Trimming Trees and Shrubs

Figure A--Trim a larger branch with a pole saw by using a three-cut method. Start by making a relief cut on the underside of a branch so that when the branch breaks, it does not tear the bark. Make the cut about six inches away from the body of the tree. Always wear gloves, and make sure there are no power lines near the branch.

Figure B--Reverse the saw and make the separation cut on the other side of the branch.

Figure C--The final step involves cutting away the stump that is left when the branch falls.

To Prune or Not to Prune

• Pruning can be done any time of the year, but if the plant is infested with organisms or insects, make sure to prune during the time of year in which they are least active. For example, pruning oak trees during the summer is not a good idea because oak wilt is predominantly active during the warm months. Check with a local arborist or county extension agent to find out what time is best to prune susceptible trees.

• If a large tree that needs to be trimmed is near power lines, then call a professional tree trimmer. Also, do not try to prune a branch that is too tall. If both feet cannot remain firmly on the ground when pruning, then the branch is too high and a professional should be called in.

• Trees planted for landscaping purposes need to be pruned in their early development to produce strong structural features.

Pruning Tools

• Spring-loaded hand-pruning shears with a curved blade are the best option for trimming small branches. Long-handled lopers are good for branches larger than a 1/2 inch, and a pruning saw is good for branches larger than an inch in diameter.

• For hard-to-reach branches in the lower canopy of the tree, you can use a pole pruner and saw combination. Always remember to keep your feet on the ground.

• Electric or gas shears make it harder to control the cut of the plant and may cause you to cut too far into the plant. If you have a larger plant, that needs to be trimmed, use a small folding saw. It allows for more control, giving a more precise cut.

• It is important to clean pruning shears before trimming each tree. Use a solution of 1/2 cup bleach and 1 gallon water. Rinse the shears in the solution, then rub them lightly with a clean steel-wool pad. For some diseased trees, it is necessary to clean the shears after each cut.

• The first tip in keeping trimmed trees and shrubs healthy is to make sure that the tools are sharp enough for trimming. Dull shears could injure foliage. Ripping branches may shock the foliage and dull shears will require more strength to cut through a branch. This could be painful to the person doing the pruning.

• To ensure that pruners are always sharp, either purchase a new blade at a hardware store for about $10, or sharpen it yourself. One tip for sharpening is to take a magic marker and draw it over the beveled edge of the blade. When you start to sharpen the blade, be sure to file over the marked area. While you are filing the marker on the blade, make sure that you are keeping the proper angle on the beveled edge of the blade.

• After using pruning shears or a pruning saw, be sure to clean and sterilize them by wiping them with isopropyl alcohol. To clean sap off of a tool, use steel wool instead of a rag. After cleaning the tools, store them in a case, or wrap them in a rag so that they won't get dusty and grimy.

Types of Trees and Pruning Techniques

• Never "top" a tree to make it shorter. In other words, never cut a section of the canopy directly off the top. This could cause the remaining branches to rot. The tree will then sucker (shoot that sprouts out of or near the base of a tree) on top, possibly growing taller than it originally was. This will result in a top-heavy tree with a woody middle that may eventually die. Just remember, prune patiently and wisely because poor pruning can damage a tree for life.

• Always have a specific reason for the removal of a branch. When you trim a branch, always cut where the branches "V" to form a crotch. Never prune branches in the middle. This technique will result in decay or cause extreme sprouting or stress to occur.

• Trees that flower should be trimmed after they finish flowering.

• Make cleanup of trimmings easier by placing an old flat sheet on the ground in the area in which the trimmings will fall. Once you have finished pruning, gather up the sheet and place it in a plastic lawn-and-garden bag, (available at local hardware-supply stores). Pull and shake the sheet as you remove it from the garden bag, leaving the trimmings behind.

Tree Medicine

• Pruning paints and sealants do not make shrubs heal faster. In fact, it is more effective and healthy for a tree or shrub to dry out because of exposure to air. Paint and sealants act as an incubator for decaying organisms, which will destroy the health of the tree. The only time a sealant should be used is during an emergency summer pruning on a disease-prone tree such as an elm or oak tree.