Pruning your trees isn’t as simply as sawing off limbs and calling it a day. Improper pruning techniques can do more than just make the tree look bad—it negatively impacts the plant’s growth and overall health. Too many pruning mistakes can kill a tree. To help homeowners better understand this routine procedure, we’ve outlined the benefits of tree pruning, how to safely prune your trees, and what to look for in a professional service.

In the video below, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shows the proper way to prune a branch without damaging the tree.

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Reasons for Tree Pruning

Before you can start pruning, you need to identify problem areas within the tree. This helps you best understand how to tackle the job for the health of the tree and your goals. Common reasons for tree pruning include

Dead Branches

Removing dead or decaying tree branches decreases the risk of falling limbs and enhances the overall look of the plant. Pruning also improves the trees’ health by helping better direct nutrients to healthy branches and reducing the risk of pests and disease.

Homeowners can identify dead branches by looking for limbs with a dry exterior and brown interior.

Poor Light or Airflow

Pruning a mature tree thins it out by removing old branches, making room for direct sunlight, and airflow to hit growing foliage. Sunlight is particularly important in creating a tree’s distinct crown shape. When old branches block out air and sun, a tree is vulnerable to external stressors that can impact the tree’s overall health and shape.

Lack of Fruit or Flower Production

Fruit trees or flowering shrubs may have poorer yields or lower fruit or bloom quality if they’re not pruned properly. Pruning allows the nutrients to get to the growing branches, directly impacting fruits and flowers. It also helps homeowners access the fruits easier.

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The Best Time to Prune Trees

The ideal pruning schedule depends on the tree species and your specific goals. Always research your particular species to determine the best time.

For most trees, the best time to prune is at the end of the dormant season and spring, which typically falls between mid-February to early May. During this time, trees are less susceptible to pest infestations and diseases, and wound closure is normally faster, reducing the risk of infection. 

The reason you’re pruning can also dictate the best time to prune. If you’re removing weak or dead limbs, you can prune year round. If you plan to perform heavy pruning of live branches, you’ll want to tackle this before spring growth has started.

Prune spring-flowering trees immediately after they finish blooming. Fruit trees often require specific pruning schedules based on their fruiting patterns. Trees prone to or excessive sap flow, such as maples or birches, are best pruned in late summer or early fall.

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How To Prune a Tree

While cutting limbs seems simple, proper tree pruning processes promote tree health while reducing injury risk. How you approach the job depends on the species and your goals, but generally, you can follow these steps to prune a branch:

1. Cut the branch’s underside. Start your cut on the underside of the branch about a 1.5 feet from its base. You should make your pruning cuts at a 45-degree angle. Once you reach the midway point, stop sawing.
2. Move to the branch’s top side. Start about 1 inch further from your first cut and continue down until the branch breaks free. Make the second cut at a 45-degree angle to prevent water from collecting and harboring harmful diseases.
3. Find the trunk’s branch collar. After making the final cut, follow the stub down until you see a slight swelling covered in rough bark. This is the branch collar. Cut it at a 45-degree angle to encourage proper healing.

How To Prune Different Types of Trees

Different tree types require specific pruning approaches to yield the best results for health and growth.

• Fruit trees: Remove water sprouts and suckers. Thin out crowded branches to improve air circulations and create an open center for better sunlight penetration.
• Evergreens: Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Lightly shape the tree to maintain its natural form. Avoid cutting into old wood, as many evergreens won’t regrow from these areas.
• Deciduous trees: Focus on structural pruning when the tree is young. Remove crossing or rubbing branches. Prune to help the tree maintain its natural shape.

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Tools Required for Tree Pruning

The pruning tools you need vary based on the size of the branch you’re cutting and the level of effort you’re willing to exert. Here are a few common tools and tips on when to use them:

• Hand shears are used for small branches up to 1/4-inch in diameter. They look similar to scissors and are perfect for pruning small trees, plants, and shrubs.
• Lopping shears are excellent for pruning medium branches that are up to 1.5 inches in diameter. Most loppers come with adjustable handles that allow you to cut more difficult branches.
• Pruning saws, heavy-duty shears resembling long, thin carpenter saws, are ideal for cutting large branches more than 1.5 inches in diameter.
• Pole pruners, also known as pole saws, help homeowners reach thick, out-of-reach branches.
• Chainsaws are electric- or gas-powered tools, ideal for homeowners looking to prune with minimal effort. 
• Safety equipment should always be worn when pruning trees, including safety glasses, work gloves, a hard hat, and nonslip shoes.

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Tree Pruning Safety Tips

Tree pruning is demanding. Only tackle this job if you’re willing to climb a ladder and use saws or shears. You’ll also have to be able to assess which branches need maintenance.

• Wear appropriate protective equipment, including safety glasses and gloves, to protect yourself from falling debris.
• Avoid pruning during the tree’s growing season, which is between spring and late summer. Overzealous pruning can remove the leaves that give the tree necessary nutrients.
• Use sharp tools. Dull saws and pruning shears can cause excessive bark damage and create harmful rips that expose the tree to pests.
• Inspect the branch for signs of bees, wasps, or other animal hazards before climbing a ladder.
• Don’t cut the entire top off of your tree. This causes improper balance and increases the risk of it falling.
• Never prune near power lines—call a professional.
• Work with a partner when using ladders. Always maintain three points of contact when on a ladder.

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DIY vs. Professional Tree Pruning

While homeowners can tackle most pruning tasks, some situations require professional help. You should hire a professional if you’re working with larger trees or branches, the tree is near power lines or structures, or the plant shows signs of significant disease or damage. 

Professional arborists have the knowledge and equipment to handle complex pruning jobs safely and effectively. They can also provide valuable advice on maintaining tree health and managing landscaping challenges.

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Conclusion

Tree pruning is needed to maintain a healthy, attractive tree. Staying on top of this landscaping task can help prevent lasting structural damage to the tree and encourage growth. For most homeowners and trees, pruning is a straightforward, simple job.

However, if you think a job is beyond your level of expertise or you’re facing an extensive task, we recommend contacting a landscaping professional, such as SavATree. Their network of expert arborists can tackle a variety of tree, shrub, and lawn care needs, including pruning, weeding, tree removal, and more.

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FAQ About Tree Pruning

What is the best time to cut back a tree?

The best time to cut back a tree is between late fall and early spring when most are in a dormant season and free from fruit or flowers.

What is the difference between trimming and pruning a tree?

The difference between trimming and pruning a tree is that pruning removes unnecessary and potentially dangerous branches while trimming often shapes the tree into a specific design. Pruning removes unwanted growth on a tree, while tree trimming promotes healthy new growth.

What are the benefits of pruning a tree?

There are many benefits of pruning your tree, regardless of the species or shape. Top benefits  include:

• Making room for new growth
• Protecting your property from damage
• Promoting fruit or flowering
• Deterring pest infestation or disease
• Improving the tree’s appearance
• Avoiding accidents due to falling limbs
• Allowing adequate air circulation and sunlight for lower branches

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