Spring is just around the corner and that means getting the yard in shape. One job that scares a lot of guys is trimming/pruning a tree. Here’s a few pointers
Limbs that are diseased or rub against each other are prime candidates for pruning. A good rule of thumb is to remove any limbs that point more towards the ground. Your tool depends on branch diameter: Use a bypass pruner for under 5/8 in.; bypass lopper, 5/8 in. to 7/8 in.; pruning saw, 7/8 in. to 2 in.; or bow saw, 2-in.-plus. For large branches, lift the tip and make a first cut up from the bottom. Finish by cutting down from the top, so the severed branch doesn’t tear off bark as it falls. To remove the entire limb, saw just outside the branch collar, a raised ridge of bark that contains cells to heal the cut surface. Work from the bottom up to keep higher branches from getting caught in lower ones when they fall.
