Pruning Lower Branches on a 30-Foot Bald Cypress

Timing and Technique

Best Time: Late fall or winter (dormant season). Pruning now won't seriously harm the tree.

Limit: Don't remove branches above 15 feet (half the tree height) to maintain crown balance.

Cutting Method: Cut at the branch collar (swelling at trunk). For large branches, use a two-cut method: undercut ⅓ diameter, then top cut to prevent bark tearing.

No wound dressing needed.