Pruning is the selective removal of branches, buds, twigs, and stems from crops or landscape plants. It is a common horticultural, arboricultural, and silvicultural practice that can be used to improve plant health, aesthetics, or structural integrity. It can also be done to repair damage from storms, protect structures and people from falling branches, or to clear space for passageways and vistas.
Ideally, pruning should be performed at a time when the tree is dormant or in early spring before buds swell. This allows the woody plant to compartmentalize and close wounds more quickly, minimizing the risk of pathogen intrusion and decay. Pruning can be done at other times of year if the desired plant function is met, but this requires special care and knowledge to avoid stressing the plant.
In general, pruning should be done to remove diseased or dead plant material, crossing or rubbing limbs, sucker growth from rootstock, water sprouts from limbs, and other objectionable growth. Often this will include removal of lower limbs that hang over walkways or power lines, and pruning to reduce the overall size of a tree.
Other common reasons for pruning include opening vistas, training young trees to grow in a certain way, and improving appearance by shaping the overall form of the plant. Many of these goals are attainable with simple cuts, but pruning can be more involved for specialized forms such as espaliers or bonsai.
Thinning is another common pruning operation that is best done in winter or late spring before new growth begins. This can help open up a full canopy to allow sunlight to reach the ground and promote denser growth, especially in species such as oak that respond poorly to thinning and will decline rapidly if thinned on a regular basis.
Topping is generally considered a poor pruning practice that should be avoided unless it is necessary for safety, hazard mitigation, or reducing the volume of a mature tree to provide clearance for pedestrians, parked cars, or structures. Topping can harm and weaken the tree, encourage improper regrowth, and increase the likelihood of future problems such as limb failure or damage from wind or snow.
Pruning chemicals such as horticultural oil or tree dressings are typically not recommended since current research shows they add little to the performance of correctly pruned cuts. In fact, these compounds may actually slow healing, seal in moisture, and inhibit the production of natural defenses by the tree.
Always have a licensed, insured, and trained professional work on your trees. Proper pruning takes a great deal of skill and knowledge to do well, especially when dealing with large trees. Never try to prune a large tree by yourself if you are not an experienced climber or do not have the proper equipment. In addition, working near utility lines can be extremely dangerous and should only be done by a qualified line clearance professional who is certified with the local electric company.
source https://litchfieldtreeservices1.wordpress.com/2025/01/01/pruning-trees/
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