The difference between tree trimming and tree pruning is that trimming is to provide clearance to structures, walkways, etc. Whereas tree pruning is making selective reduction cuts or removing competing limbs for the improvement of tree health.

Deadwood is caused by a few reasons, but is simply dead tissue on the tree that becomes a host for pests and diseases. Removing deadwood helps the tree focus on sustaining healthy limbs, reduces the risk for disease, and prevents dead limbs from falling.

In the Tyler and Palestine, Texas area, a tree should be trimmed and pruned at least every two years if it is healthy. If it’s unhealthy, a tree may need less or more depending on its rate of growth and deadwood accumulation.

In the Piney Woods, any time of year is good for tree trimming and pruning, except perhaps in the heat of the summer. The main consideration is that precautions should be taken when pruning or trimming oaks in the season when bugs are moving so that oak wilt or other disease will not spread.

Tree topping is when a limb or trunk is cut in a way that leaves a stub which cannot seal over at the trunk. Since trees do not heal, but “seal” their wounds, this is detrimental to tree health. A stub will begin to harbor disease and rot as it dies that will then spread into the main trunk. Topping cuts almost always die, or they produce shoots off the end that are poorly attached and eventually get too big to support their own weight which can easily fall and cause serious damage or injury.

Folks believe that tree cuts must be painted, However, the truth is that the paint or pruning seal is generally quite harmful to the tree. The only time when paint/seal should be used is if a limb on a oak is cut during the time that bugs are moving — generally between 70-100 degrees — this is to prevent the spread of oak wilt by bettles.