If you are unsure of how to perform effective tree trimming, or have a job that is just too immense to tackle on your own, then you may require the services of a professional tree trimmer.

Professional tree trimmers can typically be located locally in your area by looking in the phone book or in the internet yellow pages. However, as is the case with most service organizations, you best bet will be to find a tree trimming professional through word-of-mouth.

If you cannot find anyone that specializes in tree trimming, then you may want to reach out to local landscaping organizations. They will typically have someone on staff that can handle any tree trimming needs. If they don’t, then you should ask them if they know of any other local businesses or individuals that would be able to assist you with trimming trees.

It is recommended to contact anywhere from 2-5 different companies. This will ensure that you get a general idea of average cost for the requested service and it will help you to determine which businesses are charging too much, or alternately, which are offering a great deal for their tree trimming services.

So you need to begin tree trimming. What tools do you use? How do you know which tools to use for a particular area of the tree? These are all very good questions. Here are some of the answers.

First you need to determine the approximate size of the tree that you are trimming. The tools that you will need depend upon the size of the branches that you will be pruning. Smaller branches (approximately equal to or less than 3 cm in diameter) will require hand pruners. Typically, the smaller the branch, the quicker the healing will occur after the pruning is completed. Left-handed and right-handed pruners are available.

Medium sized branches (up to 10.5 cm in diameter) can be trimmed by using either lopping shears or a small pruning saw . Unlike traditional saws, pruning saws are designed to cut on the pull stroke instead of the push stroke, making tree trimming a bit different than traditional sawing.

Larger branches (greater than 10.5 cm in diameter) will require tree trimming with the use of a chain saw . Chain saws should only be used by trained, qualified individuals.

All of your tools, whether for use on large branches, small branches, or anything in-between, should be kept in good condition. This includes making sure that the blades are sharpened prior to use and that any disinfecting that may need to occur has been performed prior to beginning the tree trimming process.

Tree trimming is essential when your trees become impacted by any number of adverse events. Some dangers to the health of your trees include, but are not limited to:

- Dead/dying branches or limbs

- Disease or infestation

- Injury

- Crossing branches

While restoring the health of your tree after a carefully planned and executed tree trimming is not guaranteed, the likelihood of tree survival following the trimming is exponentially increased.

General guidelines to follow when tree trimming to help prevent further injury are:

- Do not remove more than 25% - 30% of the healthy leaves, branches and foliage. This number, however, does not include dead, damaged, dying or diseased portions of the tree.

- Perform tree trimming when the tree is in a dormant state when possible.

- Fertilizing before a freeze may help injured, but otherwise healthy, trees.

If you perform tree trimming as needed, along with following other good, general gardening practices, you can be sure to have beautiful mature trees to enjoy for years to come.