Tree cutting, tree pruning, and tree removal are all techniques that are used to manage trees and maintain their health and appearance.
Tree cutting: Tree cutting is usually synonymous with tree removal, though some people may ask for tree cutting when they want trimming or pruning.
Tree pruning: Tree pruning can involve raising a canopy, thinning a canopy, corrective pruning to help increase stability, removing dead or structurally unsound limbs, or reducing weight on long, heavy limbs to help increase stability or resistance. Pruning that is completed by a trained tree professional will be done in accordance with industry pruning standard (ANSI A300) so that the health of the tree and the aesthetics of the tree are maintained. A tree pruning professional will not leave branch stubs, make unnecessary cuts, cut off the branch collar leaving behind a flush cut, leave foliage only at the end of a branch, or remove too much of the foliage as all of these things can negatively impact the health of the tree, exacerbate existing issues, and leave the tree unsightly. Pruning in the right way is critical to the health of a tree.
Tree removal: Tree removal is the process of completely removing a tree from the ground. This is typically done when a tree is dead, diseased, or poses a safety hazard. Tree removal can be a complex and dangerous process that should only be performed by trained professionals.