In older neighborhoods in cold climates many trees have gone through decades of hard winter weather. One of the things that helps them to survive year after year is proper pruning. Removing branches in late fall, when the tree is dormant, means less sap in the branches and less damage to tools and the tree itself. Pruning creates an open wound that is susceptible to insects and disease; the cooler weather minimizes the probability of these types of problems.Removing a branch is not always an easy job. If the branches are higher than you can comfortably reach on a ladder, call in the professionals that have the equipment to do larger jobs safely. The tree branch in this project is about 10 to 12 feet high and can be easily reached with a pole saw. Other tools that will be helpful when trimming trees are a bow-frame saw, a folded-blade saw and an anvil-style lopper.
Follow basic safety precautions when preparing to prune trees:
- Wear safety goggles and gloves.
- Use the right tools for the job and be sure they are clean and sharp.
- Look around overhead by the tree's upper branches. If the tree touches or is near utility lines, call in professionals to do the job.
- Check the area underneath the tree for any obstacles such as another tree, fencing, cars or anything else that might be damaged by a falling branch. At this time of year, you won't have to worry about damaging plants or flowers.
- If the branch is under three inches diameter, it can easily be removed. Larger branches can be more difficult to remove and are a significant part of the tree’s structure.
- When using a ladder, make sure it is level and rests securely against the tree. Do not stand on the top step.
Three-Cut Method:
- The first cut prevents the bark from being ripped from the trunk when the limb falls. Place the saw blade on the underside of the branch six inches out from the trunk. Cut all the way across the bottom of the branch, reversing the angle of the initial cut if needed. Cut about 2/3 of the way into the branch.
- Make the second cut just outside (away from the trunk) the first cut. Cut all the way through the branch until it falls from the tree.
- The third cut can be made from the top of the branch just outside the branch collar. Cut angled down away from the tree. If you cut flush with the trunk, the wound will take a longer time to heal.
After cutting a limb on one tree and before moving to prune others, clean the tools with an alcohol-soaked cloth. This will minimize the spread of disease from one tree to another. It will also remove any sap that may be on the blade, which will keep the blade in good working condition.
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