From the ground, pruning appears to be a simple task. Few cuts, and you’re done. In practice, little mistakes can add up quickly. You can damage a healthy tree or invite disease. Here’s a guide on how to avoid the most common mistakes.
1) The canopy can be topped off.
It may seem like an easy way to control height. This is not the case. Topping triggers weak, rapid shoots and leaves large wounds which decay. Reduce height instead by cutting strong laterals that are at least a third of the diameter as the removed limb.
2) Leave stubs and make flush cuts
Two extremes cause trouble. Stubs can delay the sealing process and attract pests. Flush cuts remove the bark ridge and branch collar, which are needed by the tree to compartmentalize its wound. Aim to make a clean, straight cut outside the collar. Be sure to look at the slight swelling that occurs where the branch meets the trunk.
3) Remove too much material at once
The tree will scramble to replace the leaves that are lost if you remove more than a quarter in a single season. This panic growth is weak, unorganized and messy. Spread out big goals over several years. It makes you feel slower. It’s a good thing.
4) Cut at the wrong moment
When to prune is important. Pruning trees during periods of high heat or drought can cause stress to the tree. Heavy spring pruning can deplete the tree of energy required for new growth. Many species can handle the late winter. You can remove dead, damaged, or dangerous wood at any time. If in doubt, choose a window that is cool and dry.
5) Use of dull or dirty instruments
Dull blades can cause tissue to be crushed. Blades that are dirty can spread diseases. Alcohol can be used to clean between trees and even between cuts, if the wood is suspect. Sharpen your hand pruners or loppers prior to starting. You will notice the difference.
6) Ignoring structure in young trees
Early training is the cheapest form of pruning. Select a single leader for species that desire one. Vertically space permanent branches. While they are still small, remove competing uprights. Few thoughtful cuts made in the first three years can prevent costly corrections later.
7) One big cut without relief notch
As they fall, heavy limbs can tear the bark. Three cuts are best. A short notch is cut about a foot away from the trunk. To remove the excess weight, make a top-cut outside of that notch. Finish by making a clean, final cut outside the collar. No tearing. No regrets.
8) Interior lion tailing
For about a week, it looks good to remove the inner branches of trees and leave only the foliage at their tips. Wind loads will bend the long levers, and then parts will break. Balance and strength can be achieved by maintaining inner growth.
9) Pruning from a ladder or near power lines
Stop! The electricity arcs further than you might think. Ladders can move. Do not continue if the work is within a falling distance from a line or if it requires you to leave the ground in order to reach the line. Call a qualified professional. Safety is more important than neatly trimmed branches.
10) Sealing the wounds with Paint
Wound dressings look helpful. Most of them trap moisture, which slows natural healing. Leave the cuts unsealed. The tree’s defenses are the most effective.
Skip aftercare
Pruning can be a controlled injury. Water your plants deeply during dry periods, keep mulch around the trunk in a large ring, and be on the lookout for pests. Reassess next time if a cut appears dark or spongy.
Quick checklist before you cut
- The bark ridge and branch collar can be identified.
- Sharpen and clean tools
- Use the three-cut method to cut anything heavy
- Removing no more than 25% of the live foliage
- Reassess your shape often by stepping back.
- Stop immediately if there are ladders or lines involved
Takeaways
- The best cuts are small and well-placed ones.
- Never flush or stubby, always cut just outside the collar.
- Early training of young trees for strong structure
- The timing, the tool and safety changes everything
Pause if you’re unsure about a large branch, unusual decay or a tree leaning over a target. Ask for a second opinion. Careful pruning keeps trees healthy for decades. Rushing through the process can shorten that future in just one afternoon.
This post was written by a professional arborist at Tree Removal Clearwater FL. Robert Miller is the owner of Arbor Wise Professional Tree Care, a locally owned and operated tree service company that offers superb lawn care by the most experienced Arborists. Arborwise Tree Services is a tree removal company that offers stump removal, tree pruning, stump grinding, fertilization, and tree restoration. We have an extraordinary lawn care industry notoriety covering the Pinellas county area.
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