Provo City

Pruning

Tree Care
Proper pruning is an important part of caring for and protecting the health of trees. In fact, many tree care professionals recommend that homeowners start early and continue proper pruning throughout the life of a tree. Proper pruning can remove excessive growth, shape a tree, and eliminate structural problems.
 
There are three main reasons to prune a tree. First, trees may be pruned to increase the safety of people and property. Second, trees may be pruned to increase the health of the tree. Third, trees may be pruned to heighten the aesthetic look of the tree. It is important to always prune a tree for the right reason.
When pruning a tree, it is critical to make the pruning cuts properly. Cutting too close to the trunk can cause long term problems that can affect the structural strength of the tree. However, pruning too far from the trunk, leaving a stub, prevents the tree from sealing off the wound. This provides an area for decay, insects, disease, and etc. to enter the tree. See the diagrams on this page showing how to properly make a pruning cut on an ornamental tree.
 
Tree topping is the drastic removal, or cutting back, of large branches in mature trees, leaving large, open wounds which subject the tree to disease and decay. Topping causes immediate injury to the tree and ultimately results in early failure or death of the tree. Never cut main branches back to stubs. Many people mistakenly “top” trees because they interfere with views or sunlight, or simply grow so large that they worry the landowner. Unfortunately, the topping process is often self-defeating. Ugly, bushy, weakly attached limbs usually grow back higher than the original branches. In short, topping is the worst thing to do for the health of a tree.
 
Be safe when pruning trees. When trimming or pruning trees, make sure to check for power lines in or near the tree’s branches. Never try to remove branches that are tangled in a power line. This is very dangerous and should only be done by a certified professional.  If one of your trees has branches tangled in power lines, call Provo City Power (801) 852-6000. They will be happy to take care of them for you.Remember the 10 Foot Rule: keep yourself and anything you are handling at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.
 
For more information regarding proper pruning practices, please review the United States Department of Agriculture’s pamphlet How to Prune Trees. To request a pamphlet contact the Provo City Forestry Division (801) 852-6920.