Your guide to proper tree pruning
T
rees may require
pruning for a variety
reasons. Storms may
have damaged branches,
necessitating a pruning. In
other instances, trees may
have outgrown their yards,
overpowering the landscape.
Autumn and winter, when
trees largely go dormant
and fallen leaves make it
easier to see the branches
beneath, may be prime
times to prune. Pruning
during the dormant period also minimizes sap loss
and stress to the tree, and
can help cut down on the
growth of fungi. In addition, insects are less likely to
be problematic during the
colder months of the year.
Trimming and pruning
can be handled by do-ityourselfers if the branches
are smaller and more manageable. Practice on thinner
branches before moving on
to thicker ones, which may
require extra help. Branches may be heavy, and it takes
a guided hand to ensure the
branches fall in a safe manner so they do not cause
damage or injury.
Branches also need to be
trimmed properly to facilitate good healing. Trees will
form a callus bark covering
over cuts to keep out disease
and decay, much as a scab
forms over a person’s wound.
Damaging the bark on a tree
while pruning may interfere
with that process, so do-ityourselfers need to take the
time to prune correctly.
According to Danny Lipford, home improvement
expert and host of the radio
program “Today’s Homeowner,Ó”larger limbs may
require three cuts instead of
one. The first cut is a small
notch in the bottom of the
limb, around two to three
feet from the trunk and
14 • Fall Vermont Home Garden & Car
about one-quarter of the way
through. This helps prevent
the bark from splitting. A
relief cut is then made a few
inches away from the notch
cut, and goes all the way
through. This removes the
weight of the branch so that
the final cut can be made
without the branch splitting
and falling. The final cut is
made right where the limb
extrudes from the branch
collar, or the swollen bump
that then forms into the tree
limb. Follow the slant of the
branch collar when making
the cut. Smaller or thinner
branches may not require the
same three steps, but every
effort should be made to
reduce injury to the tree.
When deciding how much
to prune, less is usually more.
All pruning can put some
level of stress on the tree and
increase its vulnerability to disease and insect infestation. A
good rule of thumb is to never
prune more than 25 percent
of the crown. According to experts at TreeHelp.com, living
branches should comprise at
least two-thirds the height of
the tree. In some instances, the
rules may need to be bent if
trees are interfering with utility
lines or to meet community
laws. However, always prune
minimally to avoid damaging
the tree.
The right tools also make
the job safer and easier. Use
a pole pruner and lopper,
rope saws, folding pruner,
and a bucksaw. A chainsaw
can be used in some instances, especially when pruning
larger limbs. Always disinfect
pruning tools after you’re
done to prevent the spread of
disease to other trees.
Consider hiring a professional tree service if
pruning proves beyond your
capabilities. Doing so is safe
and often well worth the
investment.