I.                  Always have a reason to prune - If in doubt, then DON'T take it out.

 

 

II.               ALL pruning is done at a bud or branch regardless of whether you are shortening a branch, removing seeds, or reducing tree height.

 

 

III.           Prune to Improve Tree Strength and Safety.  Reduce trunk and limb breakage by eliminating multiple trunks of equal size and narrow branch junctures that look like "V's".

 

 

IV.            Prune to Improve Tree Health by removing the dead, diseased, and dying branches, any rubbing branches, and any branch where light or wind does not penetrate.

 

 

V.               Always maintain the upper two thirds of the tree in branches and foliage.

 

 

VI.            Never remove more than 25% of the canopy during one pruning cycle (4-6 years).

 

 

VII.        NEVER TOP A TREE.

 

 

VIII.     Never leave a stub or remove the branch collar by a flush cut.

 

 

IX.            Painting tree wounds is unnecessary EXCEPT for oaks.  Painting on oaks must be done within 30 minutes.

 

 

X.                 Always disinfect pruning tools between trees to prevent the spread of disease.