How Do You Prune a Tree?

Pruning is necessary for all landscape and shade trees at some point in their lives to foster the following:

• Encourage plant health by eliminating dead or dying branches damaged by disease, severe pest infestations, animals, storms, or other mechanical harm, such as crossing and rubbing branches.
• Maintain the intended goals of a landscape by stimulating flower and fruit development, keeping a dense hedge, or preserving a desirable tree shape or particular garden forms.
• Control plant size or remove undesired branches, waterspouts, suckers, and fruiting structures to improve aesthetics.
• Remove dead or dangerous branches, such as weak or narrow-angled tree limbs that overhang homes, parking lots, and walkways, to protect persons and property.
• Cut branches that interfere with street lights, traffic signals, overhead cables, or impede view at junctions to increase visibility and that block the entrance to your property to improve security.

Many thoughts may cross your mind when you take up a pruning saw and begin cutting trees. Should I cut this branch? So, how about that one? Is now a good time to prune? What if I cut down too many tree branches? Knowing the answers to all of your concerns will give you the confidence to extend the life of your trees and add beauty to your environment via careful trimming.

Proper tree pruning procedures are a combination of art and science. You can trust your eye for the artistic parts of pruning if you understand some physics behind it. Take a deep breath and begin cutting. Since landscaping trees are distinct from the other trees, seeking assistance from Sacramento landscape design professionals will be worthwhile to boost the beauty and longevity of your trees.

Tree Pruning Safety

Assess the requirement for a skilled arborist in every pruning circumstance. Then, delegate these activities to specialists who have the necessary equipment and specialized expertise for complex pruning projects.

• Tree pruning near electricity wires is prohibited.
• Removing Large dead or drooping branches.
• Large branches close to houses or structures.

How to Cut Large Branches

• Make a shallow incision around 4-5 inches from the trunk on the underside of the branch.
• Cut the branch approximately 2-3 inches from the original incision. When an unsupported branch falls, the first cut prevents the bark from peeling down the side of the trunk.
• Remove the remaining stub before making the final cut. Make this incision just outside the branch collar, the slightly swollen region where the branch and trunk meet.

Properly Pruning a Tree Limb

Remember that thinning, shrinking, and shaping branches and limb small enough to cut with hand tools may stimulate new development. It’ll be the new growth direction. Keep your cuts at a 45-degree angle to avoid water damage and illness.

Pruning Large Tree Limbs With Three Cuts

To avoid damaging the bark, most tree branches that are trimmed back to the trunk or the main branch require three cuts. The first two cuts remove the weight off the tree limb, while the last cut promotes callus development.

The Initial Cut — Branch’s Underside

Travel about 18 inches up the bottom of the branch to be removed. It is the ideal spot for your initial cut. Cut the branch approximately halfway through.

The Second Cut — the Branch’s Topside

Get to the top of the branch. Choose a position one inch apart from the initial cut. Cut carefully until the branch breaks loose.

The Third Cut is on the Outside of the Collar

Locate the branch collar on your tree. It is the stem tissue that surrounds the branch’s base. You’ll notice a small swelling and harder bark on most trees in this location. Your final cut should be just at the collar’s outside, but without leaving a stub. Make a full cut at a 45-degree angle, kicking out from the tree’s base, preventing water damage while promoting the development of the callus as quickly as possible.