ARTICLES

Proper Tree Pruning

Proper pruning of trees is critical. Trees should be pruned before they break their winter dormancy. For those whose trees have been damaged by storms, doing the job correctly can help ensure the survival of landscape trees.

For best results, tree pruning should be done a little at a time throughout the life of the tree. By doing this you can create desirable shapes and maintain strong trunks and branches to prolong the life of the tree. Drastic pruning can be detrimental. Never remove more than one-third of the branches at one time. Remove dead or broken branches first. This must be done carefully to avoid causing more injury.

Torn bark is the most common kind of damage that occurs during pruning. When a branch is cut on its upper surface and breaks before the saw cuts all the way through, the limb falls and pulls downward on the remaining bark, tearing into the limb of trunk below.

To avoid this, make three cuts, the first being a few inches into the damaged branch's bottom surface a foot or two from its junction with the main branch. This stops the bark from tearing. The second cut should be made a few inches above the first one, severing most of the limb and thereby taking its weight off the remaining stump. Just above the raised ridge of bark known as the collar, make the final cut. This cut should leave the bark collar intact. The collar will eventually produce bark to cover the wound.