Trees are immense, impressive, and important to the environment. They provide shelter to animals and birds, and they produce the oxygen we all need to breathe. Through tree lopping or pruning, a well-maintained tree can also enhance the look of your neighbourhood or property. However, summer storms can wreak havoc on the structural integrity of your trees, making them dangerous in winter. As winter begins in 2022 with howling winds after such an intensely wet summer, it is imperative to make sure that you and your family are safe from any wayward tree limbs by lopping off dead or dying branches.
But first, what is Tree Lopping?
As the name implies, tree lopping is the removal of tree branches that are dead, dying, or not wanted. There are a variety of reasons why tree lopping is important. When trees grow too wide for the space they need to grow, they can obstruct power lines, passing vehicles, and other nearby structures. Additionally, trees can clog storm drains, footpaths, driveways, and other areas. When new growth or falling deadwood is allowed to flow through these channels without limitation, blockage from a build-up of sediment and debris can occur, leading to serious drainage issues or even flooding.
Tree lopping vs. tree pruning
When it comes to tree care and tree maintenance, you may see many sources talk about tree lopping and pruning interchangeably. However, while they are both related to tree maintenance, they are different methods required for separate reasons:
- 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
In other words, lopping removes branches to increase the safety of the environment around the tree, whereas pruning strategically cuts branches off trees to remove diseased branches and/or get a desired shape to promote tree health.
How does Tree Lopping work?
Depending on the size of the tree, tree lopping can be done by yourself or by professionals by using a cutting blade such as a saw or chainsaw and cutting across the branch. This action makes sure that only the branch that is being cut is touched, leaving the rest of the tree intact.
For bigger trees, professionals may need special equipment to reach the branches that they are removing. Sometimes, they even need to use cranes or special harnesses to safely and successfully lop off the branches!
What should I consider when tree lopping?
When it comes to any sort of tree maintenance, safety is paramount. Although you may think that sawing off a stray branch is an easy DIY job, many people don’t realise that a tree branch with all the extra stems and leaves can be extremely heavy, bulky, and dangerous to handle. Hiring an experienced and reputable professional will ensure that 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 you, your property, and your surroundings while the procedure is in operation.
Another important consideration is the legal side of tree maintenance. The same laws covering tree removal in Sydney also apply to lopping in most cases. As many NSW councils prohibit work on any native trees, it is imperative to seek advice on the laws surrounding the trees on your property prior to any major work.
One last thing to consider is what to do with the branches that have been cut off. When you make decisions regarding tree lopping, make sure that you are thinking about tree lopping and removal together in your plan.
“To be without trees would, in the most literal way, to be without our roots.” – Richard Mabey
Trees are good for the soul. They’re essential to the air we breathe. And they provide a majestic example of strength and perseverance in the face of adversity. Let us at Star Property help you maintain the health of your trees so that you can guarantee the safety of your family and your surroundings and help them enjoy the beauty of your trees for many more years to come.