Menu

Our Reviews
Ashley Langridge
google

I had a large oak tree taken down near power lines and an outdoor kitchen. I was well informed about the work they were going to do and how long it should take. The team was professional, fast and dropped the tree safely. They used a bucket truck and climber to trim branches from the top half of the tree with no damage to the yard around the tree.  I am extremely pleased with Driscoll Tree service work.

Michael Helms
google

I began using Driscoll Tree Service back in 2021 and was so impressed with their knowledge and quality of work, I have only hired Driscoll Tree Service since!  Just a few weeks ago, my large oak tree needed a trim and once again it was a great job!!

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
Jan 10,2025
Tree Maintenance Issues Homeowners Neglect

Tree Maintenance Issues Homeowners Neglect Trees add beauty to any landscape and provide many benefits like air purification, shade, and curb appeal. While these magnificent entities may seem sturdy and durable, proper care is vital to maintain good health and…

Read More
blog1
Aug 03,2022
Three Signs You Are Overwatering Your Trees

Three Signs You Are Overwatering Your Trees Are you having a problem with your trees? Driscoll Tree Service can help to inspect every tree in your yard and recommend solutions to maintain healthy and robust trees. A common tree problem…

Read More
blog1
Nov 15,2022
How to Properly Care and Watering Your Trees

How to Properly Care and Watering Your Trees Proper watering is one of the best ways to ensure your trees remain in optimal condition throughout their lifespan. With climate change affecting vegetation across the globe because of drought, Driscoll Tree…

Read More
blog1
Mar 21,2023
Signs a Tree Might Fall

Signs a Tree Might Fall Many property owners appreciate and love their trees but must notice the potential danger some trees present. Research shows that many tree-related accidents could be avoided if people knew the signs and symptoms of a…

Read More
blog1
May 09,2024
Tree Trimming Safety Tips

Tree Trimming Safety Tips Tree trimming is a vital aspect of landscaping and garden maintenance that helps keep trees healthy and aesthetically pleasing. However, it can also be hazardous if not done correctly, causing severe damage and premature tree removal.…

Read More
blog1
Dec 18,2025
Should You Remove a Tree Close to Your House? Pros, Cons, and Safe Options

Should You Remove a Tree Close to Your House? Pros, Cons, and Safe Options Trees are more than just pretty landscape features. They also provide shade that can reduce energy costs, improve air quality, and, in some cases, even “magically”…

Read More
blog1
Oct 16,2024
What Should I Do if My Tree Is Touching a Power Line?

What Should I Do if My Tree Is Touching a Power Line? Trees provide many benefits, from improving air quality and curb appeal to providing a habitat for wildlife. However, trees can grow close to power lines, posing safety risks…

Read More
blog1
Feb 04,2026
That Tree Might Be Trying to Tell You Something

That Tree Might Be Trying to Tell You Something Trees may not speak our language, but they are constantly sending messages. Every leaf, branch, and root tells a story about what’s happening inside the tree. Some signals are harmless, others…

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 14,2025
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Trimming Fruit Trees

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Trimming Fruit Trees Trimming is one of the best things you can do for your fruit trees—but only if you do it correctly. At first glance, this task may seem like an easy task, but…

Read More