If you’ve been looking for advice on how to trim trees, then this guide is for you. The objective of tree trimming is to produce strong, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing trees. By following a sensible and safe approach, not only will you have well trimmed trees but you will also reduce the significant risks of injury that tree trimming can introduce.

Equipment needed:

1. Handsaw, Chain saw or smaller pruning saw, whatever the job needs
2. Two handed shears
3. Extended reach pruners
4. Eye protection – safety glasses
5. Hardhat should be worn
6. Ear protection and
7. Ropes

The first step in trimming a tree is deciding upon who is going to undertake the trimming work. This judgment should be taken soberly and not just to save money. Tree owners shouldn’t undertake tree trimming unless they are trained in use of the equipment and have a well thought out plan of what they’re trying to achieve. Having the right equipment is also important; owners shouldn’t start the job without the correct tools

The best time to trim a tree varies according to the size and complexity of the tree and trim required. It’s best to start a trim in good light on days free of wind and rain. Many people have underestimated the complexity of tree trimming and this is a dangerous mistake. If you don’t know what you’re doing it’s best to leave the job to professionals.

There are a number of reasons to trim a tree:

1. Improves the health of your trees by removing dead or dying/diseased branches
2. Removes branches, which my have been damaged by storms
3. Trimming also protects the branch structure
4. Reduces hazards such as falling or low-hanging branches
5. Removes branches which are moving closely towards utility lines
6. On fruit trees, it can improve the size and quantity of the crop
7. Reduce the height of a tree

The first step is to decide who is going to take on this work, a professional or the owner of the tree? Generally if you can afford to pay a professional for the tree trimming then this is always a good idea. If you decide to undertake the work yourself, ensure beforehand that you are competent in the use of all your equipment.

You will most likely need several hours to complete the trimming work if not most of the day. Check your local weather forecast. Don’t commence trimming if rain is forecast or if it’s a fairly windy day.

Before you start the work, make sure you have all the work necessary to complete the tree trimming. If you don’t have all the equipment you need, then either go out and get the missing equipment or leave the trimming until another day.

1. Handsaw, Chain saw or smaller pruning saw, whatever the job needs
2. Two handed shears
3. Extended reach pruners
4. Eye protection – safety glasses
5. Hardhat should be worn
6. Ear protection, tree trimming can damage ears
7. Ropes

It’s also ideal to undertake the work with somebody observing. A helper will be able to assist in passing equipment and if the worst happens and an injury occurs you’ll have somebody to help. If you don’t have a helper then access to a mobile phone could prove of benefit.

Before you start the trimming, plan the work ahead properly. Ideally draw a diagram of the tree and plot out how you will trim the tree to its new desired shape. Inspect the tree and write down which branches need to be removed. This approach ensures that only the required branches are removed and that you don’t end up with unsightly holes in your tree. Specific branches to remove include low hanging branches, dead branches, insect-infested branches, branches that cross over, crowded branches and broken branches.

Always avoid the use of a ladder. Use a pruning pole instead to cut off the taller branches without climbing up a ladder. Simply extend the pole up towards the branches and use the hook-shaped cutting blade.

It’s best to start the trim from the top of the tree and work your way down.

Cut off the newest growth at the top of the tree with hand-shears. Trimming shears cut branches up to six inches in diameter. Remove excess smaller branches and thin out the tree.

Use a chainsaw or a handsaw to remove larger branches near the bottom of the tree. Cut larger branches in parts (several cuts) rather than trying to cut them in one cut. Make cuts about one foot from the tree trunk; make a cut one-third of the way up through the bottom of the branch. Make your second cut completely through the branch from the top side, about three inches out the branch from your first. This should allow the branch to fall away without tearing the branch bark into the trunk.