Avoid These 5 Tree Trimming Mistakes

Miscellaneous
March 2, 2026

Trimming your trees judiciously helps them by removing branches that are dead and diseased and those that cross and rub dangerously against one another. Trimming and pruning can also open a tree’s crowded interior to let in more sunlight and air. However, trimming a tree the wrong way can be deadly. Here are some trimming mistakes to avoid. Of course, if you’re nervous about trimming your own trees, you should call an arborist.

1. Overdoing It

Once you get started, it may be easy to remove too many of the tree’s branches. This can stress the tree to the point where it will have trouble recovering. Arborists recommend that you not take away more than 25% of the tree during a trimming session.

2. Topping

Topping is when you basically chop off the top part of the tree just to make it shorter. This is rather catastrophic because the branches that grow back are weak, sickly, and vulnerable to pests, storms, and diseases. It also, frankly, destroys the tree’s aesthetic value and may deform it in ways that make it harder to take care of properly.

3. Using Dull Tools

One of the worst things you can do with regard to tree trimming is to use dull tools that don’t make clean cuts. Rather, they crush the branches and make them vulnerable to sickness and infestation. The problem is made that much worse when the tools are not only dull but dirty. Dirty tools can spread infection from one tree to another.

4. Making the Wrong Cuts

Another dangerous mistake is to make cuts just anywhere on the tree. Too much of this can cause the tree to actually become unstable. An arborist knows that every removed limb should be removed for a reason. The reason could be to take away a limb that’s dead or sick or to make the tree shapelier. Another wrong type of cut is to cut a limb flush to the trunk. This destroys the branch collar, a structure that helps the tree heal. Without the branch collar, the tree is more at risk of decay.

5. Pruning During the Growing Season

It’s fine to trim away dead or diseased branches any time you find them, and some species of trees need pruning during the warm months. However, serious trimming is ideally done when the tree is dormant. Trimming while the tree is burgeoning attracts pests and diseases. The tree also takes a longer time to heal.

Call Our Arborists for Trimming and Pruning Services

Trimming and pruning your trees is as much of an art as it is a science. If your trees need trimming and pruning or other care, don’t hesitate to call our skilled arborists at Hangin’ Limbs of Lyons, GA.

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   Amber Bonanni 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 10/10 highly recommend this company for any and all tree removal needs! This team came and removed 7 pine trees and stumps from our property within a day and had it cleaned up so nice you would have never even known they had been there. We will definitely be using them again for any further needs and will be recommending to all of our friends!
  
 
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   Chris Hamm 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. David at Hangin Limbs Tree Removal and his assistant are absolutely “THE BEST” and I am so glad that I found him on Google. He is the only guy I will call in the future for all our tree removal.

David came out and gave me a quote the same day that I called. His price was far more reasonable than any other quote and as a retiree on a fixed income, I greatly appreciated that. The day before he was scheduled to come out, he sent me a text saying he could be here a day earlier and on that day he sent me another text saying he could be here earlier than expected. His communication is exceptional and I was so grateful because the tree was dead, leaning towards the neighbors property and I was afraid it would fall at any time.

When he showed up, he was like a magician. He pulled in the driveway, donned all his gear, scaled the tree with a large chainsaw hanging from his toolbelt, limbs started falling left and right, and within minutes the tree was down. Absolutely fascinating to watch. His assistant anticipated every move and it was like a magic show. I was scared for him, he was so high in the tree and those falling limbs were so big but he is obviously a seasoned professional and it was totally awesome to watch him do the work.

Unquestionably, his work is the best in the business and he went beyond my expectations. I am very impressed with all of his work. He even took the time to cut the stump as low to the ground as possible without even asking. He is a true professional and I just can’t thank him enough. I don’t have to worry about that dead tree leaning over my neighbors property anymore and that, in and of itself, is priceless!
  
 
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   Rob Sullivan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This service was excellent. I had a very large leaning pine tree in my backyard next to a fence and close to the pool and the house. David gave me a fair quote and got the job done quickly and safely. I highly recommend this service.
  
 
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   Julie Tillman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. David and Manuel are very professional. They tackled my project with precision and finished in just a few hours. They had the right equipment to make everything look easy as they worked tirelessly with never taking a break. I have had tree work done by crews of men, but David and Manuel would have outworked them all. They did a great job of cleaning up with minimal damage to the yard. I have dealt with unqualified tree people and therefore checked Hanging Limbs out before hiring them They did not disappoint. They are not afraid of hard work. Worth every penny. I have no reservations about recommending them to my family or friends. Thank you David and Manuel.
  
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Met David and was impressed by what seemed to be his work ethic. Decided to use him for 4 very tall pines, next to neighbors house, my house, fences, yards and flower beds. Super hard worker and had everything down in 2 hours. Clean up was unbelievable with almost zero impact. OVER exceeded my expectations. 👍
  
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Called David to look at some trees to take down and he came out the same day. We agreed on a price which was very reasonable and set up a day for removal. He showed up earlier than expected which is great. We had a small area to drop 9 pines without disturbing other vegetation around and he did it. Perfect! Wasn't expecting him to do all he did but am very thankful. Already in talks for a few more trees to be removed by him.
  
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thankyou David for the excellent job you did removing the the trees that were dangerously close to my house  precise,safe and at an affordable price. Highly Recommended.
  
 
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