Acorn Furniture / Acorn ArborCare

Acorn ArborCare's Pruning Information Page

Pruning is the most common tree maintenance procedure. Although forest trees grow quite well with only nature's pruning, landscape trees require a higher level of care to maintain their safety and aesthetics. Pruning should be done with an understanding of how the tree responds to each cut. Improper pruning can cause damage that will last for the life of the tree, or worse, shorten the tree's life.

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Reasons for Pruning: Each cut made on a tree changes the growth of that tree, so no branch should be removed without a good reason. Common reasons for pruning are to remove dead , dying or diseased branches; crowded or rubbing limbs; or to eliminate hazards. Trees can also be pruned to increase light and air penetration to the inside of the tree's crown or to the landscape below. (see Tree Work Procedures page.) However, it is important to remember that removal of too much foliage through pruning can seriously affect the health of the tree. Trees in an urban environment are a great asset, but are often in urgent need of proper management, as the risks of a hazardous tree are much greater in this area.

When to Prune: Most routine pruning to remove weak, diseased or dead limbs can be accomplished at any time during the year with little effect on the tree. As a rule, growth is maximized and wound closure is fastest if pruning takes place before the spring growth flush. Heavy pruning just after the spring growth flush should be avoided as this is when trees have expended a great deal of energy to produce foliage and early shoot growth. Removal of a large percentage of foliage at this time can stress the tree. A few tree diseases, such as oak wilt, can be spread when pruning wounds allow spores access into the tree. Susceptible trees should not be pruned during active transmission periods.

Proper Pruning Cuts: Pruning cuts should be made just outside the branch collar. The branch collar contains trunk or parent branch tissue and should not be damaged or removed. If trunk collar has grown out on a dead limb to be removed, make the cut just beyond the collar. Do not cut the collar.

If a large limb is to be removed, its weight should first be reduced. This is done by making an undercut (1) about 12-18 inches from the limb's point of attachment. A second cut (2) is made from the top, directly above or a few inches further out on the limb. This removes the limb leaving the 12-18 inch stub. The stub is removed (3) by cutting back to the branch collar. This technique reduces the possibility of tearing the bark. This technique complies with British Standards (BS-3998).

How much should be pruned? The amount of live tissue that should be removed depends on the tree size, species, and age, as well as the pruning objectives. Younger trees will tolerate the removal of a higher percentage of living tissue than mature trees. An important principle to remember is that a tree can recover from several small pruning wounds faster than from one large wound. A common mistake is to remove too much inner foliage and small branches. It is important to maintain an even distribution of foliage along large limbs and in the lower portion of the crown. Mature trees should require little routine pruning. A widely accepted rule of thumb is never to remove more than one fourth of a tree's leaf bearing crown. In a mature tree, pruning even that much could have negative effects. Removing even a single, large-diameter limb can create a wound that the tree may not be able to close. The older and larger a tree becomes, the less energy it has in reserve to close wounds and defend against decay or insect attack. The pruning of large, mature trees is usually limited to the removal of dead or potentially hazardous limbs.

Wound Dressings: Wound dressings were once thought to accelerate wound closure, protect against insects and diseases, and reduce decay. However, research has shown that dressings do not reduce decay or speed closure, and rarely prevent insect or disease infestations. Most experts recommend that wound dressings not be used. If a dressing must be used for cosmetic purposes, then only a thin coating of a non-toxic material should be applied.

Hire an Arborist: Pruning large trees can be dangerous. If pruning involves working above the ground, or using power equipment, it is best to hire a professional arborist. We as arborists can determine what type of pruning is necessary to improve the health, appearance and safety of your trees. Contact Us. We will provide the services of a trained team, with all of the required safety equipment and liability insurance.

IMPORTANT! Avoid using any tree company that advertises topping or lopping as a service provided. Knowledgeable arborists know that topping and lopping are harmful to trees and are not accepted practices. Also avoid companies that use tree climbing spikes to climb trees that are being pruned. Climbing spikes can damage trees, and their use should be limited to trees that are being removed.

There is more information about tree care available from the Trees are Good section of the ISA website. The information includes: Benefits of Trees; Recognizing Tree Hazards; Why Hire an Arborist; Why Topping Hurts Trees; Avoiding Tree Damage During Construction.