Tips for Pruning Trees and Shrubs
Last updated January 18, 2025
Proper and seasonal pruning can greatly affect the health and appearance of flowers, bushes, shrubs and trees on your property. Pruning also helps plants produce better blooms, a more defined shape and stimulates new growth. Read on for tips on when to prune and the best tools for your project.
Table of Contents
When to Prune
Where to Prune a Branch
Choose a Three-Cut Pruning Method
Best Tools to Buy or Rent for Pruning
When to Prune
A good pruning can ward off pests and diseases by eliminating unhealthy branches. While maintenance pruning can be done in any season, most trees and shrubs respond best to cutting in late winter or early spring. Early to mid-summer is the second best time to prune followed by early to mid-fall.
Where to Prune a Branch
Always look for dead, dying, damaged, disfigured or diseased wood to prune.
- For trees, all cuts should be made on the branch side of the stem collar. The stem collar is the part that grows out from the stem at the base of the branch. This type of cutting protects the stem and other branches. It also allows the tree to heal more effectively after pruning.
- For shrubs with single buds, find a place on the branch about a 1/2 inch above a bud facing out. Cut at an angle with the high point facing up.
- For shrubs with buds in pairs or opposites, make the cut a 1/2 inch above the buds and straight across.
It can be difficult to gauge just how much to prune. A good rule of thumb when pruning perennial or annual shrubs is to remove no more than a third of the length of the plant.
Safety Tip: For any job that requires you to lift a chainsaw over your head, it’s safest to call a certified arborist.
Choose a Three-Cut Pruning Method
Pruning is essential for healthy trees and shrubs, but it's important to take time to do it the right way. To prevent tearing bark during a cut, using a three-cut method is best. Here's how:
- Make a small wedge-shaped cut under the branch on the branch side of the stem collar.
- Cut off the branch 6 to 12 inches from this wedge, leaving a stub end.
- Cut parallel to and just on the branch side of the stem collar as close to the tree’s trunk as possible.
Tip: Be sure to wear protective clothing and safety goggles.
Best Tools to Buy or Rent for Pruning
The right tools make pruning easier and more effective.
Invest in these quality pruning tools and keep them well-maintained and sharp.
- Use pruning shears for cuts up to 3/4 inch in diameter.
- Lopping shears have long handles that provide leverage and cut branches up to 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
Since you'll probably only use them once a year, the following tools can be good options to rent.
- Cordless pole saws or pruners cut branches up to 4 inches in diameter.
- Use a small cordless chainsaw on larger branches.
- For quicker cleanup, a chipper can easily chop branches and other pruning refuse into mulch or chips.
Proper pruning can strengthen your plants and keep them growing. An improper pruning cut can rip the bark or injure the trunk of your trees or shrubs. Whether you need the right pruning tools or other tree trimming essentials, The Home Depot delivers online orders when and where you need them. Or consider tool rental to get your pruning project done. Use a rented tool and then bring it back. There's no maintenance required or storage needed.
