- 1). Choose branches that you would prune off normally for your boughs. Avoid damaged or diseased branches, but pick out branches that are growing in the wrong direction, making the tree unbalanced and rubbing against other branches.
- 2). Use a pair of sharp pruning shears for branches that are larger than a pencil, lopping shears for branches that are larger than a 1/2 inch in diameter and a pruning saw for anything larger. Avoid using dull pruning tools, because you can tear the branch.
- 3). Hold on to the branch you are cutting with one hand. Cut in a 45 degree downward angle 1 inch above a healthy outward growing bud.
- 4). Trim next to the branch collar if you are taking off an entire branch. The branch collar is the swelling that connects the branch to the trunk.
- 5). Collect all debris that falls under the tree to avoid leaving a hospitable environment for pests and fungal disease.
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