Tree pruning tips

Trees in nature get along quite well without pruning. In fact, they don’t care if they are ever pruned at all.

The only reasons trees are pruned are for people. Here are some acceptable reasons to prune trees:

1.      Clearance. We raised the canopy of trees so we can sit, walk or park underneath. We prune limbs to keep them off of our roof, or from coming into contact with power or phone lines.

2.      Aesthetics: We shape trees so they are more symmetrical. While we often remove dead branches, this does not improve the health of a tree, nor make them grow better. In fact, if you want bird life to visit your yard, leave the dead branches. Birds prefer their trees ‘un-messed’ with.

3.      Mistletoe: Mistletoe often attacks mesquites and other landscape trees. While a tree can live a very long life with mistletoe, I recommend removing it. Because mistletoe is a parasite, it will eventually kill the tree. And as it does so, it makes for a very ugly and sickly-looking plant.

4.      Vista Pruning: We prune trees in order to maintain views.

How do you know if your tree needs pruning and can you do it yourself? That depends on the age, size, species and location of the tree. The larger the tree and the more extensive the pruning needs are, the more likely you will need to hire a certified arborist for a consultation. Do you really need a professional? Yes, you do. If you hire someone without proper training, they could well ruin your tree forever.

Regular maintenance can often be accomplished by a homeowner. Here are some tips for do-it-yourself tree care:

1.      Newly planted trees should NOT be pruned at planting time except to remove broken or crossing branches. All branches on the lower part of the trunk should be left on for at least two years. This will ensure sturdy trunk growth to help the tree stand on its own.

2.      Raise the canopy by removing small branches before you ever remove large branches. Removing a two-inch diameter limb leaves a serious wound. Always assess each cut before removing more. As you release the weight by cutting off branches, you may find you’ve raised the canopy enough without the need to cut more. You want to remove the fewest number of branches to get the job done. Always prune to point of origin—do not “hedge” cut a tree.

3.      Do NOT leave coat-hangers—those ugly long stubs. Always cut back to the point of beginning.

4.      Do NOT cut into the trunk. This damages the cambium layer, the living part of a tree’s trunk. All cuts should be made to stay outside of the “branch protection zone”—a ridge of bark that surrounds where the branch is attached to the tree.

5.      Never remove more than 25% of the canopy in one year. Because older trees have a harder time with extensive pruning, aim for no more than 10% in those cases.

6.      NEVER top a tree. Topping a tree means cutting of the central leader back to a branch that cannot assume the role of a leader. If your tree is blocking your view, growing too tall, getting into power lines—there are options—including selective thinning, raising the canopy, or waiting for the tree to grow out of the view. If these are not an option or don’t work, have it removed. Trees CANNOT be shortened without ruining them forever.

Visit the International Society of Arboriculture website to learn more about tree care.