Tree Trimming Mistakes That Could Harm Your Property

Tree trimming may seem simple, but it’s one of the most misunderstood aspects of tree care. When done incorrectly, trimming can damage your trees, weaken their structure, and even put your home at risk. Whether you're in Rhode Island or Massachusetts, understanding what not to do can save you from costly repairs and prevent long-term tree health issues.

Below, we break down the most common trimming mistakes—and how to avoid them.

One of the most damaging mistakes homeowners make is removing too much of the tree at one time. Over-pruning—also known as "topping"—can shock the tree, weaken its defense system, and make it vulnerable to pests and disease. Trees need a certain amount of leaf surface to produce food through photosynthesis, and excessive removal puts them into survival mode.

Instead, it’s best to remove only what's necessary—typically no more than 25% of the canopy in a single season. Professional arborists understand how to maintain this balance.

Tree trimming is more than just lopping off branches. Where and how you cut matters. A common DIY mistake is leaving a stub too far from the trunk or cutting too close, which damages the branch collar—the area where a branch meets the trunk and healing begins.

Improper cuts prevent proper healing and create open wounds that invite rot, fungus, and insect infestations. Clean, precise cuts at the correct angles are essential for tree health and structural integrity.

Timing matters. Trimming during the wrong season can put stress on your tree or interrupt its natural growth cycle. For example, cutting during early spring while sap is rising can leave trees vulnerable to bleeding and infection. Trimming in late summer or fall can stimulate new growth that won’t have time to harden before winter.

The best time for trimming varies by tree type and local climate. In New England, winter or early spring is often ideal for most species—but a professional assessment is always recommended.

Topping is the practice of cutting off the top portion of a tree to reduce its height. While it may seem like a quick solution for overgrowth, it’s extremely damaging. Topping removes the tree’s main growth point, forcing it to sprout weak, unstable limbs that are prone to breakage.

It also leaves large wounds that invite decay, often shortening the lifespan of the tree significantly. If a tree is too large for your property, removal or proper reduction cuts are much safer alternatives.

Using the Wrong Tools

Using dull, dirty, or inappropriate tools can cause more harm than good. Crushed or torn cuts from dull blades are harder for the tree to heal. Worse, using unclean tools between trees can spread disease.

Professional tree trimming companies use commercial-grade equipment that’s regularly cleaned and maintained—something most homeowners aren’t equipped with.

Improper trimming techniques don’t just hurt the tree—they can also damage your yard, garden beds, fences, or even your roof. Falling branches during trimming are a major hazard if you're not experienced in safe cutting and rigging techniques.

Professionals plan every cut to minimize risk, using harnesses, ropes, and controlled drop techniques that protect both your tree and your surroundings.

DIY trimming may seem like a cost-saver, but the long-term risks often outweigh the short-term savings. Trimming mistakes can lead to:

• Tree death and removal costs
  
• Property damage from weakened limbs
  
• Safety hazards for people and pets
  
• Decreased curb appeal and property value
  
  

Hiring a local, experienced tree service ensures your trees are trimmed properly and safely—protecting your investment and your home.

If you’re unsure about how—or when—to trim your trees, let the professionals handle it. At M&M Tree Service, we provide expert tree trimming throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts, using safe, effective techniques that promote healthy growth and long-term tree health.



Call us today to schedule your tree inspection and get a free trimming estimate. Your property—and your trees—will thank you.