Proper Pruning
Simple tips to remember when pruning:
- Do not remove more than one-fourth of the tree’s crown at any one time (mature trees may not be able to handle even that much).
- Pruning young trees results in well-shaped adults; mature trees should not need pruning other than removal of dead or hazardous branches.
- Small wounds close much faster than large ones.
- The best time to prune living branches is during the winter or early spring before the tree has expended energy to produce leaves and shoots.
The first step in pruning a branch is to locate the branch collar, or the thickened tissue underneath the base of the branch, and the branch bark ridge, which is the junction of the tree stem and the branch, usually parallel to the branch angle. Try not to injure any of this tissue while pruning. To remove a small branch, use a sharp hand pruner and make a clean cut outside the branch bark ridge. For a larger branch that cannot be supported while cutting, use a three step process: 1) using a hand saw, make a shallow cut on the underside of the branch outside the branch collar. As the branch falls, this cut will protect the stem tissue from tearing. 2) The next cut should sever the branch outside the first cut. 3) The final cut should cleanly remove the stub outside the branch bark ridge and collar. An excellent USDA Forest Service resource for pruning information can be found at: www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/howtos/
ht_prune/htprune.pdf.
If the pruning task is too large, hire a certified arborist. Make a careful choice by asking for (and checking) references, checking for current certification and membership in professional organizations, and ensuring that worker’s compensation and liability insurance policies are current. Avoid hiring an arborist that offers topping; a good arborist will offer healthy options in caring for your trees.