Pruning

Tree Pruning Dos and Don’ts

DO:

  • Ask your arborist or tree care company if they prune according to the American National Standards Institute standard for tree pruning, which is called ANSI A300.
    This standard recommends, and in some cases requires, that the use of certain tools, cutting techniques, and pruning methods be followed, and sets the standard definitions for terms the arborist will use in your estimate. Properly written work estimates for tree pruning should be written in accordance with ANSI A300 standards.
  • Remember that poor pruning can cause damage that lasts for the life of the tree.
  • Assess your trees after a storm to see if there is pruning needed.

DON’T:

  • Prune without a good reason
  • Remove any more than 25 percent of foliage during a growing season.
  • Prune a newly planted tree for the first year, unless you are removing dead or broken branches.
  • Prune within 10 feet of a utility conductor – leave it to the pros.
  • Try to tackle a pruning job that requires a chain saw and ladder work – leave it to the pros.
  • Leave branch stubs, or cut off the branch collar (not make a flush cut).
  • Climb the tree with climbing spikes
  • Use wound paint
  • Strip out inner foliage and branches (also called lion-tailing)

Use TCIA’s search tool to hire a professional arborist or tree care company.

Pruning Infographic

Pruning Chart

310 thoughts on “Tree Pruning Dos and Don’ts

  • Thanks for the information! I’m never sure if I’m pruning my trees correctly, so this information will help me know what I’m doing right and what I’m doing wrong. The third tip to avoid pruning newly planted trees in the first year will help to keep my trees more healthy. I’ve planted a couple of new trees in my yard a few weeks ago. I was debating whether they needed to be pruned, so it’s good to know that the only time I should prune them in the first year is to cut off dead or broken branches.

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  • Thanks for the information. After reading this, it seems like I really don’t know much about dealing with trees! I’ve been thinking that one of the trees in my front yard isn’t doing so well. It’s probably time to have it removed. I’m going to follow your tip about making sure I hire a professional. While they’re at it, they can prune my other trees!

    Reply
    • Mia, I definitely know how you feel! I had no idea that tree pruning was so structured and intense. This seems like one job that would actually be pretty difficult. I am also in the same boat with having damaged trees in my yard. Getting professional help with something like this definitely seems like a good idea.

      Reply
    • Hansens

      Hi Mia Boyd I would like to tell you before you removing your tree from your yard just take a few suggestions from http://www.arboristtreeondemand.com they will suggest you better they are professional in this tree treatment line

      Reply
  • I really appreciate this tree pruning advice. A few weeks ago I moved into a new home, and it has some nice trees in the backyard. I’m not very knowledgeable when it comes to tree lopping, so I thought I should do some research on the subject. Your advice to ask an arborist or tree care company if they prune according to the American National Standards Institute for tree pruning was very helpful. I’ll be sure to do that.

    Reply
    • Often getting a professional in is cheaper in the long term than pruning incorrectly.

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  • This is good to know. I’m planning on planting a few trees in my backyard in hopes that they’ll grow and provide shade, and it would be my first time doing it. This is really good info, and I think after the first year of planting, I’ll hire a tree service to prune for me so I can see how it’s done. I’ll make sure they prune according to ANSI A300. Thanks so much for the info!

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  • Thank you for this little information. I have a tree that needs some trimming work down, but not quite sure what to look for. There seems to be a lot more “don’t” than there are “do’s,” which makes me believe that what I do might not be the best move. I will most likely have to find a tree lopping service to clean it up.

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  • Jamarcus Dantley

    I had no idea that you had to be so careful with pruning. I didn’t know that poor pruning could actually hurt a tree for the rest of its life. I’ll be sure to follow your tips to make sure that my trees are always cared for. Thanks for sharing this.

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  • I’m glad that you put down trying to prune a tree that requires a chainsaw on a ladder as something that homeowners shouldn’t do on this list. There have been a few times when I tried to use a chainsaw to lop off a few branches from a tree. I thought that I was about to lose a hand whenever I got anywhere near a chainsaw, so I would be better off relying on a professional to prune my trees from now on. That seems like a good way to help me keep my hand. Thanks for the tips!

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  • Charlotte Eddington

    I don’t know much about trees, but I do know that my trees need pruning and trimming. They look scraggly and out of control. Cutting with the right tools is also key to making your yard look good. I like your comment about leaving it to the pros. My trees are way too tall for me to reach and I don’t have the right equipment to fully trim my trees, so I think I will higher someone to do it.

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  • I actually didn’t realize that there are standards that tree care company would need to follow when pruning. It’s nice that I found that out now, since I might be calling a few different companies to see if they’d be able to come and take care of a few trees for me. I’ll definitely have to be sure to ask if they follow the standards or not before hiring them!

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  • Jane Fox

    Thanks for the helpful advice. The trees I’m interested in pruning all require ladders, so I think I’ll follow your suggestion and call in a professional tree service. My trees really are gorgeous, they’re just getting a little wild and overgrown. I think having them pruned will really make a difference. Great tips!

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  • I like your list of don’ts. I’ve seen bad trimming jobs where there was no need. The worst thing to see is when someone risks their safety to trim a tree that doesn’t need it. Ladders carry a big risk and it is easy to have an injury. Your tips are very helpful and a good reminder.

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  • Skylar Mitchell

    I have quite a few trees on my property, so I would love to take this advice and use it to help my trees be healthier. I know that I should get some pruning done soon, but I am concerned that I don’t know how to do it correctly. It would be really good for me to look more into these different standards that you talk about here, just to be sure that I know about pruning procedures and what tools are needed and how to prune properly. However, if I go through these guides and still feel a bit wary about doing this on my own, I think I will probably end up trying to find a professional that can get it done for me!

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  • Good tips! My favorite tip is “Don’t prune without a good reason” haha! Sounds like a really zen practice while dealing with something dangerous. They are all good tips though! I have a tree that is overgrowing quickly and hitting out house. I don’t really like it, but we have been pruning it regularly. I think that it’s time to remove it. Do you have any tips about how to do that safely?

    Reply
    • Chase, your best bet is to hire a professional to remove the tree for you. It can be dangerous otherwise, especially if the tree is that close to your house!

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  • Do you recommend using that stump removal stuff you buy at Menards for like like a 7 inch stump?

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  • Brandon Roberts

    I have this huge fruit tree in my backyard, and I think it is about time to begin pruning. I really appreciate you giving me some information on the things that I should do, and not do when pruning a tree. But, do these tips still apply to a fruit tree?

    Reply
    • Before beginning any pruning operations, you need to have a reason why you are pruning. If this is an older fruit tree that has never been pruned, you will first want to prune the tree for safety and good structure. If you can do this from the ground without standing on a ladder, use a hand saw or polesaw/pruner to remove any dead, broken or crossing branches. For more information on good pruning cuts, check out the articles in our “Pruning” section.

      Then, you might want to have good fruit production. This second pruning method will need to be applied over several years to get good fruit. The key is to not prune all branches to the final stage all in one season. You will alter the growth pattern of the tree and it will not be the “pretty tree with beautiful fruit” that you are hoping for. Here are some guidelines:
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ld4HI1d0coU&index=5&list=PL-jmA24YfXeFFdpoQuWzwnUrdVmzdoMDe

      You might want to get a qualified tree care provider onsite to give you some pointers.

      Reply
  • Ashley Smith

    Thanks for the great tips on pruning the trees, it will really help my clean up my yard. When you say don’t “cut off the branch collar,” does that mean I am supposed the branch off directly at the base? I don’t want to do lasting damage to my trees, so I need to be sure.

    Reply
    • Pruning cuts should be made just outside the branch collar, or the swollen place of attachment at the base of the branch. So your finished pruning cut will look like a small bump on the tree trunk. Even though it might look odd, this is how the tree wants to be treated so it can close the wound on its own in the fastest manner.

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  • Thanks for the tips! My dad has a lot of trees in our backyard and a lot of them need to be pruned. My dad wants me to help him, so I’ll be sure to follow your rules like making sure they are the right kind of trees to be pruned, and to climb the tree with spiky climbing shoes.

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  • I have three red oaks (I was told, though, I have never seen a red leaf in the fall). They were planted in the yard two years ago by our landscaper. I have to duck down to mow beneath them and know that they will have to be trimmed. I also have a lace bark elm and two burr oaks. All of these trees are relatively young. Would I be safe in removing lower branches at this time of the year? I live in Lubbock. Thank you for the help.

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  • Thanks for the tip about nor pruning a tree within its first year. One tree I recently planted has a branch sticking out separate from the rest and I want to trim it. I’ll be sure to wait until it is a little older. Great article!

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  • Thanks for these pruning dos and don’ts! I definitely agree that pruning without a good reason isn’t a good idea. I mean, it doesn’t even make sense. Why waste your time if it’s not even necessary? The post mentions that if you prune incorrectly, it can severely damage a tree. Can something like that cause the tree to die earlier?

    Reply
    • Yes. Incorrect pruning can make the tree more vulnerable to damage/disease, which can lead to tree death.

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    • Thank you for your video. i am from nepal i have around 250 orgnae tree but i have an problem to suppely water specelly at the dry season. do u have an best idea to supply water?And some tree dies when they are 4 years 5 years old, and orgnae are some of them r old and some of them r young.

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  • Your comment about not removing over 25% of foliage, was interesting. We have a huge tree in our backyard. We love it because it provides a lot of shade for our backyard, but it blocks the view of our mountains. We want to cut off a lot of the branches, but we don’t want to lose shade. I think we will contact a tree removal service and get their professional option. Thanks for sharing your comments.

    Reply
  • Since pruning can be bad for trees if overdone, I really like that you listed the ways that can cause this. It’s important to have a better idea of what you are doing before ever pruning a tree. I agree with Megan though, there’s no point in doing potential harm to the tree if you don’t even need to. Thanks for these tips! Short yet sweet.

    Reply
  • My wife and I just moved into a house, but there’s a large tree that hits the side of the house right outside our bedroom. On windy nights it can keep us up, so I’m trying to figure out if it’s something that I can do or if I should have a professional come out and trim it. You warned about utility poles, though, and I think it’s near one so we’ll have to find a good pro. Thanks for the post.

    Reply
  • I agree that it’s important to ensure that a tree service follows the proper procedures and standards, as the article explains. These standards are set in place for a reason, which is that they ensure better and safer tree pruning. Knowing that the service follows these standards will allow you to be more at ease and confident in the process.

    Reply
  • Thank you for the list of do’s and don’ts when it comes to pruning your tree’s. I really like the tip to not prune without a good reason. You might do more damage to your trees without knowing it. If you don’t know what you are doing, then you should leave it to the pro’s as the article say’s.

    Reply
  • Proper tree assessment after a storm seems like a great way to take care of it. Storms can get really intense, so there may be a few branches that need to be trimmed before they fall off. That’s especially important if a heavier branch has been damaged, so removing it can help to protect other people.

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  • I did not know that you shouldn’t use tree spikes. I always assumed the tree could handle the minor punctures. If you think about it, most animals make smaller, but deeper holes in most trees and they do just fine. I guess I need to hire some professionals to prune my tree!

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  • Thanks for the tips for tree trimming. I have some trees near my home that are very tall and the branches are hitting the side of my home. I need to trim them and get rid of some of the branches. I may need to use a chain saw, so should I hire a service to do it?

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  • This is good to know! I’m new to pruning, and I don’t want to be lopping off any part of the tree that doesn’t need to be. Where I live, I’ll especially make sure that the proper pruning is done before or after winter storms.

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  • I have been noticing that a few of my trees seem to be a bit burdened with all their heavy branches. One of my friends suggested that I try pruning them, but I want to be sure that I do it properly. If I end up pruning the trees on my own, I want to follow your suggestions, such as leaving branch stubs and using wound paint once I cut off the limbs. That way, I can ensure that my tree is still healthy and will continue to grow.

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  • I have never pruned a tree before but I am taking on a yard full of trees soon and I need to know exactly what to do. Pruning after the predicted storms, like you mentioned, is very helpful so I don’t have to do it over again. I will be leaving the trees closest to the electricity lines alone!

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    • What a gorgeous wekeend it was. The raspberry patch looks beautiful after it’s tidy up and hair cut. My raspberry patch is definitely popping with new growth now. When the weather is as fine as it has been the past two days one is looking for chores like pruning the raspberries just to have an excuse to be out and about in it!

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  • I like what you said about stripping the inner foliage. I didn’t know you are supposed to leave that alone and wouldn’t want to damage my tree. Thanks for taking the time to post these tips, I will keep them in mind.

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  • the apple tree in the yard of my new home was pruned heavily and I don’t know if the cut back area should be treated to keep out bugs?

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  • Thank you for sharing this post. I am not an expert on trees, so it was helpful to read through your list of dos and don’ts to help me better understand how to properly prune and care for my trees. Likewise, your advice to not prune a tree for the first year that it is planted was very helpful because I actually just planted a few new trees. I will definitely be sure to leave them alone, let them grow, and keep them healthy. Thank you again for sharing!

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  • Stephen Brown

    Many homeowners don’t realize that theirs pruning tree guidelines and standards. I hate to see a well-intentioned gardener injure their tree by pruning too many branches off of their tree. Some of these jobs should be left to professionals.

    Reply
  • Alex Jennigns

    Great article! I’ve been thinking about my trees, so I’m glad that you’ve listed some helpful tree care tips. I think you’re absolutely right: poor pruning can cause lasting damage to the tree; that’s why it’s important to hire a professional company that follows the American National Standards Institute process for tree pruning. Thanks for sharing this valuable information with us—it’s been very enlightening!

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  • I didn’t know you shouldn’t remove more that 25% of foliage during growing season. What if the tree is really overgrown and getting in the way? Would it actually hurt the health of the tree? Hopefully not, because one of my trees really needs to be pruned, and I worry that we may need to remove more than 25%.

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  • Paige Smith

    Although, I know that pruning is important I am not quite sure how to do it. I would like to learn a little bit about how to do it more professionally. However, this article really points a few things I could be doing differently.

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  • It is interesting to learn that poor pruning can actually damage your tree permanently. Although, pruning is a necessary part of keeping trees healthy. Do you think I should always get a professional aborist to prune?

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  • I had to tackle a pretty big project this summer. The tree was overgrown, but right over an electrical line. I called the electrical company and they turned the power off. The tree looks great, but the best part is I didn’t get electrocuted.

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  • The first step to successful pruning is timing it right. Shrubs that flower on new wood, or branches that form in spring and flower in summer rose-of-Sharon and summersweet are two should be pruned in late February or early March.

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  • I have heard that if you prune a tree that doesn’t need it, you can really ruin the tree altogether. Pruning is helpful when the tree is all overgrown and looks messy but cutting it back too far can leave permanent damage. I think people just need to remember to be careful and not ruin the trees.

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  • My husband and I just moved into a new home where there are a ton of tree surrounding us. We love it, but we have been struggling to know how to take care of them the best way. This list helps us have a bit of a guide to know where to start. I agree with this post that the best advice and help we get will be from professionals. Thanks for the information!

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  • I have this huge tree in my backyard, and I really need to prune in up. But I want to make sure I do all the right steps. So I really appreciate you talking about this, and letting me know about the do’s and don’ts when it comes to pruning. I’ll definitely remember these things when I start.

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  • Proper pruning is so important when it comes to taking care of your trees. If those breaking branches don’t get removed in time, they care fall and potentially cause damage to your property. When a tree gets any sort of virus, tree removal should be looking into so that other trees in the area aren’t affected as well.

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  • Knowing pruning dos and don’ts is something that more people should know about. Pruning a tree is something that can make sure that a tree is growing properly. That way you do not have to get tree removal services because things were not growing like they should. I have seen people that do not prune their trees properly and have to get their tree removed because of it.

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  • It is really interesting to be able to see how many different things go into tree services. It is amazing how dangerous of a job this can actually be. Tree care is definitely something that seems like it should be left to the professionals. I have definitely never realized how many dangers there can be when it comes to things like this.

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  • I was not aware of the standards a tree should be cut. I was thinking about doing this myself. However, I think I will hire a professional. Thank you for the information.

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  • My husband and I recently moved to a home that has quite a bit of property. On our property there are a lot of trees! I had no idea that poor pruning could damage trees! Maybe we should look into hiring a professional so that we don’t do any accidental damage!

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  • Gus Chiggins

    This guy looks like he is properly outfitted to trim trees. My neighbor recently had a tree cut down on the corner of his property. It was obscuring the street sign and getting tangled in the power lines. Thankfully, the problem has been fixed by removing the tree. What’s your favorite type of tree?

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  • Hey these are some great tips and guidelines. We have a lot of trees and plants in our backyard to help cool it because that Phoenix sun really heats up on some days. Do you have any tips and caring guidelines for palm tress? Thanks for the great article.

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  • Looks like it’s just better in general to leave it to the pros. Too many things can go wrong, and let’s be honest, damaging your tree is not worth the cost of completely removing and replacing it. I’ll be looking for professionals in our area to prune our trees this spring!

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  • I didn’t realize there was a set standard for tree pruning and other things! I will be sure to ask my tree care company if they conform to those standards. Right now, I am in need of tree removal though, not pruning. Hopefully I can find a company that can do it safely.

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  • This is a great article! We have been helping my grandma trim down a bunch of her trees in her backyard, because they are literally towering over her house, and if parts of the tree were to collapse it would wreck havoc on the house. We had just started when we realized we have no idea what we are doing! It sounds like we need to make sure to leave branch stubs, rather than cutting off the whole branch collar. Thanks for sharing this bit of advice!

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  • Thanks for the tip about waiting while the tree is still young. I wasn’t sure how to handle my tree during its first year. It has some branches hanging out that I’ve been tempted to cut. I’ll wait until next year.

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  • Jason Scott

    I have a tree that is starting to fall over and will soon crush my fence. I was going to just go out and try to cut it up myself, but after reading this, I think that I would call the professionals to do it. I will also make sure to ask them if they prune according to ANSI A300 standards.

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  • I didn’t realize that there was so much to think about when pruning a tree. It seems like a lot of times it’s better to leave it to the professionals. I’m a big DIY kind of guy but sometimes it’s better to be safe than sorry, right?

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  • I did not know there were certain things to not do when pruning your trees. Thanks for the tip to not use wound paint when pruning a tree’s branches. I was going to get some when I was out the other day. Good thing I decided against it. Thanks for the great post.

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  • I like what was said about pruning damage and how it could be permanent. I need a tree serviced, and I want to make sure that it is done correctly. I think that the best way to do this would be to make sure the tree care company if they work according to the American National Standards Institutes standard, as stated in the article. Thanks for the tips!

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  • I think its a great idea to, as you mentioned, “assess your trees after a storm to see if there is pruning needed.” The only time I’ve checked my trees after a storm is when it was a crazy storm and the tree was noticeably damaged. I think by checking for little damages can help prevent further issues in the future. Do you have any tips to help trees survive big storms?

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  • These are some really good tips about pruning a tree. I had no idea that poor pruning can cause damage that lasts for the life time of the tree. I just moved into a new house that already had pre-existing peach trees. I have no idea of how to take care of trees. This is a great article to help me figure out the things to do and not to do. Thanks for posting and hope other people can enjoy this!

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  • I think that you need to know when to prune your tree. Like you said in the first bullet point under don’t, you shouldn’t prune without a good reason. If you just trim a tree to be doing it, you can actually ruin the tree. There is a special way you have to cut the tree and you don’t want to trim too much or you can really get into trouble.

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  • Hello, I thought this article was really helpful. This whole time I was pruning my trees just because I thought that you were suppose to every year. I hope that I haven’t caused too much damage! I also didn’t know that any damaged that I caused lasted for the entire life of the tree, I might have to start calling a professional tree sercive. Thank you for the tips, I will keep them in mind for future pruning.

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  • I don’t know what to do when pruning trees or other tree serves. It makes sense to only prune 25 percent of foliage, I think that would damage the tree if too much is taken off. There is more to pruning then I thought. Thanks for the ideas.

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  • I really appreciate your comment about talking to an arborist or a tree company. I didn’t realize there may be guidelines and requirements for tree care. We moved into a new house with a garden that looks very wild at the moment, I want to get it into shape.

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  • It is really interesting to know that bad pruning can do serious damage to your trees. I thought that it was especially interesting that that damage can be permanent. That is why it is a really good idea for you to make sure that you find a pruner that works based off of the national standards. That can really help take a lot of weight off of your shoulders.

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  • Thanks for the tip about checking after a storm for needed pruning to be done. When I was growing up, we had a tree that lost one of its huge branches after a big snowstorm. The scars are still embedded in the trunk. I’ll have to show a copy of this post to my dad. Thanks for sharing!

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  • Orville

    Pruning has never been so easy. At first I thought it’s just a matter of knowing what to cut. After reading this article, I found out that I need to consider a lot of things. Thank you for the DOs and Don’ts.

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  • I was completely unaware that there are national standards for tree pruning! I will look into that when I find someone to prune our trees this winter. Can one find the ANSI A300 standards online to make sure that the work estimates are written properly?

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  • I think that you need to know when to prune and when to avoid pruning. If you prune when your tree doesn’t need to, you will end up ruining the tree. Your tree removal company will end up having to actually remove your tree instead of doing a simple pruning.

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  • Thank you for sharing these helpful pruning tips. I have never pruned a tree before and I really have no idea what I’m doing. My apple tree looks like it is way overgrown with too many branches and leaves. It seems like something I should probably not do by myself.

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  • Thanks for the advice. I have a tree that was damaged in a storm last night I am going to need trimmed. These suggestions will be useful. Thank you!

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  • I was thinking about trimming my tree by myself. However, I never knew that so much went into the process. I think I will leave it to the professionals. Thank you for the information.

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  • I didn’t know you were not supposed to remove more than 25 percent of foliage during growing season. This article could have just saved my tree, thanks for sharing your knowledge of tree trimming!

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  • Cliff Broadleaf

    Amazing. I love these types of articles. Here in Denver, tree care is so difficult and I’m always looking for tips for plant health care. I found this great site, as well. http://mountainhightree.com

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  • It is interesting for me to learn a little bit about how to prune trees. I have been at a loss as to how to do that. This article has given me clear and specific direction as to how to prune trees.

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  • Can I safely trim my tree even if there aren’t any leaves yet due to winter?

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  • Aria Wellington

    I really like your first tip about making sure that you are trimming your trees the right way. We have a few trees in our yard that we planted last year and we want to make sure they they grow nice and tall. We are really invested in taking care of them so we will definitely take these tips to heart, thank you for sharing!

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  • I’m giving this list to my husband so he doesn’t kill another one of our trees!

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  • These are some great tips, and I appreciate your advice to assess your trees after a storm to see if they need pruning. My area got hit by a really strong windstorm a couple of days ago, and a couple of my trees look like their branches were damaged in it. I’ll definitely look into having a professional come and assess the situation to see if they need to be pruned at all. Thanks for the great post!

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  • Sound advice, and I think everyone should try to contact a local arborist before taking on such a challenge. You should be able to get a free quote at least.

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  • Can you kill a tree from overpruning?

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  • I liked your tip to assess my tree in case it needs to be trimmed if there’s been a storm. It seems that storms can make tree branches weaker and potentially fall when there’s another storm. I’ve had fairly large branches fall because of it in the past, so calling an arborist to prune it seems like a good idea.

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  • We just recently had a ton of work done in our back yard. We moved in and apparently nobody had done anything for at least 10 years. We know this from the neighbors. The guys that came ended up taking almost 3 days and did a crazy amount of work. After they were done, the neighbors were shocked. My family didn’t recognize the yard. It gave us so much more usable space. It wasn’t even remotely cheap, but it was so worth it.

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  • I recently started doing landscape work for an apartment complex. I really appreciated this advice because I don’t have a lot of experience with tree trimming. I didn’t realize that you shouldn’t prune within 10 feet of a utility conductor. I can see why one would need to be careful in those situations. Thanks!

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  • Thanks for the great articles. Very informative stuff for the entire tree service community.

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  • Great tip about letting a professional do the work if the job requires the use of a chainsaw. My husband and I recently moved into a home with fruit trees in the backyard and I think they need to be pruned. I’m not sure how to do this or what equipment I would need, so I think I will just hire a professional to be safe. Thanks for sharing!

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  • This is so good to know! I had no idea there were any standards for pruning. I’m glad I read this before I did any damage to my trees. I just moved to my first home with trees on property and i want to take really good care of them. No more guessing for me! Thank you!

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  • Thank you for sharing!!
    Pruning Dos and Don’ts ….well i am favor of dos because lots of reason. I frequently pruned my garden tree it gives them shape n some space in my garden as well gives branches more stronger and potential.

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  • We have a few crab apple trees in our yard that have gotten out of control. My boyfriend is ready to go out and try to trim them himself, but I don’t think that’s a good idea. I think he would get carried away and take off more than the 25% that you suggest not going over. the trees will be better off if we hire a professional to do the job. Is growing season the best time to prune, or should we wait till later in the year? Thanks for these tips!

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    • We recently attended a property where over 20 avocado tree’s where pruned to aggressive and incorrectly and this resulted in all the trees dying.

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  • Tree pruning may seem simple but is serious business and should be left to the professionals. Many people don’t realize they can be doing great harm to their trees by pruning incorrectly. In the long run the money you may save could wind up costing much more in maintenance and future tree related issues. Don’t be cheap when it comes to trees.

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  • I like your tip to ask your tree service if they follow the national standards for pruning. I don’t know the first thing about pruning a tree, but I want a tree service I hire to. I’m very interested in keeping my trees alive.

    Reply
  • Faylinn

    I had no idea that there was a right and a wrong time to prune my trees. I usually just do it whenever I get around to it and wasn’t aware that it was best to do that when the tree wasn’t going through a growing season. However, when exactly are the growing seasons?

    Reply
  • Kendall Ryder

    It really is a good idea not to prune without a good idea. You might want to trim your tree, but you should make sure that you do it right. That way, you won’t damage the tree. It would be awful to kill or damage your tree. A good reason to prune would be because of dead branches.

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  • Very good tips. Most people do not know how to properly prune their tree limbs. Pruning can really promote a healthy tree or it could severely damage the tree if not done properly.

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  • First off, just wanted to express my appreciation for the short and simple article. You make it really easy for me to send off to friends and family who are planning on doing some pruning to the trees in their backyard. And completely agree with you particularly on the points where it involves a utility conductor or ladders…leave it to the pros 🙂

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  • It’s definitely best to ask the professionals. We recently had a neighbour of a friend who started cutting down a mulberry tree in their yard that was located next to their house. They were told by a relative that mulberry trees can cause issues with the root system getting into pipes and into concrete foundations. This is true…. but there is only one type of non-fruiting Californian Mulberry tree that is capable of this. They had cut down a perfectly harmless, beautiful fruiting mulberry tree for nothing.

    Needless to say they were heart broken when I came to remove the stump and told them.

    Reply
  • Good points with your Do’s and Don’ts. Just to add up, Heavy pruning just after the spring growth flush should be avoided. At that time, trees have just expended a great deal of energy to produce foliage and early shoot growth. Removal of a large percentage of foliage at that time can stress the tree.

    Joel

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  • I’ve never heard of “wound paint.” I’ll have to do some more research on that. That sounds like something that would be damaging to a tree! My husband and I have been wanting to get rid of this big tree in our backyard. We will have to keep these tips in mind. Hopefully, we can do it safely and carefully!

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  • Damien

    Thank you for posting this. It was really helpful information and a great refresher to look at.

    Reply
  • Most people don’t know that so much care has to be taken when prunning trees. Thanks for the excellent read

    Reply
  • Some very useful tips and ideas.
    Thanks for doing a great job.

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  • Johnny McCarron

    I love your advice to not prune without good reason. After all, you don’t want to fix something if it isn’t broken. The last thing you want is to cause unnecessary problems with your trees and/or home. Do you have any other tips about finding someone good to prune your trees?

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  • David

    These are really great and useful tips. All in all, getting your work done by a professional is the best way to go about it

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  • I like that you talked about how much you should prune. I think that some people prune a lot, but they find themselves pruning too much. That can actually damage your tree. Do you have any advice about removing a tree if they just aren’t good for your yard anymore?

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  • Also get a tree lopper who knows how to do a controlled drop. Many times we’ve seen some so called professionals fell a tree and take out large sections of fence and even a back garden shed. Not a good look. Hahha

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  • This article speaks truth. Many people skip winter season while caring for their trees but it’s just as important!

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  • Yup, pruning is an art. Pruning incorrectly may even result in permanent damage, good article.

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  • Good info. Too many people just hack at their trees and end up doing more harm than good. Leave it to the tree professionals if you are not confident in what you are doing.

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  • Great advice. Most people don’t think twice about their trees until they are plagued with disease and need to be cut down. If they give them half the attention they give their grass, the trees will flourish and grow for years to come.

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  • Hey great tips. This is good information for all the professionals out there and even for those risk takers who think they can do it themselves climbing around in a tree. Definitely lots of dos and donts when it comes to this work and its all for safety reasons!

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  • The consequence of poor pruning of a tree leading to the damage of the tree may lead to sales point of hiring a competent arborist.

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  • These are great points. You definitely want to make your property look better, but you also want to prevent any disaster that could damage your home or harm your family members. Thanks for sharing!

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  • Mia, this information has been very helpful! I am an arborist as well for tree service arlington we serve the Arlington area and this blog let me just say, this has helped my new customers to more understand the importance of pruning trees correctly with these Do’s and Dont’s, one wrong thing could really affect your tree permanently! Great advice!

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  • Great tips! My neighbor actually has tried to prune his tree himself and I warned him, “Do the wrong cut and your tree could potentially be harmed”. I referenced this blog and eventually convinced him to prune his tree professionally by a certified arborist. All I have to say is BE CAREFUL, let the professionals do what they are trained to do! It’ll save you time and money, trust me!

    Reply
  • Been searching for a good Do’s and Dont’s list to refer our customer to, when we get asked about pruning (which is like all the time!). Ya’ll are awesome.

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  • This is a great resource for my clients to see as I’m a tree care specialist in Folsom and I do have a handful of clients who say they can prune themselves whereas I advise to leave it up to us, as the professional Tree Service professionals… I’ll be sure to show them this!

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  • It’s so nice to see someone spreading the word about the do’s and don’t of tree trimming… It’s not as easy as many think, and there’s actually a lot you can do to become better at tree pruning.

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  • I appreciate you helping me understand the do’s and don’ts of pruning your trees. At my mother’s house, we have this giant olive tree that has grown out of control. When we prune it, we will make sure to avoid trying to tackle a project that may require a ladder and a chainsaw ourselves. Thanks again!

    Reply
  • I appreciate your advice to assess my trees after a storm to see if they need pruning. I’ve just moved to a pretty windy and stormy area, and there are lots of trees in my backyard. I will make sure to observe their “behavior” and call a professional tress service if needed.

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  • I like that you mention that a tree can be ruined if it’s not pruned correctly. It’s important to find the right company that offers all the services that you need. There are a lot of old and overgrown trees on my property, so I want to be sure that I find the right company to prune and remove them properly.

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  • I liked that you had mentioned that it can be important to have the pruning done properly to avoid causing damage to the tree. My wife and I have been worried about the growth of our tree because it’s starting to grow into the side of our house and that’s not good. We’ll have to start looking for a professional that can handle the trimming to make sure that it’s done properly.

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  • I do like how your infographic mentioned how it would be a great idea to have our trees pruned after the coldest part of winter is over as it would keep it with growth upon spring. That is something I will be sure to do. Having a healthy tree will be perfect for the garden. I’ll be sure to get some tree trimming service done as soon as possible. Thanks!

    Reply
  • To get a good job done you must ask the arborist you hired about the standards they follow. It is better to be American National Standards Institute standard called ANSI A300.

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  • Thank you for listing all the tree pruning do’s and don’ts. I’m glad you mentioned that I shouldn’t try to tackle any pruning job that requires a chainsaw and a ladder by myself and to leave it to the pros. I will have to make sure I give them a call then. I would love to get some of my tree’s pruned soon.

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  • I just wanted to thank you for helping me understand tree pruning more. I actually didn’t know that it’s important to prune with reason. If this is the case, it sounds very important to make sure you understand the benefits of pruning, especially when done effectively.

    Reply
  • I never knew that one shouldn’t prune more than 25% of a tree off. I have always cut back a bit more than that I think. I have always liked my trees to be a particular shape is all but I didn’t realize I was hurting the growth of my tree. Maybe I should just prune it more often so I don’t cut off so much next time.

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  • I like what this article mentions about tree pruning do and don’t.your description is enough for pruning or maintenance tree service and I think proper tree care is a big part of that.
    Thanks.

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  • It is smart to ask your arborist if they follow national standards when pruning. I didn’t even know that there is a national standard for this type of thing. I really love the trees in my yard, and I want them to be well taken care of.

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  • This is probably the biggest issue we have in Sarasota or most of Florida – people who improperly trim trees. Many of our Oak trees have been severely over trimmed. I wish more people could see this article.

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  • The terms trimming and pruning are often interchangeably used to denote cutting trees, but for clarification, just remember trimming has to do with grooming. Pruning has to do with the tree’s health, as well as the safety of people and structures near the tree.

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  • Great tips and advice on tree trimming and tree pruning. We’ve all heard the story of someone trying their own chain saw tree trimming that resulted in a terrible accident. For everyone’s safety, I definitely agree we should call the experts before performing any dangerous chain saw work on trees.

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  • I like that you mentioned the best time to prune is in the winter and not in the fall. I would have thought that it would be nice to just get it over with in the fall so you don’t have to worry about it, but you made a great point about it being more susceptible to fungi. I will be sure to have the trees in our yard pruned after winter this coming year.

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  • I never knew that you shouldn’t remove more than 25 percent of the foliage during a growing season. I have been trying to prune my trees well. I appreciate the do’s and don’t’s of tree pruning.

    Reply
  • Thanks for the tip to always asses your trees after a storm to see if you need to take care of some pruning. There have been some heavy storms this past week that have had some pretty strong winds. My trees have been struggling to survive the weather, so I’ll be sure to call a professional to help take care of them.

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  • It sure was nice to know that since tree pruning requires specialized tool and care, it is best to let the pros do it. I agree with that because the reason why I am planning to get the tree pruned is because it is sick. if I touched or pruned it the wrong way using the wrong tools, I might make the problem worse. Thank you for the reminder.

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  • Thank you for suggesting asking the arborist if they are operating in accordance with the standard of tree trimming because that will ensure that they are using the right tools and following the right practices. I will write this down as it seems like an important piece of information needed to make sure that the trees are well taken care of. Hopefully, it helps for when we need to trim the apple trees in the yard.

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  • The tree in our backyard is blocking part of the sidewalk and my dad is planning to have it trimmed. It was explained here that we should be careful because poor pruning may cause damage to the tree. Moreover, it’s highly recommended to hire professionals for quality tree trimming services.

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  • I appreciate it when you said that pruning and trimming make the trees healthy because the dead branches that can damage its help will be removed. If that is the case, then I will call an arborist to see if we can still do the pruning now. After all, the tree branches are already pressing hard against one another, and I am afraid that they will snap and cause more damage. Thank you for sharing this.

    Reply
  • HI Deanna R. Jones,
    A wonderful informative post you have shared on this page about the health of trees if you have a plan to remove a trees of pine from a garden then the most easiest way for you must use the services of tree timing company because these companies use the automatic machinery and self driving vehicles to eliminate tress with in a short period of time without any lose of capital otherwise you face some kind of problems during the elimination of trees from a garden due to the attack of insects on it .
    Thanks.

    Reply
  • It got me when you said that the person should never try a pruning job that requires the use of a ladder or chainsaw because that is dangerous and must only be left to the pros. I will keep this in mind since I intend to have the apple tree in the yard pruned. It’s pretty high, so I will need a ladder and a chainsaw. Thinking about it made me realize that it’s a bad idea for me to do it myself. I’ll call a professional to do it for me.

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  • My husband and I just moved into a house with so many trees and we are desperately needing to get them pruned. Thank you for pointing out that poor pruning can cause damage to the tree. I’ll have to avoid this by finding the right tree trimming company to help us out. Hopefully, I can do some research and find a great tree service in my area.

    Reply
  • I am a nature lover and grow many plants on my property. But I don’t know how to care for trees professionally so I consult my nearest arborist Mississauga on a regular basis. Like you said one must check whether they follow the standard that are fixed before taking their assistance I cleared this point. They give me their best services.

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  • My wife and I are planning on pruning back our shrubbery for the winter. Before I read this article, I would have to know that there are more decaying fungi in the air in the fall. I’ll bring out the tree pruning service soon so that it is done in the winter. http://www.alleystreeservice.com/Home/Services

    Reply
  • Very informative on Tree Care!
    Always got to keep those tree’s taken care of!

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  • Such an informative post. By reading this, we can know about tree care easily.thanks for sharing those tips. Keep posting this type of helpful post. Good wishes to you… 🙂

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  • Thanks for pointing out that we should leave the pruning to a professional if the tree is within 10 feet of a utility conductor. My husband and I have a few trees in our yard that need pruning, but a few of them are pretty close to our home’s utility conductor. We’ll take your advice and let a professional handle the pruning.

    Reply
  • Hey Guys that is a great infographic with some great info. Some great tips for people that arent really familiar with what to do with trees. Thanks

    Reply
  • It’s definitely best to ask the professionals. We recently had a neighbour of a friend who started cutting down a mulberry tree in their yard that was located next to their house. They were told by a relative that mulberry trees can cause issues with the root system getting into pipes and into concrete foundations. This is true…. but there is only one type of non-fruiting Californian Mulberry tree that is capable of this. They had cut down a perfectly harmless, beautiful fruiting mulberry tree for nothing.

    Needless to say they were heart broken when I came to remove the stump and told them

    Reply
  • Thanks for sharing the information about the tree pruning DO’S and DONT’S.We can follow these steps. Pruning is the most common tree maintenance procedure. Although forest trees grow quite well with only nature pruning, landscape trees require a higher level of care to maintain their structural integrity and aesthetics.

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  • Good advice, There are so many other fields that need tips to have consumers understand why professionals are needed.

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  • Thanks for sharing the information about the pros and cons of a tree. I like the cons part of the tree. It would be really helpful for me. We should know about the pros and cons of a tree. Please continue sharing these kind of informations.

    Reply
  • Thank you for the tips on making sure to assess the trees after storms to see if they need pruning! My brother just experienced some pretty severe storms near his home and some trees were pretty badly damaged. We will definitely look into tree trimming companies that can help us trim the trees properly.

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  • There has been a storm in our area last week and almost all of my backyard trees have been damaged. As you’ve said, you need to asses it if it needs pruning. The branches have been slashed and started to fall out. I think I need to have it pruned anytime soon. I will call a reliable tree service in the are today.

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  • I’m so glad I came across this post. Never new the dangers to a tree when pruning or trimming it. It helps keep myself and others focus on any tree when trimming when needed especially according to ansi. Great article!

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  • Insightful advice! Tree pruning can be tricky – keeping these tips in mind can save homeowners from so much hassle. Love the infographic, too!

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  • Thank you for your do and don’t list for tree pruning. It was helpful to know that a tree should be pruned or cut down when it poses a safety problem. I will have to remember this.

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  • I like your tip to not prune without good reason. There are a few trees in my yard that seem to have some dead branches. I’ll be sure to call a professional to come and see if they’re alright to trim off or if there’s something else happening with my tree.

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  • I learned this lesson the hard way when I attempted to prune my own trees and overdid it! Luckily, I stopped after one tree and called an arborist to finish the rest. Man is tree UGLY!

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  • Great info! I think it is important that people adhere to the ANSI A300 which is why they should seek professional help. It can be very dangerous trying to tackle these tasks alone. The diagrams are also very helpful for when and how you should prune trees.

    If you are in the Orange County area, you should contact Tree Care Santa Ana for any tree services that you need done. Go check out our website at treeservicesantaana.com for more information. Happy trimming!

    Reply
  • It’s cool that professional arborists will be able to prune your trees according to national standards so that they are healthy and aesthetically pleasing. My wife and I have an old tree in our front yard that is starting to look a little sloppy. We’ll be sure to look further into our options for professionals who can help us get this tree trimmed down in the future.

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  • I never took into account the fact that if you do not have a good reason to prune a tree, you should not do it unless a professional is helping you. My parents live in a house that is surrounded by trees, and as they get older it is harder for them to take care of them. I would say they should contact a professional to help them with this, so they can enjoy their trees healthy and happy, without having to tire themselves out.

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  • I’m so delighted I found this article. Never ever new the threats to a tree when pruning or cutting it. Tree trimming can be tricky– maintaining these tips in mind can conserve homeowners from so much headache. Love the infographic, too! Excellent article! What an informative recommendations!

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  • We try to stress the importance of understanding tree biology when you decide to prune trees. You never want to send them into a state of shock by over pruning. Thanks for taking time to publish this info! This is a very goodpruning guide to have.

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  • I liked that you mentioned you need to consider that poor pruning can cause damage to your trees. My husband noticed that the tree in our backyard is getting too close to our house, and we are looking for advice. I will let him know about the benefits of hiring a tree care company to help us with that problem.

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  • What a helpful post for customers. Our Honolulu Yard Service Company couldn’t agree more. It is especially important to use the correct equipment and tools for tree pruning to prevent long-term damage.

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  • Hi! This is a very informative & interesting article about Tree Pruning. Nice to read your blog post first time ever. I really appreciate this post. Thanks for sharing this awesome post.

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  • Thanks for the information on what to do and what not to do when pruning. We recently opened up our own company, Honolulu tree care services and couldn’t agree more with the suggestions that you outlined. It is so true to just leave it to the pros when something seems uncomfortable and unsafe.

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    • Great stuff. Yeah we recently added tree care as a service to our lawn care business, so we’re excited to open up this new area to our clients!

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  • My wife and I have a tree that is overgrowing onto our roof so we’ve considered getting it trimmed. It is interesting that you shouldn’t remove more than 25 percent of foliage during the growing season. We may hire a professional so that they can take care of it the right way.

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  • Hiring a professional is no doubt the right way to go. I myself have tried to do these techniques and to be honest I’d rather have someone else do it. Thanks so much for the info!

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  • It’s good to know that poor tree pruning can cause damage that lasts for the tree’s whole life. My brother has been telling me about how a tree in his front yard has been growing too close to his power lines recently. I’ll share this information with him so that he can look into his options for professionals who can help him get his tree trimmed properly.

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  • Thank you for sharing your thoughts about tree pruning Do’s and Don’ts, and I agree with that, as the article explains, it is important to ensure that a tree pruning or tree trimming service follows the correct procedures and standards. For a reason, these standards are set up, which is to ensure better and safer pruning of the tree. Understanding that the service complies with these requirements will allow you to be more comfortable and confident in the process.

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  • Your infographic was amazing. I really enjoyed how it included the importance of pruning for flower and fruit growth and how hiring professional tree care is often less expensive than taking care of the damage that could happen if you don’t. My husband and our two kids just moved into our home that has several large, beautiful peach and apricot trees in the backyard, so I will look into finding a tree care service to make sure they’re properly tended to.

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  • I like what you said about asking your tree care company if they prune according to national standards. My sister has been telling me about how a tree in her yard has been getting too large recently. I’ll share this information with her so that she can look into her options for professionals who can help her with this.

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  • I found it interesting when you said that poor pruning can cause damage to your tree forever. My dad wants to take care of the tree branches that are about to hit his property. I will recommend him to contact a tree trimming company so that they can properly do it.

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  • It’s good to know that trees growing near power conductors should be pruned by professionals to avoid injuries, and that winter would be a good time for doing it. We noticed during the fall that our tree was getting pretty close to the power lines and might need to be cut back. Getting a professional to check it out sometime soon might be good for helping the tree to stay healthy and safe.

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  • Very informative & helpful tips for tree pruning! And I had read your another similar post about tree services. Also, I have read a topic about tree pruning Ontario that may important for On, CA local people.

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  • Ah, thanks for the tip to be sure your arborist follows proper pruning guidelines for your trees. I think it’d probably be a good idea to get my home’s trees trimmed sometime this year. But rather than doing it myself, I think I’d like to hire a professional tree service company.

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  • This article was super informative for my customers. I am a expert in irrigation installation and my customers would love to have any extra information to add value to my business while I’m there.

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  • I planted about a dozen trees this spring so now I know not to prune them until after the first year, thanks for this info.

    Reply
  • Wow the articles on this site are amazing. Having a landscaping and lawncare/tree service business, I found it incredibly informative and useful and will implementing some of the ideas I discovered here. I love being able to incorporate trees into my landscaping work and I will be able to do more of this now. Thank you again.

    Reply
  • Very thankful for this wonderful article, it seem like it will really help with what I need to get done. Thank you very much for the post!

    Reply
  • I appreciate this thorough article of the do’s and don’ts of tree pruning. Oftentimes clients will ask my employees to trim trees while doing lawn care service, and I always want to make sure they’re performing skilled, professional work. Good to know this info.

    Reply
  • I agree. It is quite important to check the trees after a big storm; there might be some damages and the trees might need pruning.

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  • Enzo@Neighbours Tree

    I have read one of the most comprehensive guides on how to prune trees and what you need to avoid. Tree pruning is an expert task and requires skills and complete pruning knowledge. You should know summer and winter tips when going for tree service.

    Reply
  • I really appreciate that you shared this amazing post with us, thanks for sharing and keep up the amazing work.

    Reply
  • This is great. I tell my customers all the time about how to best care for their trees and you have the same info I tell them!

    Reply
  • Hello, this weekend is pleasant in favor of me, as this point
    in time i am reading this wonderful informative piece of writing here at my home.

    Reply
  • Whenever I have to help my clients deal with their tree issues I can always find the right answered from your website! Please keep great posting like this coming!

    Reply
  • Thank you for taking the time to write this article. I really like how you guys emphasize pruning for a reason and not to carelessly reduce a tree. Very informative, thank you!

    Reply
  • Thanks man! for sharing this informative content, it would definitely be appreciated. I am surely going to follow these tips.

    Reply
  • Great information! It is important that people understand the importance of trimming during the dormant seasons, especially when you live somewhere with drastic seasonal change. Thanks for the article!

    Reply
  • Vicente Prescott

    Highly informative post! Thanks for sharing this helpful content using such a beautiful infographic. Also, you can explore more tips here @Tree Care Tips that will help you keep your trees safe and beautiful.

    Reply
  • You have a very informative blog. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  • Debra R. Straub

    I am always looking for a post like this to find solution in my trees when pruning.

    stump removal

    Reply
  • Wow. amazing job. I really appreciate your hard work. Keep it up! I really enjoy reading your articles

    Reply
  • I see the things that I did terribly. But this guide did help me correct those things. Thanks for the great information.

    Reply
  • I hardly ever use a bagger. Leaving clips on the lawn leads to healthier lawn soil and doesn’t cause thatch, as some people believe. The key is cutting often enough that you never get long clips that mat.
    When I can’t cut my grass often enough, I blow the clips into the center and then rake and compost the “channel” that’s left.
    If you really want to bag anyway (which removes the nutrients and organic matter in the clips), the only time to bag would be when the mowing is producing more visible clips than you tolerate cosmetically. If you can’t even see the clips as you mow, there’s no good reason to use the bag at all.

    Reply
  • The grass in my lawn is starting to grow, and the disadvantage of this is, a lot of bugs are infesting in it.
    I never knew that for each type of grass there’ll be a recommended mowing height.
    I’ll take note of that, and make sure to do my research, but right now, I must find an outdoor equipment rental service where I can rent a lawnmower.

    Reply
  • Thanks for sharing these amazing tips! It is important to look for a reliable local tree pruning service provider for the best support. However, you have mentioned some great points to think of. Keep up the great work!

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  • I also have a tree service company so reading your blog adds to my knowledge. Thank you for that.

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  • It’s good to be reminded that we need to check our trees after a huge storm. Ours looked fine from a distance, but I guess we need to check closely if there are branches that are on the verge of breaking. To avoid slip-and-fall accidents, it would be better to hire professionals for their inspection and tree trimming services.

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  • It’s a wonderful reminder the importance of checking out your trees after there has been a big storm or natural disaster. Even if they look find from the outside, it’s best to take a closer look. Thanks for the great info!

    Reply
  • Very informative blog! Thanks for sharing this helpful content using such a detailed infographic.

    Reply
  • Thanks for sharing these ideas! An amazing way to remove bushes or branches and limbs that affect the tree’s ability! Just registered a used car bought from RI and I’d like to buy and bring some pieces of equipment into our garden soon. Tim

    Reply
  • Such a nice blog and it is nicely written. I like how you mentioned the DO’s and DONT that might do in tree trimming Quincy ma or tree removal . Couldn’t agree with these tips more! Thanks a lot.

    Reply
  • Thank you for the information! This is a good article to share with our customers about pruning do’s and dont’s. Thanks for the info! Check us out Check us out

    Reply
  • Good article! Some people don’t realize that trimming trees in the winter is actually a good time to do it. Right after the worst of the cold season and right before the season begins to move into spring. Thanks for sharing! Very informative!

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  • So thankful for tree care tips like this! I’m always trying to keep my tree trimming knowledge sharp since I have so many large backyard trees to take care of!

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  • There are so many reasons to prune trees and when customers ask if they should, we always give the same answer. it depends. Why are you thinking about trimming your trees? Is there a reason for this inquiry. Sometimes it is a legitimate reason to trim but most of the time it is someone with no tree care experience seeing something that is not a big concern.

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  • Love the infographic! Makes me so sad when I see trees pruned too much and then the trees look horrible. Not to mention they risk disease and dying. As a tree specialist in South Louisiana we try to educate folks on the do’s and don’t down here too. thanks for the information.

    Reply
  • Good article! Some people don’t realize that trimming trees in the winter is actually a good time to do it. Right after the worst of the cold season and right before the season begins to move into spring. Thanks for sharing! Very informative!

    Reply
  • Good article! Some people don’t realize that trimming trees in the winter is actually a good time to do it. Right after the worst of the cold season and right before the season begins to move into spring. Thanks for sharing! Very informative!

    Reply
  • There are so many reasons to prune trees and when customers ask if they should, we always give the same answer. it depends. Why are you thinking about trimming your trees? Is there a reason for this inquiry. Sometimes it is a legitimate reason to trim but most of the time it is someone with no tree care experience seeing something that is not a big concern.

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  • Excellent article! The cautionary point would be to make sure, if you do hire a professional arborist to handle your tree trimming and other tree services, that you check to make sure that they are insured. You would never expect anything to happen that may cause damage. But you should definitely not allow anyone to work on your property without valid insurance coverage. Any legit arborist will have it.

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  • Thank you for the article! The insights you provide are spot on. In my area, every tree company claims to be a certified arborist, but very few of them actually are. And so the major problem we run into is that these companies tend to want to just do a full tree removal rather than just cutting it back if that’s all the tree really needs. So I always tell the customer that they really need to do their due diligence and get several opinions. Because what may just be a simple job for a few hundred dollars to a thousand, might become thousands of dollars for a full removal when the customer didn’t really want to go that route. Thanks again for the awesome article!

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  • Good Education and knowledge for tree pruning!
    I would recommend I hired tree pruning services from a company named Treenewal. They are certified arborists, and they know their job.
    Treenewal.com

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  • Great article to read. Will take this to heart and keep these in mind next time I pick up the scissors to do some foliage chopping.

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  • We have recently started our Tree servicing company and came across this article.

    Really appreciate you taking the time to educate us on this. I found the infographic really insightful!

    Tree servicing is by no means an exciting topic to write about, but you did an excellent job keeping it entertaining and not boring. Thanks a ton!

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  • Excellent tips! “Don’t prune for no reason ever” is my favorite tip for pruning! It sounds like a truly zen way of dealing with danger. Thanks for providing the list of dos and don’ts about pruning trees. This tip is great: don’t prune without a good reason. Your trees may suffer more damage if you don’t realize it. As the article states, if you don’t know what you are doing, you should leave it to the pros.

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  • Tree pruning can be done by almost anyone with enough level of patience. If you have the right tools, some training, and experience, trimming a tree can be easy.

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  • Wow great information thanks for the post! I am curious about a few things here though. I like how you mentioned don’t remove more than 25% of the tree during growing season. I’m glad you wrote that, this is a good rule of thumb so you don’t trim too much unnecessarily (which you also mention, thank you). I understand that the best time for major altercations is actually during the winter and not the summer. Is this true or am I reading wrong content? As well, I have heard trimming and pruning use interchangeably, but I am told they are different. Could you (or someone) explain the difference?
    Thanks,

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  • Thanks for sharing the content! I learned a lot whilst I was on this site

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  • Really need a professional to do this kind of job. A amateur will definitely ruin the tree on the long run.

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  • Remember that poor pruning can cause damage that lasts for the life of the tree. Agreed!

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  • This is correct! Informative article you got here. Most pruning is done in winter, but this isn’t universal, so check the pruning requirements of your plant before you make any cuts. Check https://wilsontreeservicepros.com for more details.

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  • Thank you for this information! I am really thankful I got to see this. More power to you. If ever you are looking for a tree service company located in Decatur, IL, then I recommend this site. It provides the best services.

    Cyril,
    Tree Service Decatur, IL

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  • I’ll be sure to hire an arborist that prunes according to American National Standards. I’d like to get a tree service professional that can help me with this. But if they aren’t a professional, I don’t want their help.

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  • Great article! You’ve done a great job illustrating with the infographic.

    I appreciate your time educating on this topic, very useful information.

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  • We’re fairly new to the tree service industry, and appreciate every educational moment in this industry. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and insights on this topic!

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  • This is useful information to have. I’m thinking about planting a few trees in my backyard with the hopes of them growing and providing shade, and this will be my first time doing so. This is excellent information, and I believe that after the first year of planting, I will employ a tree service to prune my trees for me so that I can learn how to do it properly. I’ll make certain that they prune in accordance with ANSI A300. Thank you very much for the information!

    Tree Service in Greenville, SC

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  • Alfred Savage

    Just wanted to say that I read your blog quite frequently and I’m always amazed at some of the stuff people post here. I also want to recommend the tree removal company in Asheville that you might want to look at.

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  • Wow! Thank you for the accurate info on tree care tips; I’ve been planning to plant more trees soon! Click here to know more 🙂

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  • Of course, it is better to entrust the pruning of trees to professionals, especially if high-altitude work is required. Although in his youth he climbed and cut. Now I don’t risk it anymore.

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  • Thanks for sharing the information with us, it was very informative!! tree service can help you with this.

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  • Wow! This is the perfect blog I am looking this type of blog its awesome blog here, share great information about this topic. This informative blog helps many readers.

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  • Ohh. I love how you explained it through an infographic. This is an awesome share, thank you for letting us know about this.

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  • Thank you for explaining that winter is a great time to prune since most trees are dormant at this time. My husband and I have been wondering how we can help to promote some more growth in our trees in the coming year to make them more lush. I’ll be sure to bring this up with him and see if we can find someone to help us with pruning a few of our trees and see if there’s any improvement with this method.

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  • Love getting as much info on trees as possible. We’ve been serving the Ontario area for years and have gradually been building out our blog to help some of the locals get a handle on how to care for their trees. Really appreciate what you’re doing!

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  • Thanks for sharing great information about tree pruning. Tree pruning is the most important and common method for tree maintenance services. It helps to remove defective areas of the tree, whether it is removing rotten parts of the tree or keeping your yard tidy.

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  • Thank you for explaining that you should prune your trees to help protect your property. I’ve been wondering if we should prune one of our larger trees, since I noticed a large branch overhanging our roof. I’ll be sure to contact an arborist to see if they can help us professionally get that branch removed.

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  • Thanks for the great post on tree pruning dos and don’ts! I’m a big fan of keeping things tidy (especially my backyard), so this was right up my alley.

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  • Wow! This is the perfect blog I am looking this type of blog its awesome blog here, share great information about this topic. This informative blog helps many readers.

    Reply
  • Now that it’s summer, this is a really useful guide on tree pruning. I’m sure many of us are guilty of the “Don’t” list here.

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  • Great post! This will surely help me and everyone out there how pruning are done properly.

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  • Thanks for the tip to have a good reason to prune your tree. I need to have a tree trimmed. Its branches are getting too close to some power lines.

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  • Great post! This will be useful to someone out there who wants to do pruning properly.

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  • Since trees cannot escape danger yet can live for millennia, they have evolved sophisticated defense mechanisms to prevent the spread of disease. Chemicals in the tree mobilize to wall off the injury with a barrier of deterioration when a branch is broken or injured. Shigo’s study has helped us to understand that these compounds are concentrated in the bark’s wrinkly collar, which functions as a built-in bandage where smaller branches connect to bigger ones. The protective collar was removed by traditional flush cuts, forcing the tree to wall off the wound inside the preserved limb. Stub or “collar” cuts leave enough soon-to-dead tissue to act as a barrier against fungus or other infections while producing significantly less inner deterioration.

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  • Wow perfect article on how to effectively prune a tree without causing damage. Nice work and clearly done by a professional who has experience working with trees!

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  • Great post! This will surely help me out in all aspects of arboricultural work including pruning.

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  • This is a great website! Now, I know these information and will definitely save this for future reference for people about planting.

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  • Do prune trees regularly to maintain their health and safety, but don’t prune too aggressively or during the wrong season, as this can harm the tree and stunt its growth. Always use proper tools and techniques, and consult with a certified arborist if you’re unsure about the best way to prune your trees. View more details about our Tree Pruning Charlottesville .

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