Removing branches from your tree may seem like a difficult task. If done correctly trimming your tree branches can extend the life of your tree and add value and cub appeal to your property. However, trimming branches incorrectly can cause irreversible damage to the tree or harm the person doing the tree trimming. In either situation safety and caution need to be taken into account before you start your tree trimming task. Before trimming your tree please consult your local professionals, city, and county to make sure you are following proper safety procedures. The following will provide the basic steps to trim and remove tree branches.

Step 1: After locating the branches to be trimmed or removed determine the correct tools to be used in cutting the branch. In this example a bow saw, large bypass lopper, and a pruning saw with a 14 foot extension pole were used. These tools can be found at local stores like Home Depot and Meijer.

Note: (For Safety) Other tool considerations to use include a hard hat, goggles for eye protection, thick gloves, and a ladder to get you closer to the area of work so you are not over exerting or extending yourself.

Step 2: Since the branch to be trimmed is out of reach we used the pruning saw. Take the pruning saw and make a cut underneath the branch to be removed. This protects the tree if the weight of the branch causes the branch to break  preventing the bark from tearing off the tree as the branch falls.

Step 3: Cut on the top side of the branch parallel to the bottom cut of the branch resulting in a smooth cut. As the blade nears the end of the cut, speed up the pace of the cut to create a smooth finish on the tree.

NOTE: The branch will start to bend and break at the cut. For all sizes of branches make sure you and those helping you are at a safe distance and out of the way of the falling branch. Sometimes a branch will kick back in the direction of the person cutting the branch or the trimmed branch may get caught on another branch causing the branch to fall in an unexpected direction. Everyone on the job needs to stay alert for falling branches.

When trimming and removing branches expect the unexpected to happen. However, practicing safety will not only save the life of the tree but those removing the branches.

Do you have any helpful tips or tricks on how to safely remove or trim tree branches? Feel free to make a comment!