Dealing with overhanging branches or falling leaves can be an ongoing hassle but tree debris needs to be tackled rapidly and consistently if you want to maintain a tidy property that is hazard free. Without consistent tree pruning and focused maintenance, your trees could do some serious damage to your lawn, garden or your residential, commercial or facilities property.
Despite the need for ongoing care, trees offer great benefits. Apart from adding a beautiful natural aspect, they’re a top-notch privacy screen and can offer cool shade on sunny days. They also attract birds, bees and other fauna to help nourish your garden’s overall ecosystem.
So, what’s the trade-off? While tree pruning is necessary, it can also be time-consuming and dangerous to tackle without the right expertise or experience. In this blog post, we’re laying out everything you need to know about the divide between DIY tree pruning and a professional team.
What are the benefits of Tree Pruning?
Tree pruning is about giving your tree a good tidy-up by removing overgrown or damaged branches before they can fall. This helps to keep your trees healthier, improve their shape, and even contribute to your overall safety by avoiding branches coming down unexpectedly due to age or weather.
That said, it’s not just about keeping your garden tidy. Regular maintenance and pruning is healthy for trees, just like it is for bushes and your grass. Good pruning can encourage strong, healthy growth, beat back fungi or diseases, and let in necessary light and air.
Do it right, and your trees will thrive. Do it wrong, and you could cause more harm than good and you may even put yourself in harms way. So, if you want to tackle your tree pruning the DIY way, there are a few things to be aware of.
The Case for DIY Pruning
For a lot of Kiwis, there’s something satisfying about getting stuck in and doing things yourself. Tree pruning might feel like just another garden chore, and in some cases, it can be. Let’s unpack the case for DIY tree pruning:
- Save some money. Hiring a professional isn’t always cheap, so if it’s a small job, tackling it yourself can save you some cash.
- You’re on your own time. No need to schedule appointments or wait for someone to turn up. If the sun’s out and you’ve got a spare afternoon, you can get cracking.
- There’s some pride in it. If you’ve got a green thumb, doing your tree pruning can help you keep a closer eye on your trees’ health over time.
But there’s also a flip side…
DIY might sound simple, but it comes with a few risks. Climbing ladders and wielding saws can get dicey quickly, and pruning too much or too little can create some serious stress for your tree, on top of all that, your local council might have laws against pruning a tree on your own if it’s a protected species or near a boundary.
The Case for Professional Pruning
Professional tree pruning in Aotearoa requires training, certifications, and experience in all aspects of tree care. In other words, we’re the ones you call when you’ve got a tough job you need tackled quickly and safely. There are benefits to professional tree pruning, including, but not limited to:
- Expertise. We know trees inside and out. We know how to shape them for long-term growth, identify early signs of disease, and use the right techniques to minimise stress.
- Safety. Pruning large or mature trees can be risky. We have the safety gear, climbing equipment, and training to handle challenging jobs without putting ourselves or your property at risk.
- Time-saving. Let’s face it: climbing trees, managing chainsaws, and green waste removal isn’t for everyone. Hiring professionals can save you hours of effort and potential injury.
Additionally, some trees in New Zealand are protected under local District Plans. Our tree pruning teams are aware of these regulations, ensuring that any work they perform complies with local laws.
DIY vs. Professional: How to Decide
With all this information to contend with, it may help to distil it down. Here are a few questions to help you weigh your options:
- Is the tree small and easy to reach? If yes, DIY might be fine.
- Are you comfortable using ladders or power tools? If not, better to get help.
- Is the tree close to power lines or your neighbour’s property? Call in a pro.
- Do you know when and how to prune for the tree’s health? If you’re guessing, don’t risk it.
Our take? Many homeowners across Aotearoa employ a hybrid approach, where they undertake some light pruning here and there, and then enlist the help of professionals a few times a year for the more extensive tasks. Not only does this keep costs manageable, but it also ensures your trees always have someone looking out for them.
Bring in Auckland’s elite tree pruning team to care for your garden.
At Paramount Gardening, we partner with our clients to keep their trees flourishing year-round. Our skilled seasonal pruners remove excess or overhanging foliage, preventing damage in winter and allowing sunlight to reach your plants in summer.
Enjoy uninterrupted beauty in your garden with the help of your elite garden care team. Book your free quote with us today.
