Tree Lopping vs Tree Pruning | Artemis Tree Services

What is the difference between tree lopping and tree pruning?

When caring for the trees in their garden, many homeowners are left wondering what the difference between tree lopping and tree pruning is. People often confuse the two terms – while they are both related to tree maintenance, they are different methods required for separate reasons. These main differences are as follows:

Lopping is the trimming of tree branches to reduce and modify the size of the tree
Pruning helps to protect trees against disease to aid health for a long life

Pruning

Diseased or damaged branches are just extra weight on a tree and should be removed to preserve the health of the tree and encourage growth. When pruning a tree, it’s important to pay close attention to any branches growing inward, as well as crossing branches which can move in the wind, creating friction and causing them to break off.

Compared with tree lopping, which can involve the removal of sizeable tree branches, pruning also tends to cover more minor work, such as shearing water sprouts and small branches.

As discussed in one of our previous articles, pruning trees:

Stimulates new growth
Enhances fruit production
Protects against tree related diseases
Removes dangerous branches to improve safety
Improves the look of garden
Provides remedial work following weather damage

When it comes to the different pruning techniques, the following methods are often used to maintain mature trees:

These three methods are performed on different areas of the tree for a variety of reasons, such as removing dangerous deadwood and allowing light to travel through the crown. You can read more about this by looking at this blog post.

Lopping

Tree lopping is used to modify the shape of the tree through the careful cutting of branches to train growth in a certain direction. It focuses on removing damaged sections of a tree that no longer grow to encourage new growth and longevity.

Enlisting the help of an experienced tree lopper will ensure the structure of the tree is looked after through specialist techniques so the beauty of the tree isn’t impacted. While lopping a tree can enhance its overall appearance, there are some instances where this should be avoided as removing too many leaves can limit access to much-needed nutrients and weaken the tree. In turn, this can open the tree up to diseases and parasites.

What should I consider when tree pruning or tree lopping?

When it comes to carrying out any tree maintenance, safety is paramount. Hiring an experienced, reputable arborist will ensure all work is carried out in line with the relevant regulations for complete safety. Not only will this approach aid growth and protect against tree related diseases, but it will also safeguard your property and others surrounding you while the procedure is in operation.

Another important consideration is the legal side of tree maintenance, so it’s imperative to seek advice for the laws surrounding the trees on your property prior to any major work. Take a look at our article covering the laws around trees on your property to find out more.

Artemis Tree Services

As mentioned, calling upon the expertise of an accredited tree company for your maintenance needs ensures all bases are covered. As leading specialists in tree cutting, pruning and lopping, here at Artemis Tree Services we transform the outdoor areas of properties throughout Rickmansworth, Watford and the wider London area with our services.

For quality workmanship, competitive prices and excellent customer service, contact us today.

5 rating based on

622 reviews

Excellent

Mark

What a find, a totally professional experience from start to finish. The level of service is second to none. The survey outlined what would be required, advised on any contact for consent from neighbo... What a find, a totally professional experience from start to finish. The level of service is second to none. The survey outlined what would be required, advised on any contact for consent from neighbours if required and what the short and long term expectations would be. The team that undertook the extreme pruning of fir trees on the boundary of my property were polite, engaging, professional and made sure I was happy with the end result. Never having had to engage a tree services before I had no idea of pricing and was more than surprised at the value for money. Meticulously clearing up afterwards and removing all debris the same day. Plus points, everything, negative points, none. I would most highly recommend.

2 days ago

Roland

This is the first time i have used any Tree service , and Artemis were totally brilliant . I needed some fir trees trimmed back as they were overgrowing the border fence . From the very first contact ... This is the first time i have used any Tree service , and Artemis were totally brilliant . I needed some fir trees trimmed back as they were overgrowing the border fence . From the very first contact right through to the completion of works their whole team were always prompt and on time , professional , knowledgeable and efficient . There was regular communication and reminders leading up to the booked appointment . During the initial survey and appointment everything was explained and my inquisitive questions engaged and answered. They completed the work and cleared up everything . Great service and would definitely use them again .

2 weeks ago

Anonymous

Top service from start to finish. Surveyor came round to check the job and give thoughts. Set up was thorough as we needed to get permits, keys for a shared gate and the ok from neighbours. Two guys t... Top service from start to finish. Surveyor came round to check the job and give thoughts. Set up was thorough as we needed to get permits, keys for a shared gate and the ok from neighbours. Two guys that did the work were friendly, organised and probably left the garden looking tidier than when they started. Thoroughly recommended.

1 month ago

Matt O'Neill

Very easy to deal with at both office & on-site. Good process flow from quoting through to invoice. Safe, professional & considerate staff when on-site too.... Very easy to deal with at both office & on-site. Good process flow from quoting through to invoice. Safe, professional & considerate staff when on-site too.

2 months ago

David

Very pleasant staff. Punctual and efficient. Carried out good job, communicated very well with neighbour, and cleaned up well. A fair price as well....

Doug

As a direct neighbour to tree felling and garden clearance work being carried out by Artemis yesterday in by Harrow, I can’t speak highly enough of their skill, hard work, considered approach and cour... As a direct neighbour to tree felling and garden clearance work being carried out by Artemis yesterday in by Harrow, I can’t speak highly enough of their skill, hard work, considered approach and courtesy. A great team who I would not hesitate to use myself.

3 months ago

Paul

I thought the Artemis team were absolutely brilliant. From coming to quote , prompt , and cutting back 2 oak trees they did a highly Professional and excellent job.... I thought the Artemis team were absolutely brilliant. From coming to quote , prompt , and cutting back 2 oak trees they did a highly Professional and excellent job.

Jill, Pinner

Efficient, thorough. Listened to what we wanted and carried out expertly. All v neat and tidy. Good job all round....

J M

Thank you Artemis for your excellent tree surgery work as part of ongoing maintenance over many years. The garden poses problems, but as ever the team were cheerful, efficient and everything was carri... Thank you Artemis for your excellent tree surgery work as part of ongoing maintenance over many years. The garden poses problems, but as ever the team were cheerful, efficient and everything was carried out exactly as planned. I shall continue to recommend Artemis.

4 months ago

Green hill housing

we have had work done with them and they do a wonderful job, from start to finish everything was perfect again, not a leaf leaf left behind, workmen were polite and professional.... we have had work done with them and they do a wonderful job, from start to finish everything was perfect again, not a leaf leaf left behind, workmen were polite and professional.

Jan

Artemis took down two lime trees who's roots had damaged the garage floor and were an inch away from the foundations of the house . The trees were in a very awkward place to get to but this didn't see... Artemis took down two lime trees who's roots had damaged the garage floor and were an inch away from the foundations of the house . The trees were in a very awkward place to get to but this didn't seem to trouble this highly competent team. The team were extremely well equipped , and they worked together like a well oiled machine. We were delighted with their work, tidiness and very pleasant manner. And it was at a fair price.

David Pooley

Excellent value, great work on a terrible day...good lads!...

5 months ago

Diana Stuckey

Excellent service with experienced people who did an excellent job of pruning my tree. Would definitely use them again....

Jonathan

Martin and Luke arrived on time They were polite and did the job to my total satisfaction and cleared up Took the time they said it would when they arrived Well done!... Martin and Luke arrived on time They were polite and did the job to my total satisfaction and cleared up Took the time they said it would when they arrived Well done!

Phil

Very professional job. The man in charge was excellent. Did the job exactly as we wanted it. Would highly recommend....

6 months ago

I have used Artemis a number of times and always feel confident that they offer an excellent service all the way through from the first visit to the final clearing up. They are knowledgeable, profess... I have used Artemis a number of times and always feel confident that they offer an excellent service all the way through from the first visit to the final clearing up. They are knowledgeable, professional and friendly. They do great job and I would highly recommend.

7 months ago

Friendly staff. Work carried out efficiently. Left the area clean and tidy. Would definitely recommend Artemis....

Chris

Artemis are very efficient, knowledgeable, professional and easy to deal with....

This was the first time we have used Artemis, and the whole process from initial enquiry through to completion was very easy. We would definitely recommend their services, and will be using them again... This was the first time we have used Artemis, and the whole process from initial enquiry through to completion was very easy. We would definitely recommend their services, and will be using them again I'm sure.

8 months ago

Natasha

Fantastic service from your team at Artemis. We needed a tree in our garden heavily crowned, having let it grow far too tall. We couldn’t be happier with the work done; the team were so professional, ... Fantastic service from your team at Artemis. We needed a tree in our garden heavily crowned, having let it grow far too tall. We couldn’t be happier with the work done; the team were so professional, really lovely and left our garden tidier than it was before they arrived. We won’t hesitate to recommend Artemis to anyone needing tree work done

Excellent service from first quote to final job. Very good communications and reminders so I knew exactly when they were arriving. Polite and hard working team who cleared up perfectly. Would definite... Excellent service from first quote to final job. Very good communications and reminders so I knew exactly when they were arriving. Polite and hard working team who cleared up perfectly. Would definitely recommend.