How to Properly Prune
Deciduous Trees & Shrubs in
Your Home Landscape, continued
We have looked at why and when to prune your landscape’s shrubs and trees on the pervious page. Now we look at how to do the job well.
Here are some general rules for pruning.
These guidelines may seem like a lot of information but it is necessary information. Still, some things are easier to see than to read about. Please check the pruning instruction videos at the end of the article to see how pruning is done properly.
Call your local utility to take care of any trees or large shrubs that are in or close to power lines.
. Some questions to answer before you begin:
- Are your plans in line with the plant’s natural growth? Consider height, and spread and habit
- What kind of pruning are you doing—Pinching, thinning or regeneration?
- What types of cuts will you need to make based on how large the branch is?
- Are you raising or reducing the crown? Only cut the crown when absolutely necessary.
Honor your plant’s natural habit and shape. Straight lines and geometric shapes have a place in large scale or formal botanic gardens, but not at home. In a home landscape such affectations look artificial and stilted because of the scale of the landscape. Besides, there are no straight lines in nature.
Figure 2. Branch Anatomy
Illustration Credit : North Carolina State University Extension
Pruning Trees and Shrubs
When pruning branches, don’t leave a stub.
Make your cut all the way down to the collar (see illustration). When cutting a living branch cut the main part of the branch off at a diagonal first.
Then make a cut straight across the branch (Cut A-B). Then cut the remaining stub at a diagonal so that Cut A-C ends at the point on the trunk opposite where the branch bark ridge originates.
Figure 3. 3-Part Cut
Illustration Credit : North Carolina State University Extension
Pruning Trees and Shrubs
Large branches over 1 ½” require a 3 part cut to make sure the cut is clean and does not damage the either the bark or new growth wood.
Small branches can be cut back to a lateral branch that intersects or a living bud.
If you are cutting back to a lateral branch, make sure the intersecting angle is not more than 45° to the branch you are removing.
V-shaped angles are weak and tend to break. This is especially important for trees like Maples which have a tendency to break in the winter.
These weaken the main branches and can cause wounds where disease or insects can enter.
. As the plant matures prune any lateral branches that are more than ½ to ¾ the diameter of the primary scaffold branch. This discourages co-dominant stems.
They sap the life out with weak growth, and they look messy.
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Plant Structure
Illustration adapted from North Carolina State University Extension,
Pruning Trees and Shrubs
Anvil and scissor pruning shears – Hand shears are used for branches up to 1/4'’ diameter.
Lopping shears – Use these for branches up to 1-1/2'’ diameter.
Pole pruners are used for branches further than an arm’s reach. Use these with care as they don’t always make a clean cut.
Pruning and bow saws are a must in your pruning arsenal. Use them for branches greater than 1'’ diameter.
Hedge cutters and shears are made for cutting hedges, nothing else. You will destroy the natural plant aesthetics if you just whack away at the outside form of the shrub or tree with hedge trimmers.
Chain saws are best left to the very experienced when it comes to pruning. If you have a pruning job that requires this amount of power, call a professional and save yourself and your plants from a lot of problems.
A stiff, rusty action and dull blades can hurt you and the plant.
The initial investment may not seem worth it, but a quality tool will last a long time.
Texas A & M Aggie Horticulture Follow Proper Pruning Techniques
North Carolina State University Extension Pruning Shrubs and Trees
Purdue University Extension Pruning Ornamental Trees and Shrubs
USDA Forestry Service How to Prune Trees
National Arbor Day Foundation — Tree Pruning Animation.
Lots of interesting information on pruning made in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service.
American Horticultural Society Pruning & Training - Hardback
This book has over 1500 illustrations and provides step by step instructions on pruning plants from A to Z.
Proper Pruning Technique Videos
A great quickie showing what and where to cut.
An excellent video instructing on why and how to prune some common landscape shrubs by the Utah State University Extension. Five minutes well spent.
The University of Nebraska at Lincoln Extension gives us a great visual overview of pruning tools and how to use them.
Right Tree in the Right Place
Trees for All Seasons
Landscape Construction, Building Costs & Trees
Want to Save Trees in Your Landscape?
Native All Season Trees for the Landscape
Moisture Loving Shrubs for the Landscape & Garden
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