Pruning Method
When pruning, you should always prune back to live, green, healthy wood. Smaller branches can be pruned to a bud just beyond the damaged portion, using a 45 degree angled cut about 1/2 inch about the bud. Larger branches should be removed to the next largest branch or the main trunk. When removing these branches, a series of cuts should be used to relieve excess weight that could otherwise cause bark to be stripped from the remaining healthy tree. The first cut should be made on the underside of the branch, 18 inches from the trunk, undercut 1/3 to 1/2 way through the branch. Follow this cut by making a second cut 1 to 2 inches beyond the first cut. This will remove the majority of the weight from the branch, preventing injury to the tree. The remaining branch can then be removed by cutting just beyond the branch collar (the area where the stem tissue from the branch and trunk join).
Proper pruning is very important to the overall health of your trees and shrubs. If you have any questions on what you've read here, or if you'd like further instruction, please contact us (click here), or call us at 515.277.6242.