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Pruning - General
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Pruning - General

Avoid power lines when planting
Poor pruning techniques can spark rapid and abundant regrowth rather than making your tree smaller.

When a tree receives proper structural pruning when young it will grow healthier and need less maintenance. However, if your tree does need pruning, remember " 3Ds R & C", remove Dead, Damaged, Diseased, Rubbing and Crossing branches only, this will keep you tree healthy.

Improper pruning techniques can seriously damage a tree. So, consider hiring a certified arborist for the job. If you are going to do it yourself, there are several good resources to help you. And remember - never make a cut flush with the tree: always cut outside the branch collar - the thick part at the base of the stem.

See some examples of pruning practices that harm trees

Pruning Guide from Seattle Department of Transportation – in 7 languages

Regional pruning guides from Plant Amnesty

Proper and improper pruning from the University of Florida

Pruning information from the International Society of Arboriculture

Pruning information from the Forest Service

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