Necessary Pruning for Beginners Part 1

If you own a yard with a tree in it, then you need to read this post. Pruning can be intimidating but you don't need a special class to do some basic cuts that will improve the health and appearance of your tree. That being said, if you have large trees (over 20 feet tall for our purposes) that need limb removal, please hire professionals. People get hurt all the time from climbing up into trees with chainsaws. 

For those of you with fruit trees, ornamental trees, or trees that are still young, you may have noticed "suckers" -small branches growing from the base of your tree. These branches are not desirable for either the appearance or health of the tree and should be removed. You can do this any time but winter is the traditional time for pruning in northern climates as the tree is dormant.

Start with clean, sharp pruners and cut as close as possible to the trunk of the tree so you don't leave stubs. You don't need to use any kind of sealant as the tree can heal by itself. I recommend you check over all your trees once a year because the larger the suckers get, the larger the scab will be on the tree. You don't want your ornamental trees to resemble the very neglected crab apple in the picture.

Also, if there are other small branches growing from the trunk below the scaffold (the place where the first main branches separate from the trunk) you can also remove them while you're at it.

Don't be nervous! You can totally do this and it will be great for your trees. For more information, particularly on fruit trees, I recommend "Grow A Little Fruit Tree" by Ann Ralph.