Complete Guide of Pruning and Trimming Tree: Tips & Techniques

Everyone can prune their trees but the secret is to prune them correctly. If you don’t prune your trees properly the result may be more than poor curb appeal but a dying tree. Use these pruning tips to become more successful in your pruning techniques and sit back and enjoy the view.

General Tree Trimming Tips

• It’s almost always best to trim or prune a tree during its dormant season. Although you can technically prune a pine tree at any time, it is still better to do so when it is dormant. The only exception is when a hazard exists.
• Be conscientious about the size of the branch that you are going to remove. If it is less than 2 inches in diameter, removing it is fine. If it is between 2 and 4 inches in diameter, you might not want to do it. If the branch is more than 4 inches in diameter, you should only do so if you have a really good reason and better call a certified arborist.
• Only trim branches that have weak, V-shaped, narrow angles. Retain branches that have strong, U-shaped angles.
• Use this article for the best tree pruning tools and be sure you keep them sharp.

Tree Pruning Techniques

There are several general approaches to pruning, each for a specific purpose. Learning the right methods to pruning is the 1st step in keeping your trees healthy and helping them live a long life.

• Cleaning is removing dead, diseased, or weak branches from the crown of a tree.
• Thinning is removing branches to allow more light to penetrate, reducing stress on heavy limbs and encouraging retention of the tree’s natural shape, removing crossing branches that may rub on each other.
• Raising is removing lower branches to provide clearings for buildings, vehicles, pedestrians, and views.
• The reduction is cutting back tree limbs to reduce the size of the tree and make room for utility lines.