Do Different Types of Trees Need to Be Trimmed Differently?
A Homeowner Asked:
“We’re interested in getting a quote for tree trimming specifically for birch, locust, and willow trees. One of our birch trees also took a hit to a large branch during a recent storm.”
Team Lemon's Answer
Yes. Different types of trees can have different pruning needs, and the right approach also depends on the individual tree.
A birch, locust, and willow growing on the same property shouldn’t automatically receive identical pruning simply because they’re being trimmed at the same time.
Tree species can differ in their growth habits, branch structure, susceptibility to certain diseases and pests, and how they respond to stress or injury. The tree’s age, health, location, previous pruning, and recent storm damage should also be considered before branches are removed.
The goal isn’t simply to “cut the trees back.” Good pruning starts by determining why the tree needs to be pruned and which branches actually need attention.
Why Does the Type of Tree Matter?
Different tree species naturally grow in different ways.
Some develop broad, spreading canopies. Others grow more upright. Some produce dense branching, while others naturally have a more open canopy.
Those differences affect how a tree should be evaluated before pruning.
For example, a tree may need pruning to:
- Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches
- Correct weak or poorly attached branches
- Provide clearance from a home, roof, driveway, or other structure
- Address damage caused by a storm
- Improve the tree’s structure as it grows
- Reduce a specific branch where appropriate
The appropriate pruning for one tree may be unnecessary—or even harmful—for another.
Is Tree Species the Only Thing That Determines How It Should Be Trimmed?
No.
Species matters, but it’s only one part of the decision.
A professional should also consider:
- The tree’s age and overall health
- Its natural growth habit
- The size and location of the branches being considered
- Dead, diseased, damaged, or weakly attached limbs
- Previous pruning
- Nearby homes, garages, roofs, driveways, pools, or utility areas
- Recent construction or root disturbance
- Storm damage
- The reason you’re pruning the tree in the first place
Two trees of the same species may even need different pruning because their structure, condition, and surroundings are different.
Does the Time of Year Matter?
It can.
Light pruning to remove dead, weak, or damaged branches can often be performed when needed, but more significant pruning may benefit from being scheduled at an appropriate time for the tree and the reason for the work.
Disease concerns can also affect timing for certain species.
That’s one reason a blanket rule such as “all trees should be trimmed in fall” or “all trees should be trimmed every spring” isn’t particularly useful.
The better question is: What does this particular tree need, and when is the appropriate time to do it?
What If One of the Trees Was Damaged in a Storm?
Storm damage changes the conversation.
If a tree recently lost or damaged a large branch, the remaining canopy and the point where the branch failed should be evaluated before routine trimming begins.
A damaged branch may simply need to be properly removed, but the failure can also reveal other concerns such as:
- Cracks or splitting
- Weak branch attachments
- Additional damaged limbs
- Decay
- An unbalanced canopy
- Structural weaknesses that weren’t obvious before the storm
Removing more branches without first looking at the tree as a whole isn’t always the right answer.
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🍋 Team Lemon Tip
Don’t Prune Every Tree on Your Property the Same Way
If you’re having several trees trimmed at once, it can be tempting to think of it as one big trimming project.
Instead, think of each tree individually.
Your birch may need one type of attention while the locust across the yard needs something completely different. A willow damaged during a storm may need to be evaluated differently than a healthy tree being trimmed simply for clearance.
The goal should be the right pruning for each tree—not making every canopy look the same.
How Much Should Be Removed?
There isn’t one percentage that’s appropriate for every tree or every situation.
Removing too much healthy foliage can stress a tree and affect future growth. That’s why pruning should focus on specific objectives rather than removing branches simply to make the canopy smaller or thinner.
In many cases, less is better.
A professional evaluation can identify which branches actually need to come out while preserving as much healthy canopy as practical.
When Should I Have My Trees Evaluated?
Consider scheduling an evaluation if:
You Have Several Different Types of Trees
Their pruning needs may vary even though they’re growing on the same property.
A Tree Recently Sustained Storm Damage
Broken or damaged limbs can change the tree’s structure and may reveal additional concerns.
Branches Are Getting Too Close to Structures
Trees growing near roofs, garages, driveways, pools, or other frequently used areas may need selective pruning for clearance.
You See Dead or Declining Branches
Deadwood or unexplained branch decline should be evaluated rather than simply removed without considering the underlying cause.
Your Trees Haven't Been Pruned in Years
Mature trees can develop structural issues that aren’t obvious from the ground.
You're Not Sure What Actually Needs to Be Cut
That’s a perfectly good reason to have someone look at the trees before the saws come out.
Not every tree needs the same pruning—and not every tree needs to be pruned simply because the tree beside it does.
A thoughtful pruning plan considers the species, health, structure, surroundings, and history of each individual tree.
Related Tree Care Resources
Tree Removal Cost Guide for Overland Park, KS
How to Protect Your Trees During Harsh Kansas City Winter Weather
Pruning 101: Giving Your Trees a Fresh Cut for Fall
Concerned About Your Trees?
Whether you have one tree that needs attention or several different species throughout your property, our experienced team can evaluate each tree individually and recommend the appropriate next step.
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