Use these tips on how to prune trees properly so they’ll look beautiful and stay healthy.
Correctly trimming trees and the techniques for how to prune trees properly combine art and science.
Many questions may run through your mind when determining how to prune trees.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
Is this theright time to prune?
What if I remove too many branches?
Should I remove this branch?
Then, take a deep breath and start making your cuts.
How to Prune Trees Safely
Approach everytree pruningsituation by assessing the need for a professional arborist.
It’s also a good idea to have someone nearby in case of an accident while pruning trees.
The bare branches allow you to see the tree structure clearly.
Avoid major tree pruning during “maple sugar time” (January through early March in most areas).
Beetles that attack oak trees are active from late spring through midsummer.
Credit: Rob Cardillo
If oak wilt is present in your region, don’t prune your oaks during this period.
Prune away dead ordiseased brancheswhenever you notice them.
Here are the most common situations and how to prune trees with these issues.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
V-Shape Branching
Some trees naturally form narrow, V-shape junctures.
While these narrow branch arrangements sometimes weaken the tree’s overall structure, not all require corrective pruning.
Narrow, V-shape junctures are inherently weak and can break off in wind or ice storms.
Credit: Jay Wilde
To prevent V-shapes from causing problems, remove one of the stems while the tree is young.
Over time, these fast-growing stems can weaken the main tree.
The best way to avoid annual suckering challenges is toavoid planting trees that commonly produce suckers.
Credit: Jay Wilde
A reputable nursery or landscaper will be a great help.
The tree will eventually split, or one of the trunks will break off.
To prevent this, remove one of the forked trunks while the tree is still young.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Take care not to damage the bark on the remaining trunk.
Clustered Branches
Too many branches bunched together can quickly weaken a tree.
Small, weak branches limit the development of larger ones.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Removing excessive branches, often growing laterally, will give the remaining branches better air circulation and sunlight.
Remove stubs as soon as you notice them.
A stub prevents a protective callus from closing the wound and provides insects with an entry point.
Credit:Dean Schoeppner
Onceinsects make inroads, moisture and rot can take over.
It’s needed to seal the wound.
Tree Wounds
You don’t have to apply a seal over pruning cuts or broken branches.
Allowing a wound to breathe will help it heal faster.
Most arborists now use tarlike wound dressings only for special purposes.
For example, some insecticidal wound applications might be used todiscourage beetlesfrom visiting and possibly spreading oak wilt disease.
As they grow larger, they will rub together as they move in the wind.
Choose the strongest of the crossed branches and remove the other.
The most obvious way touse tree branches is for firewood, especially in locations with cold winters.
