Tree Trimming 101

Tree Trimming is a common landscape maintenance practice that removes dead branches and limbs, as well as those that grow in the wrong direction and could potentially rub against your home or power lines. This type of pruning also helps ensure that your trees and shrubs look their best. While some may think that this is a large undertaking, trimming can be simple with the right tools and know-how.

While it’s important to prune regularly to keep your plants healthy and promote new growth, the frequency of this work depends on a variety of factors. The type of tree, location in the landscape, climate conditions and even how fast the plant grows can influence a pruning schedule. For example, a young shrub or small tree can benefit from annual trimming, while mature shade trees need a more regular routine.

Regardless of the size or species of your tree, there are three basic trimming methods: pruning for health, thinning and crown thinning. Pruning for health removes weakened or diseased limbs and encourages new growth to provide the canopy with proper coverage and light penetration. This can also help reduce the risk of damage caused by wind, snow or ice.

For a general tree health pruning, use sharpened hand shears or lopping shears for smaller, thinner limbs and pole saws to cut larger ones. For limbs that are hard to reach, a climber’s safety harness can be helpful and is recommended for all tree trimming projects.

When removing large or heavy limbs, make sure to follow a three-step process to prevent bark and tissue damage. The first step is to cut the underside of the branch an inch from its base. The second step is to cut the topside of the branch an inch further out from the first cut, about halfway through the branch. The final cut should be made just outside the branch collar, a slightly swollen and rough area of stem tissue where the base of the branch meets the trunk. This ensures a quick callus is formed, protecting the wound from water damage.

To thin a tree, start with the branch that is too dense. This is generally any limb that is less than about half of its overall height. To thin a tree without losing its structural integrity, you must carefully remove the end portions of the limbs, leaving a stub of an inch or less. The goal is to open up the canopy, allowing sunlight to reach all areas of the tree for proper growth and visual appeal.

Alternatively, you can use a pruning shears to create a stub that’s about an inch long. Then, use a chainsaw to complete the final cut by following the branch collar to the base of the trunk. Always make a clean cut to avoid leaving stubs behind. To ensure the tree heals quickly, make this cut as close to the point where the branch originally grew off the trunk as possible.

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