How to Prune a Tree - Experts Demonstrate What, How, Why to Prune

Remember! The best time to prune your tree is in the fall and/or winter. If it’s deciduous, that means after its leaves have fallen and before new leaves grow back. You also should never remove more than 30% of a tree’s canopy in one year.

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There are many benefits to pruning your tree, from increasing its aesthetic, to the overall health and structure of the tree. But it isn’t always the most straightforward process.

In this episode of “Ask a Forester,” Program Coordinator Kari Hines demonstrates how to prune your tree to help establish strong structure and desirable form, and the best technique to preserve and maintain the long-term health of your tree. Keep in mind that branches over two-inches in diameter should be cut with a handsaw. Be sure to use the three-cut method to prevent unnecessary tearing and scarring on your tree during the pruning process (see: http://bit.ly/2XmRDTt).

It’s also important to keep in mind where your tree is growing. Are there any nearby structures that the tree could grow into? Do you live in a wildfire susceptible area? If so, crown raising is a common pruning practice that involves removing the bottom limbs of a tree to give it a high clearance over the ground.

If you’re pruning an oak tree, make sure to not prune when that tree would be more susceptible to OAK WILT – namely, between the months of February and June. For more about oak wilt, visit: https://texasoakwilt.org/

For more detailed information on pruning trees, visit:  https://bit.ly/2La3QYI

Thanks for watching, and let us know how your pruning goes in the comment section below!