Ask an Arborist: The ABC's of Pruning
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- čas přidán 29. 06. 2024
- This is part three of a three-part dormant pruning series. Watch Ask an Arborist: The Rules of Pruning to catch up on part two.
When pruning your trees, there are steps you can follow to ensure you are making the proper cuts and not removing too much off your tree. Tree experts Andrew Pleninger and Chris Luley created The ABCs Field Guide to Young and Small Tree Pruning to help guide the pruning process. The rules of the ABC’s will tell you where to start, what branches to prune, and when you are finished. Follow these rules to help get you started on your tree pruning.
Step A: Assess the tree
o How is the tree growing? Is it healthy?
o What is the setting? Does human activity dictate a desired form for the tree?
o What species is it? What is its natural form? Is it a ‘shade’ tree or ‘ornamental’ tree? This will dictate how you prune.
Step B: remove Bad branches
o Start with the three ‘Ds’ - dead, damaged, and diseased.
o Next, look for branches that are rubbing, or those weakly attached.
o Look at the tree, and the pile of branches removed so far, if you haven’t reached any of the limits in the ‘five factors,’ continue.
Step C: remove or reduce Competing branches
o You identified the central leader in Step One; now we want to address any competing branches:
Co-dominant stems: it’s best to keep this cut as small as possible, so complete removal is usually best.
Competing laterals: these are branches that have a shoot headed upward at the same height as the leader.
o Next, focus on areas where multiple branches connect to the trunk at the same place. Develop better branch spacing by removing one each year, starting with the largest one first.
o Next, consider clearance: these temporary branches in the lower third of tree height improve trunk strength, but may need to be shortened.
o Finally, consider crossing (not rubbing) branches or chances to improve vertical branch spacing.
Every pruning cut is a new chance to observe the tree in light of the “five factors;” stop pruning when any of the factors are reached.
If we focus our pruning efforts strategically - with the right tools - we can develop long-lived urban trees.
Have a tree question you want answered? Tweet @arborday with #AskAnArborist .
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I always remember what my German grandfather said, “all trees want to be bushes and all bushes want to be trees”.
This is so funny because it's true.
I don’t get it ?
@@thenewsone9276 Trees keep growing outward and bushes keep growing tall
Ok wow. I feel silly to say this but, the red line graphics are so helpful! Makes what and where to cut so much clearer. Thank you for the informative video.
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Yeah that was very helpful!
I’m getting into the tree business and of all the videos none used lines or discusses this side of things
Thanks to the added effects, I've finally found a clear pruning video
right? I too feel like the added tracings were very useful and missing in a lot of similar videos.
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I also wonder how to get to those other 2 vids
@@romaricomalig-on5585 ?
Great video. To the point. Makes sense. Good graphics. Learned a lot in 5 minutes. Thank you.
Very clear especially the lines running up the branches that need pruning. Thanks.
Thank you for creating this educational video
Thank you - a very useful video, it helped me considerably.
Very clear & informative! 👍
Happy Arbor Day!!!
God bless you and thank you for this easy guide from an ignorant novice!
Thank you so much for sharing this information, it seems really helpful.
Good basic lesson on pruning I appreciate your demonstration, B. R. Shanker, Chennai India
Excellent job good to watch 👍
Quick, to the point, lovely 👏
Great video - thanks for sharing
After watching this video i honestly feel i could start my pruning busines on small trees.
Very useful info!
Nice. Than you for not cutting down the tree like other prunning experts.
Super helpful, thanks!
So helpful! Thank you!
Great video. Thank you.
Appreciate the ad-free vid!
Very helpful, thanks sir
best video i've found over a couple hours b/c u took the time to draw lines clearly identifying the limbs as well as really breaking down how to even identify which to snip
It would be good if you talked about the why you didn't prune other lateral branches. IE: the lower right lateral branch.
@@84kugrad I believe the answer to why that branch wasn't trimmed is because you do not want to cut more than 25% of a tree's branches in any given 2-3 years, and only 10-15% with some species.
Very helpful, thank you.
Very good demonstration
I honestly feel like I learned a lot in that few minutes honestly
Great video!
Thanks for shearing!
lol very nice
Love this vid!
Just started as an arborist groundsman with a company in Georgia. I'm new and got asked to do a prune on 4 small trees. I got the job done, and client was satisfied, but I would've been way more confident had I watched this video before!
Remember the old adage that a bad haircut grows back but a bad tree cut is forever. You should have had proper pruning experience and training before someone was charged hard-earned money for your inexperienced service. The Firm that you are working for is responsible for that indiscretion, not you. The best place to learn about trees is the forest.
@@andyroubik5760 I had guidance and they looked over my work. Everything was on the job training.
I am pleased that you are getting guidance. No matter where I go , whether in this country or anywhere in the world , I see lousy pruning. Most pruning is bad pruning with many heading cuts, most of which are not targeted heading cuts. Most pruning is over pruning. Like a good haircut no one should notice a good pruning except those intimately familiar with that tree. Guidance from knowledgeable, caring people is great but walking through the forest is the best way to learn if you are able to take your cues from Mother Nature! I wish you well on your journey to be an arborist!
thanks for the information!
loved the music
Greetings from rural NE California.
I have been an arborist since the '80s. The first thing I like to emphasize to someone learning trees is Proper Cuts when pruning. And leaving NO STUBS.
Second to that -- how to choose what errant branches need attention.
I was glad to see you go back and finish that last cut. People could see that stub being removed and fall away.
For a very quick lesson I like your A B C'S. Thanks for a good video. Well aimed at the arbor newbie.
How do you identify errant branches?
@@larsonfamilyhouse
ERRANT BRANCHES: Just a term I used for branches that need to be pruned off. (Not arborist nomenclature, I admit.)
The basic list --
•Remove dead wood
•Branches must not cross or rub. Remove the weakest or most unattractive branch.
•Remove branches growing the wrong direction. Usually
-inward
-downward
-shooting up in a bad place
•Broken
•Crowding
•Suckers & Watersprouts
•Old stubs
•Tight V crotches invite future trouble. As they grow and increase in diameter, they often split the wood because they push hard on eachother. Try to make a wise choice about which one to remove. Ideal tree crotches are near 90° angle or a U shaped crotch.
Sure would be nice to see this tree in the subsequent blooming and growing seasons over a 2-3 year period
Great video. Thanjs
central leader yes!! Nice work!
Just took a look at my tree out front that hasn’t been cut or when it has, previous owner did it poorly. So many competing branches out there…probably have to do this over a couple of years to not weaken or kill the tree.
very nice explaining
Excellent
Great video! Would like another video addressing a mid-sized live oak. They have so many branches it’s hard to know where to begin.
first remove all the Crossing, rubbing, dead branches over one inch in size since they are the easiest choices.
Don't worry about the most obvious removals under 1 in nor cleaning up short Stubbs remaining from Little branches that snapped off as such nitpicking robs us of limited time better spent after more important stuff prioritized.
Redirecting Crossing branches by subordinating back to an earlier divide rather than immediate complete removal back to main stem temporarily retains more options.
Similar to dressing warm for an outdoor event by wearing multiple layers of clothing you can always take off later rather than not bringing enough if it suddenly gets colder.
Once completing this 1st stage by getting rid of what had to be removed anyways without using up a lotion of time to siding. Get you that much closer to being finished and making remaining decisions much easier.
Thank you, very informative.
From the UK here, every time I prune my trees, apple pear, plumb, morello cherry and grape vines, the produce little or no fruit on that year. Every time I do not prune them, they produce loads of fruits!!
Hopefully with your suggestions, I'll better this year. Frustrating, and years are passing by.
Alex Smith You are probably pruning the good branches.
Fruit trees are different! I suggest watching some videos on your exact type of fruit trees
finally !! an informative video
very helpful
Very informative videos,kindly send some videos about guava tree pruning
I have a question, what about cutting dominant branch of peer tree (a few feet of very top)? I heard that this action can damage whole tree.
so useful vedio
Is directional pruning considered what is necessary to maintain electric lines or is it a management procedure?
Good evening, greetings from Siirt, Turkey. Could you write about the practices in the USA regarding pistachio care, especially what method do you use regarding pruning?
Awesome,,
Some good points were made in this video. He missed an opportunity to cut back that lowest branch with a reduction cut 2 stunts that branch prior to removal another year. That was a bad Branch as he called it. It is attached to the trunk with a bark inclusion that will eventually split the tree if nothing else kills the tree first.
What about the lower branch? Would you eliminate it to help the tree grow bigger crown?
How about that branch growing horizontally out to the left?
Ya, it was bothering me too.
@@rodgunn2621 I believe if removed it could do more harm than good, especially depending on the time of year it's been cut
It's unsightly with no leaves, but I would leave it for another 2 years to see what it does. It's already angling up a bit and with the two competing leaders that were removed, this ugly branch and the main leader will both be getting more energy and nutrients in the coming years. I would watch that ugly branch and see if it begins to angle up more, hopefully it reaches 60-degrees or so. If not, I would cut it off in 2-4 years. Thoughts?
I have a 15 year old Ginko tree growing in my front yard.
I unfortunately wasn’t paying attention and it now has three long branches at the top wanting to be the leader.
Unfortunately none of them is going up straight in a distinct “leader way”, they are more like three branches going up in a “vase” shape. Can it safely continue to grow this way? What should I do?
Thanks for the video I wanted to know is it okay if I use a electric chainsaw or gas chainsaw when pruning. Also when's the best time of the year to prun a tree?
Hi Joe,
It's best to prune trees when they are dormant, generally in the fall season. We encourage using a handsaw and to steer clear of electric chainsaws, as it can be easy to get carried away with them and over prune. Learn more pruning do's and dont's here arbordayblog.org/treecare/arborist-advice-prune-trees-dormant-season/
Hi there I have a dogwood tree and the trunk looks the same as this tree with two main trunks, is that ok
My oak acorns have just sprouted. Will be planting them in a open area with no traffic and no competing trees. Do I need to prune them right away so they don’t split in to a V? Or wait a few years and just prune the competing leaders like in this vid?? Thanx.
I have a 4 year old live oak and it has several branches drooping over at the top. They are branching out from the main but if I remove them it will look awkward. Wish I could send you a pic for advice.
Can "surgery" be done on a tree to cut out something that shouldn't be there? I have a fruit tree where its plastic tag from the nursery has now wedged into the bark of the tree or actually between two branches that have grown over part of it. Weeds growing around the tree have prevented me from noticing it until this late date. It looks a little like the tree in this video but on a much smaller scale. It is just about 7-8 feet tall and the tag is stuck and wedged in between where two main leader branches begin about 6 inches off the ground. The tree only has leaves on about 25% of the branches. We had a late deep freeze this spring after extended periods of warm weather where the peach , plum and asian pears were all in bloom which killed 99 percent of the fruit which might have had an impact but I'm concerned about this tag hurting the tree. Any suggestions? I'm in northwest SC zone 8a.
When is it the best time to prune ornamental trees??? I live in NJ where we have cold winters. Thanks!
What would happen if he lopped that central leader out and the branch immediately to the right of it? would it make a super cool shaped multi-trunk looking tree... or just make the tree heavier on one side and either break or lean one one side?
My guess if he has luck like mine, he’ll get a zillion water sprouts out of the middle and it will just be a mess of branches & leaves that will be completely impossible to correct.
Can I prune in the spring? My Ruby Falls weeping redbud has a split going up it. Can it be saved?
Thank you for the video much appreciated. I have what I believe is a maple tree not sure what kind it’s young probably 25 feet tall. As it continues growing it is going to block my sunset view...is it OK to top it? will that promote growth from the sides making it bushy?
Do not top the tree, consult your local arborist.
Nope you don't top trees. Remove it and buy a smaller dwarf variety
Not sure if you check this video still, but I have a cherry tree (not fruit) with two crossing branches. About 4” diameter at least. Cutting one branch out would leave a gaping hole. Could you actually graft the two limbs together? In other words, cut back some of the bark on each where they make contact, secure them tightly, and have them grow into one branch?
no. you need to lose one of the branches
I'm about to prune a three-year old oak in my front yard for the first time. It's the first week in December, and it still has dead leaves on it. Is it okay to remove those leaves before I prune? Thanks.
Is winter the only time of year you should do this?
Hi how do I prune a one year old Chinese pistache tree? It's getting very top heavy and has new sprouts growing on the bottom. Thank you.
Good points BUT before the ABC plan a little technique on just how to make the cut would be good and just as , if not more , important to know . (search this if you do not already know)
On that competing leader or trunk at the bottom right, what should be done? Should it be left in place or removed? I have a similar situation with a 5 year old red maple and don't know if I should leave it alone or cut it back.
My main deciding factor with that branch is that removing it would be above the 25% recommended max you should remove from a tree at any given time. That is in addition to the other branches already removed. If removing your secondary leader wouldn't be above 25% of the tree I would cut it. Red maples don't do well with multiple leaders and the tree is still young enough to thrive after the cut.
Why not have gone for the branch that's perpendicular to the main trunk that was nearly over the presenter's head most of the talk, or appears that way in this vid. I just heard thru the local pruner's grapevine that branches on such a flat angle wont support the tree into large mature growth?
Yeah my sago palms starting to grow a second head, if you will consequently both are growing out sideways which I don’t like. It’s about 10 or 12 years old. can I cut one off so it keeps growing straight?
Yes, it's best trees have one central leader.
I wish you would have assed the other sub main leader that angles out from the base of the tree in another direction.
Is this desirable to leave?
The branch sticking on the right-side of the tree (v-shape) would that be considered to be a competing branch and needs to be cut?
Any idea on how to get rid of trumpet vines?
If I trim branches this way will they grow back? I need them to not grow back as they're getting into some electric cables.
no.
Really need to find an arborist in South East Indiana that could help me with pruning
You can find a certified arborist here: www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist
So I’m very new to gardening and pruning. I was told I should use some sort of sealant when pruning branches bigger than my thumb. Is this true? When should a sealant be used or should I use one at all? Any help is appreciated!
Never use any type of sealant...
Just make sure it’s going to be sunny like for 5 days at least after pruning, the more sunny days after pruning the better! That’s the best way disease won’t set in.
*_All young trees require this "Structural" or "Formative" pruning over their first 15-20 years._*
Why the lower, growing to the side branch wasn’t removed? With the heavy snow or rain later this could split the tree, am I wrong?!
What I saw people focus to cut the central leader because they don't want the tree grows too high
how to stimulate new shoots from the middle of the trank I cut my branches and have not grown back Duranta Chee Gold tree
Did you cut all of the branches off? And did you cut them flat across at the same height?
Good afternoon. We have a new ly planted locust tree (planted in fall last year, this is its first spring / summer), problem is the leaves are only growing on one side and the central leader isn't leafing / branching. Can I prune the central leader and hope it sends up a new shoot or do I just have to hope it works itself out? Thank you very much for any advice.
What did you end up doing in this situation?
Check the root system first, make sure All is well
I just got some trees from my city for arbor day.
Unfortunately, I live in a place that, while I need shade trees and some privacy trees, I am not allowed to grow them to their full heights.
I need to keep them 20' of under (8- 10' is actually preferred).
I would like to know a way that won't cost a fortune, but will be effective to keep them on the small side, though I know they are supposed to grow bigger (I was hoping to get Mimosa trees, but they did not have any).
I have Elderberry (they could not tell me if they were trees or bushes, pecan trees, oak willow, pin oak, yellow poplar, shortleaf pines, mulberry and a sycamore tree as well as button and indigo bushes.... I plan to give some a way.
But I am trying to figure out what I can do with these trees and what I need them to do: be some shade to block sun from windows and create some privacy from nosey neighbors who are far too close to me.
And pay waaay too much attention.
Can anyone please advise?
I am thinking the pecan trees might be small enough, but not sure.
Thank you in advance.
I have tons of mimosa beans once those are planted they hate being transplanted even from a pot to the ground they're a sensitive tree to mess with
I like those trees because the leaves fold shut for night time.
That place always sends tree's that i either have or can get anytime from friends
They didn't send my Carolina spice bush trees my mom bought those ones hers wouldn't grow out mine did and a crab apple tree to so I've gotta dig um up and give her some back i don't need a crab apple tree anyway i just need to keep one spice bush tree
Now I don't know what type of spruce tree's those are they sent us free but I can grow them i have the space to they're all in pots outside for now though and in regular yard dirt no potting soil i can tell they're not Norway spruce
The birds gave me a few elderberry trees so now they're growing with all the others
They also left me a green Japanese barberry seedling the green ones though aren't my favorite i also use to have the native barberry bushes to Indiana but the deer kept eating on them until they died so I now have all Japanese barberry bushes an they're useful to
There's a few more I'm missing a male holly tree
The central leader of my ornamental plum is dead with four similar diameter competing leaders seemingly healthy. Should I eliminate the central leader ?
Hi Jim, you can create a new leader with one of the healthy, competing branches and prune the others.
On a tree like this can you safely reduce the hight of the central leader? Or would there be negative consequences?
Topping is generally discouraged. It will produce lots of weak growth as well as disfiguring it and potentially allowing diseases an entry point.
💕
Good
I have a very large tree in my backyard, what if it’s got a lot of dead branches? Can they be cut when it has already started budding?
Hi Hranicalove, the best time to prune is when your tree is dormant (fall/winter), pruning when it is budding can affect its health.
What if the central leader is dead? The rest of the tree is healthy. Is there a way to salvage the tree?
what type of tree is yours?
My new house has an old ornamental tree, heart shaped leaves and flat seed pods. It’s full of water sprouts and crossing branches, but the big problem is the main leader has split and then healed just over half way up. Those two branches make up most of the crown. I am not sure at all where to go with this choked up tree.
Leave it alone.
Visit TreesAreGood.com and see if there's a certified arborist that can come give their educated recommendation.
You likely have a redbud.
If you prune a hydrangea tree drastically in the spring, will the tree continue to grow? Also, there are tiny black bugs on the bark. Are they harmful to the tree?
There are a few different types of hydrangea and require different pruning times. I believe most “tree form” are panicle hydrangea that bloom on new wood. So, yes, you can prune them in the late winter/early spring.
As in all aspects of life, there can only be ONE leader........
Keep going, YES, it's Charlie Browns Christmas tree. My rule has always been if it's not pointing up, it's coming off. (or that one laying flat to the left)
Is tree topping still a no no for the arbor day foundation?
I don't know
Trees are most interesting. In Phoenix Arizona, root development and foliage shading of the trunk and lower crotch sections are critical, especially with new plantings. If a tree had a brain it would be at the base of the trunk. They have a sort of nervous system but it’s run by moisture thought capillary systems that supply the upper structure. Why do trees produce suckers in seemingly unlikely places? I think it’s about promoting capillary circulation and leaf spread to promote more photosynthesis, or it may be a survival policy with immature trees, trying to survive into maturity. Like a man’s beard, bark comes with maturity.
What happens if you just don't prune?
Mine is growing slowly
Dumb question... Does the hand saw get dull after a while and need sharpening?
Takes a loooong time. Most of these saws have "tri-cut" teeth that are super durable. A tri-cut tooth saw cuts on the push AND the pull so you're essentially reducing the wear by 1/2 as compared to a saw that cuts only in one direction.
Oh gosh, few years ago I did such a terrible job on my new purchased fruit trees, (now I know when they are barely planted they shouldn't even be pruned) because I did not understand correctly the logic of pruning that now Im embarrassed to look at them, poor things , is any way to fix them now, after I cut them off wrongly and they are growing up crooked and unbalanced? Oh and all them them have deep wounds from bunnies chewing their tender bark and deer constantly eating their branches while they were young. How to fix that also? Now i put a fence against deer, but bunnies still have access in my backyard.
Also I noticed that some trees are more forgiving to mistakes like cherry trees, they even giving fruit this year, but the peach trees are more sensitive and died and gave parasitic shoots. Have no idea if I should just dig them up. The apple trees forgave my mistakes too, they grow robust not fruit yet.
Can I email you about some shrubs I have?