Pruning Mature Trees
Understand the pruning needs of mature trees and the proper pruning techniques for their care.
By TreesAreGood®
International Society of Arboriculture
The Importance of Pruning
Pruning is the most common tree maintenance procedure. Although forest trees grow well with only nature’s pruning, landscape trees require a higher level of care to maintain their structural integrity and aesthetics.
Proper Pruning
Pruning must be done with an understanding of tree biology because improper pruning can create lasting damage or shorten the tree’s life. Proper pruning can maintain good tree health and structure while enhancing the aesthetic and economic value of our landscapes.
Reasons for Pruning
Because each cut has the potential to change the growth of the tree, no branch should be removed without a reason.
Common Reasons for Pruning
• Removing dead branches improves form, and reduces risk.
• To increase light and air penetration to the inside of the tree’s crown or to the landscape below.
• Generally, mature trees are pruned as corrective or preventive measures.
Dangers of Routine Thinning
This does not necessarily improve the health of a tree. Trees produce dense crowns of leaves to produce sugar used as energy for growth and development. Removal of foliage through pruning can reduce growth and energy reserves. Heavy pruning can put significant health stress on a tree
Considerations for Pruning
There are many outside considerations that make it necessary to prune trees such as: safety, clearance, and compatibility with other components of a landscape.
When To Prune
Most light, routine pruning to remove weak, dead, or diseased limbs can be accomplished at any time during the year with little effect on the tree.
Maximizing Pruning Time
As a rule, growth and wound closure are maximized if pruning takes place before the spring growth flush. Some trees, such as maples and birches, tend to “bleed” if pruned early in the spring. It may be unsightly, but it is of little consequence to the tree.
When Not to Prune
Heavy pruning of live tissue just after the spring growth flush should be avoided, especially on weak trees. At that time, trees have just expended a great deal of energy to produce foliage and early shoot growth. Removal of a large percentage of foliage at that time can stress the tree.
Avoid Spreading Disease
A few tree diseases, such as oak wilt, can be spread when pruning wounds and provide access to pathogens (disease-causing agents). Susceptible trees should not be pruned during active transmission periods.
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