words by George Hempel @The Tree Surgeon Professionals
What’s the difference between tree surgery and tree lopping?
What’s the difference between tree surgery and tree lopping? This is an interesting question because, for many people, they seem like the same thing. However, they are completely different; it's like comparing chalk and cheese.
Tree lopping is about trying to solve a human problem as quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively as possible. While this approach might seem practical, the one that suffers is the tree. The tree ends up being butchered, which isn't a sustainable or considerate solution.
Often when I go to a job, I hear concerns like, "I’ve got leaves in my gutters," "I don’t get enough sunlight," or "I don’t like the tree." However, the real question should be: is the tree actually the problem, or is it something else? I'm not suggesting everyone needs psychological counselling over trees, but we should consider different solutions rather than always reaching for a chainsaw.
When it comes to tree lopping, the first instinct is to grab the chainsaw. The problem might be temporarily solved, but the tree is left damaged. For instance, if leaves in the gutters are a concern, people often think the tree next to their house is the culprit. However, upon closer inspection, it’s often a different tree or even pine needles from a tree further away.
Cutting down the nearest tree won't necessarily solve the problem if the leaves or needles are coming from another source. Instead, we should look for solutions like better guttering systems that can effectively prevent leaves from clogging.
Tree surgery, on the other hand, involves a thorough assessment of the situation. We examine what’s actually in the gutters, identify the tree types, and determine the best way to address the issue. I’ve spoken to various guttering companies, and there are many effective products available that can prevent leaves without damaging the tree.
Tree surgery is about maintaining and understanding trees, not just cutting them down. It involves careful consideration of the tree's health, potential future issues, and the overall environment. Unfortunately, I’ve seen shocking tree work where improper techniques were used, causing long-term damage to the trees and surrounding property.
Proper tree surgery includes risk assessments and ensuring that everything, including buildings, fences, and cars, is protected. We make sure our team is fully insured and that the job is done safely and correctly.
Tree surgery takes a holistic approach to solving tree-related issues. It’s not just about getting the cheapest job done but ensuring the tree's health and the surrounding environment. Sometimes, after an assessment, we may find that a tree is unhealthy due to disease, damage, or other factors, and it might need to be removed for safety reasons.
I consider myself a tree advocate, balancing the needs of the trees with the concerns of the people living with them. While we can’t guarantee a tree will never fall, we do our best to make informed decisions based on our knowledge and experience.
Ultimately, we need to shift our mindset from being tree owners to custodians who cohabit with trees. This perspective helps us better care for our trees and environment.
