Most people think that pruning gives trees and shrubs a well-maintained look. It is also common knowledge that pruning prevents trees from blocking too much sun from lower-growing plants or creeping over the fence to a neighbor's yard. But did you know that pruning actually stimulates the growth of shrubs and trees? By cutting back dead foliage, diseased branches, and improving light penetration, a more healthy environment is created for plants to grow and thrive.

Our team is proud to offer professional pruning services in Alton, Godfrey, and the surrounding areas of IL. Let us take care of your landscape plants so that you can spend more time doing the things you'd rather be doing!

How is Trimming Different from Pruning?

People tend to use the terms “trimming” and “pruning” interchangeably, but there is a clear difference. One targets the health of plants while the other targets the outward appearance of shrubs and trees.

  • Pruning refers to removing dead, diseased, or broken branches and stems.
  • Trimming usually means cutting back overgrowth to help plants maintain a nice and neat shape.

Both pruning and trimming are vital to tree and shrub health and a well-kept appearance.

Different Types of Pruning

There are several types of pruning, each aimed at achieving a different goal. Here are some of the most common methods:

  • Deadwooding: As the term implies, this method removes dead, diseased, and broken branches. Deadwooding is critical to keep trees and shrubs healthy.
  • Raising: Raising refers to removing some of a tree’s lower branches, often to keep them from getting in the way of buildings or pathways.
  • Canopy thinning: This method improves light penetration, enhances airflow, and reduces the chance of branches breaking during a storm.
  • Structural pruning: Structural pruning uses strategic cuts to determine the future growth pattern of a younger tree.

Why Tree and Shrub Pruning is Important

Trimmed landscape shrubs at a Godfrey, IL home.

Regular, professional pruning will enhance the curb appeal of your property—but it does more than that. Here are just a few reasons why pruning is so important:

Promotes plant health

Pruning allows room for new, healthy growth. Removing dead branches and thinning out excessively dense foliage helps trees and shrubs thrive. Dead, diseased, and broken branches aren’t just unsightly— they provide an entrance for an infection that can kill the whole plant.

Timely removal of damaged branches can prevent the loss of a tree or shrub. It is also crucial to remove dead or diseased branches for safety reasons and to protect any adjacent property.

Encourages fuller growth

When areas of dense foliage keep sunlight from reaching certain parts of the plant, the sun-deprived areas will grow slower. This results in an overall uneven, unkempt appearance.

Strategic pruning allows light to reach all parts of the plant and promotes fuller, more uniform growth. The difference is especially noticeable in flowering and fruit-bearing plants. After a visit from one of our pruning specialists, you will notice heightened productivity and more vigorous blooming.

Prevents pest infestation

Thickets of branches and stems, especially deadwood, can house colonies of common pests such as wasps, ants, termites, caterpillars, and various bugs.

These pests can demolish your trees and prove hazardous in backyards, especially for children. They can even make their way into your home and wreak further havoc. Pruning is crucial to destroy pest colonies and keep your yard safe and welcoming.

Element Turf & Outdoor Solutions: Pruning and Trimming Services

Help your trees, shrubs, and hedges thrive with routine pruning services. At Element Turf & Outdoor Solutions, we are committed to providing convenience, quality, and excellent service to our clients in Alton, Godfrey, Edwardsville, and the surrounding areas. Call us at (618) 467-7047 to schedule a pruning service today!