![Pruning Guidelines](images/pruning_hdr.gif)
Incorrect pruning cuts can encourage
bacteria or fungi to infest plants. Cuts on
the wrong part of the plant can stunt
growth, prevent seasonal blooms, or result
in poorly-shaped and weak plants. The
diagrams below will help you determine
how to properly make pruning cuts.
Pruning Smaller Branches
Nodes: Nodes are points of growth on
branches. You can find them by looking
for tiny buds or notches on the branches.
The node you leave in place is likely to
grow into a new branch in the direction
it is facing.
Cutting Large Branches
When you cut, leave the portion of the
branch called the “collar” in place. The
collar is the outer curve of the branch
identified in the diagram below. The collar
contains protective chemicals that will help
your tree or shrub heal more quickly make
infection less likely.
Three Step
Cutting Method
Use these steps for branches more than one
inch thick. Make sure the limb will not
damage anything as it falls from the tree
or shrub.
- Measure about six to eight inches from
the trunk. Make a cut on the underside
of the branch cutting about 1/3 of
the way into the branch.
- Make a cut clear through the branch
about a foot away from the trunk to
remove the bulk of the branch. This
leaves a long stump.
- Make a second clean cut just outside the
collar to leave a slight stump that will
heal well.
Just Right
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Too close to trunk
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Too long
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Shaping or Shortening Large Tree of Shrub
The biggest mistake homeowners make is
cutting all tree branches to the same
length often known as “topping”. This
shearing of branches is unsightly and
weakens the tree.
- Choose a branch to trim and follow the
branch from its tip to its point of origin.
- Make a careful cut of that branch following
the three-step method.
- Choose another branch and follow it down
to its point of origin and repeat.
- Continue cutting and shaping in this
manner until the tree has desired height
or shape.
![Tree Trimming](images/tree_shaping.gif)
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