Pruning shade trees in landscapes

Pruning is a double-edged sword, either helping or hurting according to if, where, when, how, and why it is applied. When properly executed, benefits can occur include reducing risk of branch and stem breakage, better clearance for vehicles and pedestrians, improved appearance, and enhanced view. When improperly performed, pruning can harm the tree's health, stability, and appearance and make matters worse.

There are several consequences of not conducting a regular pruning program. These include: increased risk of branch and stem failure, development of low aggressive limbs, formation of co-dominant stems, defects such as included bark and dead branches, and obstructed views.

Why prune? | Cause no harm | Objectives | Design a plan | Root pruning | When to prune
Pruning cuts | Structural pruning | Thinning | Reducing | Raising | Cleaning
Restoration | Pruning palms | Mature trees | Storm damage | Specifications | Utility pruning
Practice pruning | Photo examples | Nursery pruning | Pruning index

New research: Appropriate pruning reduces wind damage
New fact sheets (in color): Pruning young shade trees | Pruning mature shade trees
Restoring trees following a storm | Pruning landscape trees and shrubs