How to Prune a Tree

Pruning helps the tree to grow healthy and keep its neat and beautiful shape. Trees are pruned to remove damaged branches, stimulate new shoots, or give the tree a striking shape. It is important to prune properly so as not to damage the tree. Read on for the basic steps.

Table of Contents

Identify branches that need pruning

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Think about which branches you need to prune. Are you going to prune the tree for shade or height? Has the tree been pruned recently? Before you start, you need to consider what you want to achieve and set goals. ^{[1] X Research Source}

The purpose of pruning will affect the timing of pruning. You can prune or remove dead branches at any time, but for larger goals you need to plan for the year.
For example, pruning a tree in the winter will help the tree to flourish in the spring. Pruning during the summer will slow down the growth of the cut branches, so this is a good option if you are planning to shape the tree or slow the growth of branches that you do not want to grow tall.

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Consider trees. Take a few minutes to assess the size and shape of the tree, imagining what it will look like when the pruning is complete.

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Identify the main branches that make up the “framework of the tree. “ Avoid cutting these branches. ^{[2] X Research Source}

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Remove branches that show signs of damage first. Whether due to wind storms or other causes, broken branches need to be cut off so that water and nutrients can be absorbed into healthy branches instead of still supplying broken branches. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

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Prune off the dense branches. Remove crisscrossing branches so that air can circulate and light reaches every part of the tree. In order for the tree to grow healthy, air must circulate throughout the branches. Tree branches that grow too close together will create conditions for mold to grow and attract insects.

Remove branches that grow inward towards the center of the tree. These branches make the tree messy and unhealthy.

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Trim entangled branches. You should cut off any entangled branches, whether it’s low branches blocking your path or tall branches that threaten phone lines, brush against roofs, or hover above your home. Other annoying branches should also be removed.

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Prune branches to keep the shape of the tree. If you want the tree to have a rounder or neater appearance, you can prune a few branches that appear to grow at an unusual angle; Just prune a few branches and you will see a big difference. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

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Prune the tree as little as possible. With each cut of the branch, the plant’s protective ability is reduced, and the risk of the plant becoming infected with mold and insects increases. You should only prune the tree when absolutely necessary, and never cut more than 25% of the branches.

With most deciduous trees, you’ll want to make sure you have at least two-thirds of the branches left on the tree, although this varies from tree to tree. Note that the tree will not survive if there is only one bare trunk left. The tree will be severely stressed if you cut the entire branch.
Do not prune more than once in a season. Unless stormy winds break branches, you should not prune more than once per season, as the tree needs time to recover.

Prune trees to limit damage

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Prepare pruning tools during the dormant season. Trees are less stressed when pruned in late fall or early winter because sap loss is also reduced. Pruning at this time of year is also better for the tree, as the “wounds” you make are less likely to be infected by fungi or insects since they are relatively less active during this season. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

A good time to prune the tree is after the leaves fall. This is an indication that the plant will hibernate until early spring.
If branches are broken by wind storms at any time of the year, you can prune them right away instead of waiting until spring.

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Cut a line on the underside of the branch. This first cut will not go all the way through the branch. This is to prevent the branch from breaking too close to the trunk when it is about to fall. ^{[6] X Research Source}

The cut will be made on the side of the branch, also known as the base, ie where the branch grows from the trunk. You need to leave the base of the branch intact, so don’t cut too close to the trunk.

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Cut off the branches, many centimeters from the trunk. The second cut will cut through the entire branch and be outside the first cut (far from the trunk). When the branch has come off, you will be left with a piece of the newly cut branch. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

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Cut a very precise line leaving the rest of the twig. Now you can cut a line almost close to the base of the branch. Thus, the tree will have the best conditions to heal quickly.

Remember not to cut into the base of the branch. This section needs to be preserved.

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Clean pruning tools. Although you probably don’t need to disinfect if you don’t cut rotting branches or visible diseased parts of the plant. But to be on the safe side, you should disinfect pruning tools with rubbing alcohol (or household cleaners) after cutting each diseased branch. You should also use a disinfectant rag to wipe down tools after pruning a healthy tree and before moving on to pruning other plants. Germs are sometimes spread through dirty pruning tools.

Advice

You can remove dead or diseased branches at any time.
Ask authorities like your local agricultural extension office about the right time of year to prune specific trees in your area.
With small branches, you can use scissors to prune the tree. Use pliers to cut trees (straight blade or round blade) with medium branches (about 2.5 cm in diameter). Use a saw to cut larger branches (5-7 cm). Do not use hedge shears to cut trees.
Store isopropyl alcohol or other household cleaners in a container that doesn’t tip over and is wide enough to dip the pruning tool. Disease can spread from tree to tree when pruning, but you can reduce this risk by sterilizing tools. This is especially important for densely planted orchards.

Warning

Take care when pruning conifers, especially those planted as hedges. The conifer tree only grows new shoots from green branches. So, if you prune the conifers that are planted as a hedge until there are no green branches, it will forever not grow.
Always be safe when pruning trees. Wear long-sleeved shirts, gloves and goggles to prevent foreign objects from entering the eyes.
Do not cut tree tops for shade. Trimming the top of the tree means cutting off the height of the tree – shade trees often have to grow tall. Cutting the top of the tree will seriously affect the structure/strength of the branches and the overall health of the tree. Do not try to control the height of large trees by cutting the tops. Instead, you should plant another tree.

Things you need

Hand-held pruning shears (for small branches)
Tree cutting pliers
Hand saw
Long-handle saw (for hard-to-reach branches)
Ladder
Detergent (such as isopropyl alcohol)

Steps

Identify branches that need pruning

Prune trees to limit damage

Advice

Warning

Things you need

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