Why Prune?

1. Safety for people and property
2. Health of the tree
3. Aesthetics

Safety pruning involves removing branches or trees that present a hazard to people or property, either by the tree growing into power lines, too near to buildings, or obstructing vehicle or pedestrian traffic. The tree may also be dead or nearly so and in danger of failing for this reason.

Removing branches that are dead, dying, diseased, damaged or obstructing another branch can improve tree health.

Tree aesthetics can sometimes be improved by judicious pruning. Most trees, however, are their most beautiful when left in their natural form. Sometimes they are shaped into diverse forms by topiary for reasons as diverse as the people who desire to do such work.

Fruit tree pruning is a specialized form of tree pruning.

How to Prune

Proper pruning cuts utilize the tree's natural wound reactions to minimize damage to the tree. Cut just outside the branch bark collar, taking care to remove the major weight of the branch before so the final cut does not tear the bark below the cut. The Forest Service has prepared a very informative publication called How to Prune Trees. This booklet provides several very clear illustrations of the principles of pruning as well as the tools needed.

Topping is a violation of most of the rules of pruning and generally results in a severely weakened tree that will die much earlier and present more hazards than before it was topped. Homeowners can achieve all their goals for safety, health and aesthetics using proper pruning techniques without topping.

Safety

If power lines are anywhere near, call your power company. They will be happy to advise you of special safety considerations. They may also arrange to have their own crews do the work if it involves line clearance. Pruning near power lines requires special training to deal with the special hazards involved. Your life is not worth the few dollars saved by skimping on safety.