Why Tree Trimming Needs to Be Replaced with Proper Pruning in Southeast Michigan
Most people search for tree trimming when looking for tree care in Southeast Michigan, whether in Novi, South Lyon, Farmington Hills, or Bloomfield Hills. But the reality is, trees are not hedges. While the term "tree trimming" is commonly used, it often results in improper cuts that weaken trees over time. True tree care is about pruning— a science-based approach that preserves structure, promotes health, and extends the life of trees in residential and commercial landscapes.
Mounir, one of our expert arborists, recalls a conversation with a homeowner who had already received multiple recommendations for trimming their trees. "After reviewing their options, they weren’t quite sure what was best. Rather than just giving another estimate, I took a different approach. I pulled up a photo of their tree, marked it up, and walked them through exactly how different cuts impact a tree’s structure, load potential, and longevity. That’s when it clicked. They suddenly saw their trees in an entirely new way—not just as something to be shaped, but as living structures that need careful management. By the end of our conversation, they were actively assessing their other trees, pointing out limbs of concern, and even suggesting proper pruning strategies based on what they had just learned."
Why Tree Trimming Is a Problem
Most of the trees we’re called to handle for storm response in places like Milford and Northville were weakened over a lifetime of improper tree trimming or a lack of pruning altogether. Trees that have been routinely over-trimmed, lion-tailed, or stripped of lower limbs become structurally weak, leading to
- Compromised tree structure – Large branches are removed without considering load distribution, weakening the tree over time.
- Increased decay – Poor cuts expose trees to decay, especially when large-diameter limbs are removed.
- Unmanageable growth patterns – Without strategic pruning, trees in cities like Farmington Hills and Northville develop weak attachments and poorly placed branches.
- Premature removal – When trees become structurally unsound due to years of improper trimming, they often require early removal.
Trees are in our beautiful urban environments such as Bloomfield Hills, Plymouth, Novi and surrounding areas need intentional cuts that promote long-term stability, storm resilience, and aesthetic beauty.
The Science of Proper Pruning
Proper pruning aims to accomplish an objective of ideal tree structure. The age of a tree determines to what extent we can shape its structure or if simply must manage the existing structure, which is why pruning early saves money, maximizes tree strength, ensures a long lifespan, and prevents unnecessary storm damage.
At Momentum Tree Experts, we don’t just remove branches we prune with precision to enhance a tree’s biological health and structural integrity. Every cut is intentional and executed with expert care.
We follow all ANSI A300 pruning standards, but what really sets us apart is the attention to detail in every cut. Key things to be aware of regarding the cuts being made:
- Perfect collar cuts – Every removal cut is carefully executed at the branch collar to minimize decay spread and promote strong compartmentalization.
- Reduction cuts made with precision – Instead of bluntly shortening branches, we make cuts as close as possible to the tree’s chemical and physical boundaries, allowing it to naturally seal off wounds
- Foliage stays where it belongs – We never strip the interior canopy or remove lower limbs unless absolutely necessary.
- A proper cut will compartmentalize quickly, limiting decay and stress, while an improper cut does the exact opposite
- A rushed or incorrect cut damages critical chemical barriers, allowing decay to spread deeper into the trunk or branches.
- Stub cuts leave open wounds that take far longer to seal, leaving the tree vulnerable to stress, decay, and disease.
Pruning Is an Investment Not an Expense
Pruning is an investment. The bottom line is, with trees just like homes, cars, and equipment if you don’t maintain them regularly, preventatively, and correctly, it is always more expensive.
Proper pruning ensures your trees:
- Look natural and beautiful enhancing your property instead of becoming an eyesore.
- Are as strong as possible reducing the risk of limb failure.
- Avoid drastic, expensive corrections later eliminating the need for severe structural removals.
- Minimize storm damage risks so you don’t wake up to fallen limbs or worse.
- Give you peace of mind allowing you to actually enjoy your trees without worrying about them.
Many homeowners we interact with in our common service areas such as Plymouth, Northville, and Bloomfield Hills are initially surprised by the cost of professional pruning. However, proper tree pruning is significantly more technical and challenging than basic trimming. Instead of arbitrarily cutting off the "easiest-to-access" branches, proper pruning focuses on the outermost portions of the canopy, making access more difficult and increasing the time and skill required to execute the work correctly. Additionally, the longer a tree has gone without proper pruning or has been incorrectly trimmed, the more complex and comprehensive the correction work becomes especially for trees 25 years old and older. This doesn't mean we shouldn't do something about it now! Just like our own health, the sooner we take action, the better and it's never too late!
The best time to prune trees in Southeast Michigan is during the dormant season, when trees are at rest and can respond optimally to cuts. Our schedule fills quickly, so don’t wait until spring storms reveal weak branches. If you’re searching for tree trimming in Wixom, Walled Lake, Wolverine Lake, Novi, Milford, Northville, South Lyon, Farmington Hills, Farmington, Orchard Lake, Plymouth, Keego Harbor, Franklin, Whitmore Lake, Sylvan Lake, Brighton, Livonia, Canton, Bloomfield Hills, or surrounding areas, reach out today to discuss the benefits of professional tree pruning compared to conventional "tree trimming".
Contact Momentum Tree Experts today to schedule a pruning consultation and get expert recommendations tailored to your trees!
