Pruning tips

Here are a few tree pruning techniques to keep in mind:

Before making a cut, look for the branch collar , which grows from the stem tissue at the bottom base of the branch. Look for the branch ridge, which is on the upper surface and is parallel to the branch angle at the stem.

Always cut outside the branch bark ridge and angle your cut down and away from the stem . Take care not to injure the branch collar.
Use the same technique to prune dead branches and living branches.

If a stem is too long, use the three-cut technique : Make a notch on the side of the stem that faces away from the branch that’s being retained; make the second cut inside the crotch of the branch and above the branch ridge; the third cut will remove the stub by cutting through the stem parallel to the branch bark ridge.