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Top DIY Tree Trimming Mistakes

Top DIY Tree Trimming Mistakes

Tree trimming is essential for maintaining healthy and lasting trees. When performed correctly, it can enhance the aesthetics…

Mar 21,2023

Tree trimming is essential for maintaining healthy and lasting trees. When performed correctly, it can enhance the aesthetics and well-being of your trees. However, many homeowners need more knowledge and expertise to trim trees in their backyards successfully. While handling tree trimming by yourself is commendable, if you don’t know what you’re doing, it can cause irreversible damage. When you want to take care of your trees, we recommend hiring a reliable tree care company. At Sesmas Tree Service, we leverage extensive industry experience and expertise to provide exceptional trimming services. Here are common mistakes DIYers make.

Top DIY Tree Trimming Mistakes

Over Trimming

A common mistake homeowners make when trimming is to overdo it, especially in the growing season. This leaves the tree vulnerable to diseases and reduces the tree’s ability to produce food and grow. We recommend consulting a tree care company to prevent severe limb and subsequent property damage. Taking off too much during pruning allows wood-decaying fungus to grow and causes irreversible internal damage. We can design a pruning schedule based on your tree’s age, size, and overall well-being.

Tree Topping

Another mistake most DIYers make during trimming projects is cutting the top of a tree, also called topping. While it may not seem a significant cause for concern, it increases the risk of toppling. Topping is usually performed on overgrown trees to reduce height, but it adds stress to trees and increases the risk of sudden falls. Topped trees usually sprout weak, suckering branches that easily break. It is advisable to cut these branches to control tree size and appearance.

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Severe Cuts

Every cut inflicted on the tree during pruning is a wound that creates a gateway for infection and infestation. We urge homeowners to handle invasive tree care and maintenance during winter to minimize damage. Use the proper tools to deliver sharp, precise, and well-placed cuts. Steer clear of flush, sub, or heading cuts, leaving the tree vulnerable to pests and diseases. If you don’t have the tools or skills to trim trees, hire a professional tree service to handle the heavy lifting.

Trimming Any Branch

The primary goal of trimming trees is to eliminate damaged, dying, or dead branches. These factors determine how much to trim and the angle of the cut. If you are still determining any of these, hire an arborist for professional help. You can unintentionally cause severe tree damage, resulting in death and costly removal services. Cutting the wrong limb can also increase susceptibility to diseases and insect infestations.

Using the Wrong Tool

As mentioned, using the wrong tool and lack of skill is a significant factor in unsuccessful DIY tree-trimming projects. Although most tools can be purchased or rented, the technical skills to safely use them can compromise the entire project. Avoid dull or old tools that shred the bark, causing irreversible damage.

The best option in tree trimming is to hire a dependable tree service provider. Contact us at Sesmas Tree Service and schedule an appointment with our expert arborists. Leverage our skills and innovative equipment to guarantee precise and safe trimming without breaking the bank.

Customer Reviews

3 large Leyland Cypress trees removed near front of our home. Excellent service, professional crew, very competitive pricing for superior work! Rolando provided the initial estimate and the  follow up and was the best in terms of customer relations. I'd both use this company again AND highly recommend them.

Susan Hitchcock

This is the 2nd time we have used Sesmas Tree Service. They are a wonderful company to deal with. They were on time, professional, and very thorough. They cleaned up prior to leaving and went out of their way to protect our plants and landscaping. And they kept to their proposal with no hidden cost or add ons. Definitely a five star experience!

Gene McFadden

Wow!  I deal with tree services in my professional work and I can honestly say Sesmas is by far the most professional, best equipped, efficient, safety conscious, and communicative service I've ever encountered.  Their price was very reasonable and they even went so far as to include additional work without increasing the price.  Call them!  Now! They are very quick to respond.

Scott McLendon

We've used Sesmas several times and have always received excellent service.  Estimates are quick and easy and the crew is efficient and leaves the property clean of debris.  Recently we needed a tree removed next to a heavily landscaped area.  Sebastian went over everything with me in detail and listened to my concerns.  The crew did an excellent job in removing the tree with minimal disturbance to the surrounding area.  We are pleased and will consider them again in the future for pruning and tree removal.

Tonia Griswold

Sesmas Tree Service was amazing! I had two dead trees cut and a lot of trees that were already down on my property removed. Sebastian came out and sent the quote in writing within 24 hours. We were in the process of scheduling the service when a slot opened up sooner snd I was able to go ahead and get the work done. Everything was explained ahead of time for what to expect. The crew was very efficient and professional.  All of the work and cleanup was done in one day. I would recommend Sesmas for your tree cutting/cleanup needs.

LaDora Woods

I hired Sesmas to cut down a very tricky tree that was hanging over my house as well as a few large limbs. They did a great job and had the machinery to get the job done right.

Perry Hartman

Great experience with Sesmas. They were meticulous with my tree removal, safe and efficient. David’s communication throughout the process was much appreciated. Highly recommend!

Lindsay Ellenburg

Great experience with Sesmas Tree Service. The arborist who came out was a Board Certified Master Arborist, and you could immediately tell he knew his stuff. He took the time to explain what needed to be done, gave us clear options, and helped us feel confident from start to finish. The whole process was easy and professional. We’ll definitely use them again.

Ed Martin

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