;s outer borders using shears to create crisp, defined lines against walkways.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-timing\"><span id=\"timing-2\">Timing<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trimming is usually done during the <strong>growing season to encourage bushier growth<\/strong>. For some species, avoid heavy trimming in late summer or fall so new growth can harden before winter.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read more: <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/landscaping-how-to-trim-tall-and-overgrown-bushes\/\">How to Trim Tall and Overgrown Bushes<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-when-to-prune-and-trim\"><span id=\"when-to-prune-and-trim\">When to prune and trim<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Proper timing ensures your plants recover quickly and stay healthy throughout the year.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Every leaf on a tree is a solar panel,&#8221; Miller notes. &#8220;When you combine heavy structural cuts with cosmetic trimming in one session, you are ripping out the power grid all at once.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;The tree panics. It either throws out a flush of weak, poorly attached growth called watersprouts, or it just does not have the reserves to bounce back,&#8221; Miller explains.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You must prioritize the structural work and let the tree recover before worrying about shape.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Note<\/strong>: Never trim and prune your trees or shrubs at the exact same time. If both are needed, prune first \u2014 then wait until later in the growing season, or the following year, to trim.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Plant type<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Pruning timing<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Examples<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Non flowering trees and shrubs<\/strong><\/td><td>Late fall to early spring<\/td><td>Oak, maple, ash<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Spring flowering <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/flowering-shrubs-for-your-landscape\/\"><strong>shrubs<\/strong><\/a><\/td><td>Immediately after flowering<\/td><td>Azaleas, forsythia, lilac<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Summer flowering shrubs<\/strong><\/td><td>Late winter or early spring<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-prune-a-crape-myrtle\/\">Crape myrtles<\/a>, butterfly bush<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read more:&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/when-to-trim-bushes-and-trees\/\">When to Trim Bushes and Trees<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/most-fragrant-bushes-for-your-yard\/\">10 Most Fragrant Bushes for Your Yard<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/crepe-myrtle-pruning\/\">Crepe Myrtle Pruning<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-tools-for-pruning-and-trimming\"><span id=\"tools-for-pruning-and-trimming\">Tools for pruning and trimming<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_sawing-1318871_1280.jpg\" alt=\"Hand saw cutting thick tree branch outdoors, bark rough with sawdust, green grass background, pruning work in garden setting \" class=\"wp-image-5177\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_sawing-1318871_1280.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_sawing-1318871_1280-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_sawing-1318871_1280-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_sawing-1318871_1280-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_sawing-1318871_1280-610x458.jpg 610w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_sawing-1318871_1280-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_sawing-1318871_1280-390x293.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pruning saw cutting a tree branch. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/photos\/sawing-saw-garden-spring-pruning-1318871\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A quick walk down the aisle at Home Depot or Lowe\u2019s, and you\u2019ll think you need an arsenal of hand tools to take care of your trees and shrubs. Thankfully, though, you don\u2019t need specialized cutting tools. You only need a couple of tools to be successful.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Pruners (pruning shears):<\/strong> For cutting small-diameter branches up to 1.5 inches. Available in bypass (scissor-like) and anvil (striking a flat metal base) types.<\/li>    <li><strong>Lopping shears:<\/strong> Feature long handles for leverage to cut through thick branches greater than 1.75 inches in diameter.<\/li>    <li><strong>Garden shears (hedge shears):<\/strong> Long, straight blades used to <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-trim-hedges\/\">trim hedges<\/a> and shrubs evenly. They aren\u2019t generally used for structural pruning.<\/li>    <li><strong>Pruning saws:<\/strong> Used to remove branches larger than 2 or 3 inches in diameter.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pro tip<\/strong>: Regardless of the type of tool you\u2019re using, always make sure it\u2019s clean, and the cutting surface is sharp. Wear appropriate safety gear and always work carefully.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/landscaping-must-have-pruning-tools\/\">Must-Have Pruning Tools for Trimming Bushes, Trees, and Plants<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-faqs\"><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1775707700054\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is tree pruning the same as tree trimming?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No, and for trees, this distinction matters most. The wrong cut on a tree can cause lasting damage.<br><br>Tree pruning addresses structural issues: removing crossing branches that wound each other, clearing deadwood that could fall, and cutting limbs growing toward power lines. It requires strategic cuts and, for large trees, professional expertise.<br><br>Tree trimming keeps the canopy&#8217;s shape and appearance even and contained. Less invasive, more cosmetic \u2014 but still important for a well-maintained tree.<br><br><strong>Read more:<\/strong>\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/signs-to-remove-tree\/\">12 Signs You May Need to Remove a Tree<\/a><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1775707721514\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Should you use pruning sealer?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No. Pruning sealers trap moisture inside the wound, leading to rot and disease. Let the tree heal naturally\u2014it&#8217;s what they&#8217;ve evolved to do.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1775707731964\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can you over-prune a tree?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. &#8220;There&#8217;s a reason we follow the one-third rule. The root system is built to support a full canopy,&#8221; Miller says.\u00a0<br><br>&#8220;Strip too much away and the tree goes into survival mode \u2014 watersprouts everywhere, all weakly attached, actually making the tree less safe than before&#8230; I&#8217;ve watched trees slowly die over two or three years because of one overly aggressive pruning job.&#8221;<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1775707740081\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do you know if a branch needs pruning?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Look for the four Ds: dead, damaged, diseased, or dangerous (crossing, rubbing, or growing toward structures or power lines). Any branch that checks one of those boxes is a pruning candidate.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-when-to-hire-a-tree-service\"><span id=\"when-to-hire-a-tree-service\">When to hire a tree service<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Getting pruning and trimming right takes practice, the right tools, and time you may not have. If you\u2019d rather not take on this DIY task or you\u2019re dealing with branches growing into overhead power lines, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/\">Lawn Love<\/a> can connect you with a local landscaper or <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/bush-trimming\">bush trimming service<\/a>. You can stand safely on the ground and allow a pro to prune your trees and shrubs.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-landscape-with-shrubs\/\">How to Landscape with Shrubs<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image: Side by side image of pruning a branch and trimming a shrub in lawn. Image Credits:<br>Pruning: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/close-up-of-a-gardener-pruning-a-fruit-tree\/711033951\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rostislav Sedlacek<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock.<br>Trimming: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/garden-shrubs-maintenance\/512397926\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tomasz Zajda<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Experts explain pruning removes branches to improve plant health and structure, while trimming cuts back overgrowth to maintain shape and appearance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":71,"featured_media":45935,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[298],"tags":[222],"class_list":["post-22635","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-landscaping","tag-landscaping"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Pruning-vs-Trimming-1.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Luminita Toma","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/luminita-toma\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22635","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/71"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22635"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22635\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48224,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22635\/revisions\/48224"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/45935"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22635"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22635"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}