“I’m thinking about pruning a few branches from my oak tree. I plan to watch some DIY tree pruning videos YouTube and then give it a go. Is this a good idea? Is this risky?
If you’re pretty handy on the tools, sure why not!
DIY tree pruning can be suitable for specific situations. Many homeowners in the Victoria area will choose to prune trees and shrubs around their yards, but it comes with its own challenges and risks.
When your trees are slight, manageable and you’re dealing with smaller limbs, that makes it easy to grab the shears and get to work.
But it’s when you’re dealing with bigger trees and wildly canopies, that the complexity and danger increases. Leaning, stretching, use of very old wobbly ladders, and general inexperience in those tricky scenarios too. Also some specific tree species require particular care, so unless you know about it, you might make a mistake when pruning.
Above all, safety for yourself and your property should be the main consideration when deciding whether to prune yourself, and especially if you’re dealing big trees and heavy limbs.
First, what is the purpose of Pruning?
Tree pruning has many advantages, the core reasons being to promote the general health of the tree and to reduce hazards.
Before you make any cuts, you should have a clear purpose. Are you pruning for aesthetics, to remove diseased or damaged branches, to improve the tree’s structure, or to clear away hazards? Identifying the reason will dictate how you should prune.
While you can certainly prune your trees yourself, it’s essential to weigh the risks, including potential damage to your property, injury to yourself, and long-term harm to your trees from improper pruning. Safety should be your No1 concern when aiming to tackle a heavy branches up high up in the canopy.
Dan
Pros of Tree Pruning
- Cost Savings – Some people cannot afford a professional arborist. By pruning your trees yourself, is an easy way to save money over hiring a pro. For instance, even trimming a small ornamental tree can save you hundreds of dollars.
- Convenience – You can prune your trees at your own pace and according to your schedule. This is particularly handy if you have a busy lifestyle or if you prefer to work on your garden during weekends.
- Learning Opportunity – Pruning your trees allows you to learn more about tree care and maintenance. Over time, you’ll become more skilled and confident, which can be a rewarding experience.
Related: Check out this other post with some more tree care maintenance tips for homeowners.
What happens when it goes wrong
It can go wrong for sure. And that’s why a professional will always be the safer, more efficient option. There is no doubt about that.
We had a recent callout to a client in Oak Bay, Victoria who was self-pruning for years. Beautiful yard with towering Cedar, Douglas firs, and a couple of Garry Oaks in there too. For the most part they did an awesome job. But then, a few really inappropriate cuts of the leading limbs in the wrong place led to a distortion and overall structural imbalance.
We could tell there was excessive pruning. They had removed too much foliage each season, which stressed the trees and reduced their ability to produce energy through photosynthesis. As well as that the tree had general structural weakness. Key structural branches had been removed, causing the trees to develop weak points and an uneven canopy. This imbalance increased the risk of branches breaking during storms.
The Issues with DIY Pruning
We are often called in to deal with trees that have been pruned heavily, and incorrectly, and we’re tasked with trying to bring the tree back to life. Sometimes we are able to get that tree patched up and to thrive again. And other times, the damage is too severe and we are just doing some end of life management instead.
We’ve inspected 1000s of trees over the years and we see the same common pruning mistakes. These are probably the top 5 issues following inappropriate pruning.
- Topping
- Topping is cutting back large branches to stubs or lateral branches not large enough to assume the terminal role.
- Impact: This practice can lead to weakly attached branches, increased risk of decay, and a poor tree structure.
- Over-Pruning
- The rule of thumb is that you should not remove more than 25% of a tree’s foliage at once.
- Impact: This can stress the tree, reduce its energy production, and increase vulnerability to pests and diseases.
- Flush Cuts
- This is when you cut branches flush with the trunk or main stem, removing the branch collar.
- Impact: This removes the tree’s natural defence zone, leading to slower healing and increased risk of infection.
- Lion’s Tailing
- Lion’s tailing is removing an excessive number of inner branches, leaving foliage only at the ends of branches (makes the tree’s limbs look like a lion’s tail)
- Impact: This creates an unbalanced tree structure, increases the risk of branch failure, and can cause sunscald.
- Improper Tool Use
- Using dull or inappropriate tools can also lead to unnecessary harm for the tree.
- Impact: This can cause ragged cuts that take longer to heal and increase the risk of disease.
ATC’s 4 Rules for Successful DIY Pruning
We asked our senior arborists for some ideas to share with you guys, to help you understand if DIY pruning is the right way to go.
#1 Understand the Basics
Collar and Branch Bark Ridge
When pruning, you should be familiar with the ‘branch collar’ and the ‘branch bark ridge.’ These are natural protective zones on the tree. Always avoid cutting into them to ensure optimal wound closure or compartmentalization of dead tissue. You might hear an arborist say.. ”trees don’t heal, they seal!”
Heading vs Thinning
Also known as Branch Reduction vs. Branch Removal. Reductions involve cutting a branch back to a smaller branch, which should be at least one-third the diameter of the branch being reduced. This is done to redirect growth, manage weight on the end of a branch, or to achieve specific clearance objectives. Branch removal, on the other hand, entails completely removing the branch, typically at its point of attachment. Both techniques can be used to achieve similar objectives or purposes in pruning, but they avoid making larger cuts. For this reason, reductions are generally preferred.
Source: Illustration of Reasons to Prune Trees (red branches are to be removed) Credit: Don Wittig, former UME Master Gardener
#2 Tools of the Trade
Ensure that your tools are sharp, clean, and in good working condition before starting the pruning process. Here’s a list of essential tree pruning tools:
- Pruning Shears: Ideal for small branches and twigs.
- Lopping Shears: Designed for thicker branches, providing more leverage.
- Pruning Saw: Suitable for branches too thick for shears.
- Pole Pruner: For higher branches, offers extended reach
#3 Safety First
There’s a bit of Rocky is all of us, that sheer determination to get it done! Just make sure you prune in a safe manner.
Always prioritize safety by using proper gear, ensuring stable footing, and avoiding work near power lines. If a branch is high up, over a structure, near a power line, or if it requires the use of a ladder, it’s best to call a professional. These scenarios carry additional risk and should be avoided where possible.
#4 Prune at the Right Time
Pruning trees at the right time is crucial for their health and growth. Generally, late winter to early spring is ideal for most trees because they are still dormant, which minimizes stress and the risk of disease. For instance, pruning apple trees in early spring helps prevent the spread of diseases like fire blight, while maple trees benefit from being pruned before the sap starts flowing.
Deciduous trees are best pruned during dormancy, as this reduces the risk of disease and stress. However, there are exceptions; for example, oaks should be pruned in the coldest months to prevent oak wilt. Young trees should be pruned at the end of summer to shape their structural development, minimizing new growth in response to pruning cuts.
Summer pruning is also acceptable, as trees are resilient and have already used much of their energy for spring growth. This reduces the risk of excessive sap loss or “bleeding.” For example, light pruning of fruit trees in summer can help manage growth and improve fruit quality without stressing the tree.
See related post: 5 important things to know about tree pruning season
#5 Learn how to make proper cuts
Here is a great illustration of what a good pruning cut looks like.
What’s the verdict on DIY pruning?
If you’re handy and got the gusto for it, then go for it.
Many homeowners prune their trees and shrubs as part of ongoing maintenance in their yard. The sheer size of your trees is the biggest factor, so don’t try take on the big guys without some support.
Play it safe, don’t be a hero. Call for help if you need it. 🙂
Good luck!
When to hire a professional for your pruning needs?
For small trees or shrubs and straightforward tasks, DIY pruning can be feasible if you educate yourself and use the right tools. However, for larger trees, complicated situations, or if you’re unsure, it’s always best to hire a Certified Arborist. The Advantage Tree Care team is trained to recognize hazards, diseases, and structural issues, and we have the equipment and expertise to handle the job safely and effectively.
Remember, a poorly pruned tree can take years to recover, and mistakes can sometimes be irreversible. Trees are a long-term investment in our environment and property. Whether you choose to prune yourself or hire a professional, always prioritize the health and safety of the tree and its surroundings.
Get information about our tree pruning services here.
Having your trees pruned by an Arborist – what can you expect?
When you have your tree pruned by a certified arborist you benefit on multiple levels, most importantly;
- Tree health is maintained
- On-going maintenance costs are reduced
- The tree’s natural shape and aesthetics are preserved
- And, we’ve got all the right safety gear 🙂
At Advantage Tree Care, we pride ourselves in the highest quality craftsmanship when it comes to pruning trees and tree care. Get in touch and tell us about your tree pruning needs.
