Pruning Mature Trees: Timing, Techniques, and When to Call a Pro

Mature ornamental trees need minimal pruning—just enough to maintain structure, health, and appearance. Routine annual trimming is unnecessary and often inadvisable.

For large, dangerous jobs (heavy broken limbs, high branches), hire a qualified professional.

When to Prune

• Deciduous trees: Prune during dormancy when leafless and structure is visible. In mild-winter regions, midwinter is best; in cold-winter areas, late winter to early spring. For flowering trees, consider bud formation: early bloomers (on prior year's growth) prune right after bloom; later bloomers (on current year's stems) prune before spring growth.
• Broad-leafed evergreens: Require little pruning. When needed, prune during late dormancy or summer—avoid during or right after spring growth flush. For flowering types, same timing rules as deciduous: after bloom for last season's growth; before spring growth for new growth bloomers.

Removing a Large Tree Limb (Three-Cut Method)

1. About a foot from the branch base, make an undercut ~⅓ through the branch.
2. An inch farther out, cut from the top until the branch rips off cleanly between the two cuts.
3. Make the final cut just outside the branch collar (the swollen area at the base). Place saw beside the branch bark ridge and cut downward. If the crotch is very narrow, cut upward from the bottom to avoid damaging the collar.