Most of us can confidently give our trees the care they need to stay healthy. Water, mulch, fertilize – no problem.
But cut down trees yourself? It can feel like new territory. Large-scale pruning should definitely be left to the professionals, but pruning small branches and trees is completely manageable. Yes, you can learn how to prune a small tree yourself!
Cordless branch cutters are a godsend. They are light and will do the hard work of trimming branches for you. Buying the best cordless scissors will save you time and money…and your joints will thank you. However, there are many products on the market that should be checked carefully before purchasing. Don’t buy one that will disappoint you next year. A good pair of scissors should last quite a while before needing to be replaced.
If you’re up to the task, read on for a step-by-step guide to pruning twigs and small trees.
When to prune trees yourself and when not to
Looking to prune a small tree with light branches and eye-level canopy? go a head! However, you should not attempt to trim the tree if you have to climb a ladder to reach the branch, if it is near a power line, or if it has large branches that are difficult to maneuver.
How to Cut Your Own Sprigs
Let’s start with the step of pruning only one branch, and then start pruning a small tree. Trim branches:
Make sure your cutting tools are sharp and clean.
Learn about branches and parts of trees. Quick vocabulary lesson here: Branch collars are the bulging areas under the branches that connect the branches to the tree. It is easy to spot in some tree species, but not so easily in others. The branch bark crest is the area between the branch and the trunk that is slightly higher than the branch. If you think of the branch as an arm, the top of the bark is the shoulder and the collar is the forearm.
Watch where you’re going to cut. The goal is to make the cut just a little further from the branch neckline, far enough not to cut the neckline itself, but close enough not to leave a stub.
For thin branches less than 1 inch in diameter, find the sweet spot just past the branch ring and cut the branch with the top of the bark at a 45-60 degree angle.
For thicker branches, use the three-cut rule: About 10 to 15 inches above the neckline of the branch, cut in half from the base of the branch. Next, move up a few inches and cut into the top of the branch and set it down. Finally, make the final cut behind the knot.\
How to Prune Small Trees
If you’re pruning a small tree, the process of removing branches remains the same, but other factors come into play.
Make a plan for the branches you will cut and keep. If you think of your branches as clock hands, you should hold the branches that are at a 2 or 10 o’clock angle to the trunk, and trim branches that grow at an oblique angle. Also, try removing branches that grow from side to side within the tree.
Plan how much you need to cut. It is recommended not to remove more than 25% of the canopy at one time.
Pick up the pieces. Cut off any growth from the root or base of the stem. Cut off dead branches and twigs. Cut the sprouts – these are fragile, thread-like branches that usually grow in clusters and stand completely upright on the branch.
If you have a younger tree, cut off branches that are competing with the main branch. Learn more in this post on pruning young trees for good structure.
Finally, trim the branches using the steps above.
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How DIY Tree Pruning Safely and Kills Trees
Incorrect pruning won’t kill your tree immediately, but improper or too frequent pruning can.
If a tree loses too much canopy at once, it can become weak or even die of stress. Therefore, you should not cut more than 25% of the canopy at a time.
Cutting off the collar of a branch can also be a nasty mistake. Keeping the branch rings intact helps ensure the wound is properly sealed after pruning, but if injured, the wound can become infected with rot fungus, which can spread further up the tree.
In the end, cutting off the canopy can be a fatal mistake. Read why topping is dangerous for trees here.
Why you should avoid pruning a large tree
As you may have noticed, it’s all about trimming small branches and trees. There is a reason!
Attempts to prune thick branches or tall trees are not recommended. It is very dangerous to climb ladders with cutting tools in hand. You could get disoriented and hurt yourself, or worse, the ladder could tip over. The same goes for pruning heavy branches. Large branches can fall off and injure you, your house, or some of your property if you don’t hold them well. Also, larger pruning jobs may require chainsaws or other power tools, which require a huge learning curve and extra precautions.
That being said, you should never try to prune a tall tree yourself.