How to Prune a Tree

Tree pruning may be necessary for a number of reasons including removing damaged branches, making the tree look better, encouraging new growth, among many others. Pruning a tree is something that a homeowner can do if they feel comfortable. It is usually better to hire someone for very high trees and large branches. However, smaller trees can be pruned rather easily. Buy good quality pruners to make your job easier.

1. Make cuts shaped like a wedge. Make this on the underside of the branch that you want to cut. It should be made up from where the branch and tree trunk meet. About 12 inches up from that is ideal. This cut is where the bark will break. You do not want to make the cut at the very end of the branch because you want to avoid any possible damage to the tree trunk.


2. Begin cutting. A few inches up from that wedge-shaped cut is where you will begin sawing. Start at the top of the branch, cut all the way through to the branch. Once you cut all the way through and the branch falls you will be left with a stub on the tree.


3. Make a third cut as close to the tree trunk as possible in order to remove as much of the stub as you can. 


4. Continue working on remaining branches you wish to remove in the same manner.


5. Prune when the tree is dormant. This would be late fall or early winter. This helps to minimize the chance of infection and stress. However, dead branches can be removed at anytime.


6. Prune as little as possible. All pruning exposes your tree to risks. The less you prune the better. You should never prune more than 25 percent of the tree.