Menu

Our Reviews
Stephen Delbridge
google

The service for Driscoll Tree Service was outstanding. Michael came out to meet with me, explained the pros and cons of how to deal with my tree removal, and provided a clear quote for the service. The crew that came out to do the work was on-time, professional and did a great job. One of the trees they had to remove was tall and in a spot where they couldn't get any heavy equipment to it, but they were able to take it down in pieces without damaging my landscaping or fence. If you are looking for a professional and competent tree service,  I definitely recommend calling Driscoll Tree Service.

Hugh Reinhardt
google

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.

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
Aug 16,2023
Are There Dangers in Cutting Tree Roots?

Are There Dangers in Cutting Tree Roots? Trees are more than towering entities in our landscapes; they are essential to our ecosystem, providing shade, oxygen, and aesthetic beauty. However, the decision to cut tree roots, whether driven by the need…

Read More
blog1
Jan 31,2023
Guide to Tree Removal Insurance

Guide to Tree Removal Insurance When a tree falls in the forest, it is nobody’s problem. However, the repercussions can be dire if a tree falls on your property. Storms and strong winds often cause tree-related damage, especially if the…

Read More
blog1
Apr 26,2023
How To Protect Your Trees From Summer

How To Protect Your Trees From Summer Trees are a valuable addition to any landscape and offer many environmental benefits. After spending many months of winter in dormancy, summer is finally here, bringing life to all the greenery in your…

Read More
blog1
Feb 23,2024
5 Common Tree Disease Treatments

5 Common Tree Disease Treatments Trees are vital for our environment, providing shade, oxygen, and beauty. However, trees are susceptible to diseases that can compromise their health and longevity. As a reputable tree care company, Driscoll Tree Service provides proper…

Read More
blog1
Oct 21,2025
Tree Care Tips to Avoid Costly Damage

Tree Care Tips to Avoid Costly Damage Entropy is the natural direction of things. Left alone, everything tends to drift toward disorder – and your yard is no exception. Picture a forest untouched by human hands: vines tangled around tree…

Read More
blog1
Nov 20,2024
How Shade Trees Benefit Us

How Shade Trees Benefit Us As the temperature increases, many people seek refuge indoors. However, shade trees can protect you from the heat and sun, allowing you to undertake various outdoor tasks. Whether you want to grow birch or maple…

Read More
blog1
Apr 17,2025
Different Types of Trees Should Be Trimmed at Different Times

Different Types of Trees Should Be Trimmed at Different Times Towering, intricate, and surprisingly sensitive, trees are among the most impressive living things on Earth. For Metro Atlanta property owners, trees are a central part of the landscape. These functional,…

Read More
blog1
Sep 06,2022
Will Pruning a Diseased Tree Help It Survive?

Will Pruning a Diseased Tree Help It Survive? Detecting signs of deterioration in your trees can be quite frustrating, especially if irreversible. Luckily, scheduling routine maintenance inspections with a professional tree care company helps detect trivial signs of infection or…

Read More
blog1
Mar 19,2025
Why Should You Hire a Tree Company for Safely Tree Removal

Why Should You Hire a Tree Company for Safely Tree Removal On the face of it, you may think that tree removal is a DIY task. After all, it’s all about wielding a chainsaw and felling a tree, right? Wrong.…

Read More
blog1
Mar 21,2024
Best Trees for Fence Lines

Best Trees for Fence Lines Fence lines often provide an excellent opportunity to enhance the beauty and privacy of your property. However, choosing suitable trees to plant along these boundaries requires special consideration to improve the aesthetics and functionality of…

Read More