Prune to shape young trees, but don't trim the leader. Remove branches that cross and branches that grow toward the center of the tree. As young trees grow, remove the lower branches gradually to raise the crown, and remove branches that are too close to the trunk.
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dead or diseased branches every time you notice them.Waiting until autumn or winter to prune these branches could cause more damage to trees or infections in the case of diseased branches. When pruning diseased branches, dip the pruning blade in a 10 percent bleach solution between each cut to avoid spreading the disease. Because the goal is not to change the size or shape of the tree, thinning must be constant throughout the tree. If you see brown tissue in the center of a cane when you cut it, prune back a little further until the tissue is clean and healthy.
Depending on where you live, it's also important to prune trees to thin out dead branches and branches before hurricane season. On the upper surface, there is usually a ridge of branch bark that runs (more or less) parallel to the angle of the branch, along the stem of the tree. Pruning saws, with their curved blades and sharp teeth, are specially designed to make clean cuts through branches that manual pruners and loppers cannot handle. With hand pruners or pruners, remove dead, damaged, crossed and crowded branches back to the base of the plant.
As leaves fall from trees each fall, branches that were once covered by a canopy of dense foliage emerge from their hiding place. When trimming trees, take a moment to assess if tree branches are getting too close to safety lights, power lines, or blocking traffic views. If only the tissues of the branches are cut when pruning, it is likely that the stem tissues of the tree will not deteriorate and the wound will be sealed more effectively. Too much foliage can cause trees to weigh the tops and fall more easily in storms, while falling branches can damage a house or the plants below.
Small ornamental and fruit trees can be thinned by removing smaller branches between ¼ and ½ inch thick. Tree branches are pruned for multiple reasons, all of which result in a better-looking, better-yielding tree. Cleaning the crown of the tree strengthens the overall tree and prevents future damage to both the tree and the surrounding property, while increasing the overall safety of your landscaping.
