Pruning

Pruning is one of the most common maintenance practices. Trees growing in a forest grow well without pruning, but landscape trees often require more attention. Each pruning cut is a wound, therefore, if done incorrectly, pruning can harm trees and even shorten their lives. However, when done right, pruning helps trees stay healthy, maintain good structure, and enhance the value of your landscape. 

  • Trees that are pruned properly when they are young will need less corrective pruning as they grow older.

    Close up of a human hand using red handled pruning scissors to trim a branch of a tree

  • Pruning mature trees should be done with a good reason because each cut can affect how the tree grows.

    A community member pruning a tree with a saw

Wound paint

Paint pruning cuts immediately on all oak trees to help prevent the spread of oak wilt. Paint or wound dressing is not necessary for pruning cuts on any other types of trees. 

Hire an arborist

Pruning large trees can be dangerous. If you need to work above the ground or use power tools, it’s best to hire a certified arborist. An ISA certified arborist can determine the right pruning methods to keep your trees healthy, looking good, and safe. They can also come with a trained crew, proper safety gear, and liability insurance. 

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