Pruning
Proper pruning in the forest can reduce fire risk while improving aesthetics and timber quality. Here are some important things to remember:
Tree topping is not pruning! Topping trees is often an unnecessary and damaging practice. When necessary, reduce tree height by selectively removing upper branches. Tree removal may be preferable to excessive pruning, especially near power lines.
Make pruning cuts at “intersections”, not in mid-branch (figure 1 below). Avoid “crew cut” pruning. Cut where two limbs intersect or where limbs intersect the main tree trunk.
Make your cut at the branch bark collar (see figure 1 below). Avoid “flush cuts” which remove the branch bark collar or “stub cuts” which leave branch stubs protruding.
Use proper pruning tools. Use shears or a saw designed for pruning and keep them sharpened. Use a chain saw only for limbs too large for hand tools. Never use an axe. Wear recommended safety equipment, such as eye protection, hard hat, gloves, and sturdy footwear.
Prune at the right time. Hardwoods are best pruned during the dormant season. Flowering shrubs should be pruned immediately after flowering. Pruned limbs from forest trees may attract bark beetles depending on when you prune. Avoid pruning forest trees from January through July to minimize the potential for bark beetle infestation.
Remove the correct number of branches. Prune conifers so that at least 50 percent of the total height of the tree remains in live green branches, with no fewer than four whorls of branches.
Figure 1
Photo by: Andy Perleberg, Washington State University Extension
For additional information about pruning:
Conifer pruning basics for family forest landowners
Thinning and Pruning (streaming video)
Heading using the h3tag
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