ALWAYS prune back to or just above a growing point (branch or bud) or to the soil line. NEVER leave a stem or branch stub. NEVER top a tree to “rejuvenate” growth.
An improper cut like a flush cut (cutting too close to the trunk) or a stub cut (cutting too far from the trunk) can cause irreversible damage to a tree. A flush cut removes the branch collar and leaves a large wound in the side of the tree that won't heal properly.
While pruning, avoid cutting too close to the node as it can get damaged. However, don't leave more than 1 cm above the nodes. It can compromise the shape of your plant. While pruning, you need to use good-quality pruning tools.
Cut too much and you'll risk nutritional deficiencies or branches that are too weak to tolerate the wind or fend off diseases or insect invasions. Over pruning and topping can permanently disfigure your trees, or even kill them. Further, a tree's foliage is important for protecting it against excessive sun exposure.
If done properly, pruning does not hurt the tree, it's actually quite beneficial. But, if you've never done it before, it's best to start small, and work your way into it. You don't want to go overboard, and cut off too many branches.
Over pruning reduces the foliage needed to make food for the tree, so in effect, it starves it. When a tree has been over pruned, you may not see much new growth during the spring. In the winter, more branches than usual will break as a result of heavy loads.
Damage caused by pruning
When improperly performed, pruning can harm the tree's health, stability, and appearance. Several consequences occur when pruning is not performed at all. These include development of low aggressive limbs, weak codominant stems, bark inclusions, and accumulation of dead branches.
Helps Control Disease
Some trees, like oaks, should only be pruned during the dormant season because they are especially susceptible to oak wilt disease, which is known to spread extremely fast in the spring and summer.
How to Fix an Over-Pruned Tree or Shrub. While some plants need a heftier prune than others, in general, the golden rule is to trim no more than 15 to 20 percent of a tree's canopy at one time. Keep that in mind for next time.
Not using the proper techniques can damage the health of your tree and can even lead to disease or premature death. In general, don't cut too close to the trunk. These cuts are too big and can delay the sealing of the wound. Don't cut too far from the surface of the trunk, either.
Pruning Methods
Side pruning involves pruning branches growing toward power lines on one side of the tree only. Any tree with a base located 15 feet or more away from the center line of BrightRidge conductors will be side pruned. “L” pruning is practiced when tree limbs cannot be pruned to a suitable lateral.
Differences Between Pruning and Trimming
Webb said pruning typically involves removing dead or diseased wood and thinning out stems and branches to improve the overall health and appearance of a plant. On the other hand, trimming typically involves cutting back plant material for reasons other than health concerns.
The 1/3 rule involves cutting about 1/3 of wood during any pruning activity. This moderate pruning practice is a balanced approach to thinning out shrubs to stimulate new growth. The plant loses a good amount of stems, usually on the top section, allowing more light and air to enter the inside of the plant.
Follow The 1/3 Rule
It involves trimming around 1/3 of the branch, as cutting more than that may increase the chances of damage or stunt its growth. However, pruning too little will not give you the desired result.
The node is where leaves, buds and shoots emerge from the stem. You should always cut just above a node, as this prevents 'die back' and therefore disease. Also, by cutting above a node you can manipulate new stems, leaves or flowers to form in a desired direction, as nodes form on different sides of a stem.
Tips on Summer Tree Trimming
The warmer months are a great time to do some structural cleanup. Remove suckers, water-sprouts and branches that are crossed or rubbing each other. Take out “the three Ds” where you see them, too, (aka dead, diseased and damaged wood).
When is the Best Time of Year to Prune Trees? There is never a bad time to remove dead, damaged or diseased branches. But most trees benefit from pruning in mid to late winter. Pruning during dormancy encourages new growth as soon as the weather begins to warm.
April, May and June are not good months to prune because deciduous trees need to use their stored energy to produce new leaves instead of healing wounds. Also, pruning during warmer spring months encourages the spread of diseases such as Oak Wilt and damage by pests such as Emerald Ash Borer.
After a tree is topped, it grows back rapidly in an attempt to replace its missing leaves. Leaves are needed to manufacture food for the tree. Without new leaves, the tree will die. The new branches that sprout up below the cuts will continue to grow quickly until they reach the same size it was before it was topped.
It increases the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Ground water level also gets lowered. Deforestation disturbs the balance in nature. If cutting of trees continues, rainfall and the fertility of the soil will decrease.
In pruning, there are three primary types of pruning cuts, thinning cuts, reduction cuts, and heading cuts, each giving different results in growth and appearance.
Watering is very important during the couple of weeks or more that a plant is recovering from root pruning. Right after pruning, I give the whole pot a thorough soaking. As new growth begins, I make sure to thoroughly wet all the soil at each watering.
For a tree to completely compartmentalize and seal off the exterior of a severed branch, it may take upwards of 15 to 20 years. However, within the tree, this containment process is fast-paced and extremely effective.