Ask an Arborist: The ABC's of Pruning

[@brookelayne309]

Ok wow. I feel silly to say this but, the red line graphics are so helpful! Makes what and where to cut so much clearer. Thank you for the informative video.

[@omprakashbhalla3202]

Cccccctttctcttcttcctcc5tctcc5ccc

[@larsonfamilyhouse]

Yeah that was very helpful!

[@poopiepickle55214]

I’m getting into the tree business and of all the videos none used lines or discusses this side of things

[@downbntout]

Thanks to the added effects, I've finally found a clear pruning video

[@psychohippie]

right? I too feel like the added tracings were very useful and missing in a lot of similar videos.

[@romaricomalig-on5585]

Jjjakjljajakjbjkbjjjjjlljjajjklajjjajjjjjaajltkllkajjakajkjjljkjjkjjjjjjjjkjjjjjjkjljkajjjjjajjjjjkkklaljkljjjklkkjjjkljkjjtjkjkjjjakkkjakaljaajjajkjajljkkklljajjkjjkjkjljjjjjjjjjkajlajjljjjjlajjjljljajkjkjajjjkjjkjakkjkjkkakjjjljjjkakjjljjjjaljljjjalkkjajjjjakljjljjaakkjjjkaklakjlkjjkjajkjjkjlkkjjljkjjjjjkakjkkljjakajjjkjkjkjakjjjjkkjjjkkjjkkjjjj555555555555555555555+*+++--+*+++++-++-+ljjk55525555555555555+++jjjjk8+jjj5++kjtjj55+jj58+k%8+jjjj+kjk5+t8t8+u8&|88&8+tttt&t&88&&4&

[@the007mato007]

I also wonder how to get to those other 2 vids

[@downbntout]

@@romaricomalig-on5585 ?

[@MW-xm1rc]

I always remember what my German grandfather said, “all trees want to be bushes and all bushes want to be trees”.

[@WHALEBOY777]

This is so funny because it's true.

[@thenewsone9276]

I don’t get it ?

[@WHALEBOY777]

@@thenewsone9276 Trees keep growing outward and bushes keep growing tall

[@paulsDIYsolutions]

Great video. To the point. Makes sense. Good graphics. Learned a lot in 5 minutes. Thank you.

[@samanthajefferson7922]

Very clear especially the lines running up the branches that need pruning. Thanks.

[@teambeining]

God bless you and thank you for this easy guide from an ignorant novice!

[@ADRIAN-zh4ti]

After watching this video i honestly feel i could start my pruning busines on small trees.

[@bigwavesun]

Just started as an arborist groundsman with a company in Georgia. I'm new and got asked to do a prune on 4 small trees. I got the job done, and client was satisfied, but I would've been way more confident had I watched this video before!

[@andyroubik5760]

Remember the old adage that a bad haircut grows back but a bad tree cut is forever. You should have had proper pruning experience and training before someone was charged hard-earned money for your inexperienced service. The Firm that you are working for is responsible for that indiscretion, not you. The best place to learn about trees is the forest.

[@bigwavesun]

@@andyroubik5760 I had guidance and they looked over my work. Everything was on the job training.

[@andyroubik5760]

I am pleased that you are getting guidance. No matter where I go , whether in this country or anywhere in the world , I see lousy pruning. Most pruning is bad pruning with many heading cuts, most of which are not targeted heading cuts. Most pruning is over pruning. Like a good haircut no one should notice a good pruning except those intimately familiar with that tree. Guidance from knowledgeable, caring people is great but walking through the forest is the best way to learn if you are able to take your cues from Mother Nature! I wish you well on your journey to be an arborist!

[@androidkenobi]

best video i've found over a couple hours b/c u took the time to draw lines clearly identifying the limbs as well as really breaking down how to even identify which to snip

[@84kugrad]

It would be good if you talked about the why you didn't prune other lateral branches. IE: the lower right lateral branch.

[@ArbitraryLifestyle]

@@84kugrad I believe the answer to why that branch wasn't trimmed is because you do not want to cut more than 25% of a tree's branches in any given 2-3 years, and only 10-15% with some species.

[@deegee6477]

Sure would be nice to see this tree in the subsequent blooming and growing seasons over a 2-3 year period

[@101realtor]

Just took a look at my tree out front that hasn’t been cut or when it has, previous owner did it poorly. So many competing branches out there…probably have to do this over a couple of years to not weaken or kill the tree.

[@sahmadi1000]

Nice. Than you for not cutting down the tree like other prunning experts.

[@michaeldougfir9807]

Greetings from rural NE California. I have been an arborist since the '80s. The first thing I like to emphasize to someone learning trees is Proper Cuts when pruning. And leaving NO STUBS. Second to that -- how to choose what errant branches need attention. I was glad to see you go back and finish that last cut. People could see that stub being removed and fall away. For a very quick lesson I like your A B C'S. Thanks for a good video. Well aimed at the arbor newbie.

[@larsonfamilyhouse]

How do you identify errant branches?

[@michaeldougfir9807]

@@larsonfamilyhouse ERRANT BRANCHES: Just a term I used for branches that need to be pruned off. (Not arborist nomenclature, I admit.) The basic list -- •Remove dead wood •Branches must not cross or rub. Remove the weakest or most unattractive branch. •Remove branches growing the wrong direction. Usually -inward -downward -shooting up in a bad place •Broken •Crowding •Suckers & Watersprouts •Old stubs •Tight V crotches invite future trouble. As they grow and increase in diameter, they often split the wood because they push hard on eachother. Try to make a wise choice about which one to remove. Ideal tree crotches are near 90° angle or a U shaped crotch.

[@tdilly8530]

I honestly feel like I learned a lot in that few minutes honestly

[@wildalice]

Quick, to the point, lovely 👏

[@jacklamkang]

Very clear & informative! 👍

[@percival23]

For over 300 millions years Trees had no idea how to grow right. Thank goodness for humans.

[@XJon2011]

Same with the oceans and waterways around the world. All these Billions of years without plastic? Don't worry, humans to save the day.

[@user-sj5px6qd5v]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@user-hw4ud6vz9q]

It’s called stewardship. Progress not perfection. Symbiotic relationship in the right way can be helpful. It’s all connected. Doesn’t have to be perfect . But we can be helpful at times. Like helping a tree recover from a bad tree owner(caretaker). Humans are world eaters. So we few need to combat toxic human oversights.

[@urbanlegendsandtrivia2023]

Happy Arbor Day!!!

[@redefiningmyself8598]

Thank you for creating this educational video

[@brianwalmsley447]

Excellent job good to watch 👍

[@trumpetflowerII]

The fact that you made incorrect cuts is of importance not just to me but also to the many listeners. This provided me with more fuel about the damage done to trees by arborists who persist in doing more harm than good to the trees they cut.

[@mbealhighjump]

Thanks for shearing!

[@pvdh1992]

lol very nice

[@yukuhana]

Appreciate the ad-free vid!

[@anachalagashvili4052]

Thank you so much for sharing this information, it seems really helpful.

[@andyroubik5760]

Some good points were made in this video. He missed an opportunity to cut back that lowest branch with a reduction cut 2 stunts that branch prior to removal another year. That was a bad Branch as he called it. It is attached to the trunk with a bark inclusion that will eventually split the tree if nothing else kills the tree first.

[@jeremiahcopenhaver2633]

I was actually researching for the passage in John 15 to clearly understand pruning in spiritual terms. Jesus uses this analogy saying he is the true vine. Anyone that abides or grows into me will produce much fruit. But if there are bad branches, he will prune them and throw them away, and if there are competing branches, he will prune them away so that the branch will produce much fruit. Really powerful and beautiful analogy, and this video helped me process that!

[@Mike-su8si]

All that's saying is all these people that prune needs to let the tree's grow all the way out an stop cutting the branches off

[@larsonfamilyhouse]

@@Mike-su8si no, it literally says to prune away competing branches like shown in this video.

[@Mike-su8si]

@@larsonfamilyhouse i know it but why not see how it goes by letting it grow on out a little longer. One of my juniper trees has 2 top sides wanting to be the leaders on top and I'll probably cut those sometime im just watching how it does for now

[@lookinforwater4344]

Great video! Would like another video addressing a mid-sized live oak. They have so many branches it’s hard to know where to begin.

[@scottconcertman3423]

first remove all the Crossing, rubbing, dead branches over one inch in size since they are the easiest choices. Don't worry about the most obvious removals under 1 in nor cleaning up short Stubbs remaining from Little branches that snapped off as such nitpicking robs us of limited time better spent after more important stuff prioritized. Redirecting Crossing branches by subordinating back to an earlier divide rather than immediate complete removal back to main stem temporarily retains more options. Similar to dressing warm for an outdoor event by wearing multiple layers of clothing you can always take off later rather than not bringing enough if it suddenly gets colder. Once completing this 1st stage by getting rid of what had to be removed anyways without using up a lotion of time to siding. Get you that much closer to being finished and making remaining decisions much easier.

[@AlexSmith-fs6ro]

Thank you, very informative. From the UK here, every time I prune my trees, apple pear, plumb, morello cherry and grape vines, the produce little or no fruit on that year. Every time I do not prune them, they produce loads of fruits!! Hopefully with your suggestions, I'll better this year. Frustrating, and years are passing by.

[@autumnspring6624]

Alex Smith You are probably pruning the good branches.

[@larsonfamilyhouse]

Fruit trees are different! I suggest watching some videos on your exact type of fruit trees

[@donnieraby5322]

Very good demonstration

[@michelleorton1718]

Very helpful, thank you.

[@GnaoHyaM]

So helpful! Thank you!

[@farhatshah3759]

Very helpful, thanks sir

[@ryzingyou3444]

thanks for the information! loved the music

[@seecesar]

Great video. Thank you.

[@adiblatif]

““I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” ‭‭John‬ ‭15:1-4‬ ‭‬‬

[@cooking.with.rob.official]

Great video. Thanjs

[@LOVE2Flute]

Excellent

[@muelleryvr]

Great video - thanks for sharing

[@ChaosKaien]

Very useful info!

[@kapsha]

very nice explaining

[@shankerbr237]

Good basic lesson on pruning I appreciate your demonstration, B. R. Shanker, Chennai India

[@GuitarCoast]

Great video!

[@jacktoddy9783]

Thank you - a very useful video, it helped me considerably.

[@MrBritrider]

I wish you would have assed the other sub main leader that angles out from the base of the tree in another direction. Is this desirable to leave?

[@michelemericle9308]

Super helpful, thanks!

[@IntegratedPestManagement]

Love this vid!

[@CONCERTMANchicago]

*_All young trees require this "Structural" or "Formative" pruning over their first 15-20 years._*

[@aghilehmahdipanah9400]

so useful vedio

[@coburn_karma]

As in all aspects of life, there can only be ONE leader........

[@carlosjimenez630]

What about the lower branch? Would you eliminate it to help the tree grow bigger crown?

[@cbrusharmy]

very helpful

[@newtreevision]

central leader yes!! Nice work!

[@GavinFinley153]

How about that branch growing horizontally out to the left?

[@rodgunn2621]

Ya, it was bothering me too.

[@fullmooninbloom]

@@rodgunn2621 I believe if removed it could do more harm than good, especially depending on the time of year it's been cut

[@ArbitraryLifestyle]

It's unsightly with no leaves, but I would leave it for another 2 years to see what it does. It's already angling up a bit and with the two competing leaders that were removed, this ugly branch and the main leader will both be getting more energy and nutrients in the coming years. I would watch that ugly branch and see if it begins to angle up more, hopefully it reaches 60-degrees or so. If not, I would cut it off in 2-4 years. Thoughts?

[@hj8607]

Good points BUT before the ABC plan a little technique on just how to make the cut would be good and just as , if not more , important to know . (search this if you do not already know)

[@davidgaffney5234]

Really need to find an arborist in South East Indiana that could help me with pruning

[@arbordayfoundation]

You can find a certified arborist here: www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist

[@terrancehill8820]

Awesome,,

[@mikec082]

finally !! an informative video

[@ksero1000]

What would happen if he lopped that central leader out and the branch immediately to the right of it? would it make a super cool shaped multi-trunk looking tree... or just make the tree heavier on one side and either break or lean one one side?

[@ksero1000]

My guess if he has luck like mine, he’ll get a zillion water sprouts out of the middle and it will just be a mess of branches & leaves that will be completely impossible to correct.

[@ahmadalibodla9885]

Very informative videos,kindly send some videos about guava tree pruning

[@ubroberts5541]

Trees are most interesting. In Phoenix Arizona, root development and foliage shading of the trunk and lower crotch sections are critical, especially with new plantings. If a tree had a brain it would be at the base of the trunk. They have a sort of nervous system but it’s run by moisture thought capillary systems that supply the upper structure. Why do trees produce suckers in seemingly unlikely places? I think it’s about promoting capillary circulation and leaf spread to promote more photosynthesis, or it may be a survival policy with immature trees, trying to survive into maturity. Like a man’s beard, bark comes with maturity.

[@adnanboke4354]

Good evening, greetings from Siirt, Turkey. Could you write about the practices in the USA regarding pistachio care, especially what method do you use regarding pruning?

[@chrissartain4430]

the ANSI A-300 is the proper pruning guide

[@mikehalling8046]

Keep going, YES, it's Charlie Browns Christmas tree. My rule has always been if it's not pointing up, it's coming off. (or that one laying flat to the left)

[@glr]

Why would natural selection have failed so badly that a human has to go in and remove competing branches? What benefit do competing branches have (note: they must have some benefit, but what is it?). I'm confused by the need for pruning at all.

[@foxinduskk]

I was curious about that too when I read your comment. So, I did some digging. Here's a quick summary if you're interested: TL;DR: Natural selection hasn't failed; it's designed for survival, not perfection. Some branches naturally die off - that's nature's own “pruning” in action. When we prune a bit earlier, we're helping the tree focus its energy on the branches we want to see thrive. This can lead to better shade, easier fruit picking, and, when it comes to bonsai, it's not just the branches getting a trim; the roots do too. Beyond aesthetics, pruning helps manage space, boost airflow, and prevent branches from getting tangled up, which can help fend off diseases in the long run.

[@TeaSpiracy]

I'm here because I went full on Edward Scissorhands on my Dad's landscape trees to "help" and lets just say I harmed more than heleped.I could use some education. 😬 *Hangs head in shame and takes a seat*

[@TeaSpiracy]

"Competing branches" has taught me so much. Thank you. I now understand that its not necessary to go to war with all of the branches that I feel like. 😕

[@Self_sufficient_]

Any idea on how to get rid of trumpet vines?

[@aparecidacardoso5358]

💕

[@autumnspring6624]

Prune when the tree is dormant stage. It will look without leaves.

[@gary24752]

Is directional pruning considered what is necessary to maintain electric lines or is it a management procedure?

[@covfevetrump7307]

What species tree is featured here?!

[@crazysisters1117]

Hi there I have a dogwood tree and the trunk looks the same as this tree with two main trunks, is that ok

[@svetlanit]

Why the lower, growing to the side branch wasn’t removed? With the heavy snow or rain later this could split the tree, am I wrong?!

[@KM-bv3fp]

what type of tree is yours?

[@tswvxyastswvyeej5510]

What I saw people focus to cut the central leader because they don't want the tree grows too high

[@lyndaorndorff3523]

My new house has an old ornamental tree, heart shaped leaves and flat seed pods. It’s full of water sprouts and crossing branches, but the big problem is the main leader has split and then healed just over half way up. Those two branches make up most of the crown. I am not sure at all where to go with this choked up tree.

[@littleeagle7563]

Leave it alone.

[@ArbitraryLifestyle]

Visit TreesAreGood.com and see if there's a certified arborist that can come give their educated recommendation.

[@pamelah6431]

You likely have a redbud.

[@ollierendon1851]

Would if you don't have a central leader?

[@RezaCribo85]

Good

[@Music777-dj]

I have a 4 year old live oak and it has several branches drooping over at the top. They are branching out from the main but if I remove them it will look awkward. Wish I could send you a pic for advice.

[@donnagiddens5213]

What if the central leader is dead? The rest of the tree is healthy. Is there a way to salvage the tree?

[@JavierFernandez01]

Is tree topping still a no no for the arbor day foundation?

[@Mike-su8si]

I don't know

[@mayaportland8805]

Oh gosh, few years ago I did such a terrible job on my new purchased fruit trees, (now I know when they are barely planted they shouldn't even be pruned) because I did not understand correctly the logic of pruning that now Im embarrassed to look at them, poor things , is any way to fix them now, after I cut them off wrongly and they are growing up crooked and unbalanced? Oh and all them them have deep wounds from bunnies chewing their tender bark and deer constantly eating their branches while they were young. How to fix that also? Now i put a fence against deer, but bunnies still have access in my backyard. Also I noticed that some trees are more forgiving to mistakes like cherry trees, they even giving fruit this year, but the peach trees are more sensitive and died and gave parasitic shoots. Have no idea if I should just dig them up. The apple trees forgave my mistakes too, they grow robust not fruit yet.

[@reforest4fertility]

Why not have gone for the branch that's perpendicular to the main trunk that was nearly over the presenter's head most of the talk, or appears that way in this vid. I just heard thru the local pruner's grapevine that branches on such a flat angle wont support the tree into large mature growth?

[@jimmoore6714]

The central leader of my ornamental plum is dead with four similar diameter competing leaders seemingly healthy. Should I eliminate the central leader ?

[@arbordayfoundation]

Hi Jim, you can create a new leader with one of the healthy, competing branches and prune the others.

[@dadsongs]

I'm about to prune a three-year old oak in my front yard for the first time. It's the first week in December, and it still has dead leaves on it. Is it okay to remove those leaves before I prune? Thanks.

[@jeanettesander8318]

I would have cut that other branch at the bottom instead of just the middle one he cut (cut #1). Why leave that one?

[@Clutch23100]

The lowest branch seems like a competing branch. Why didn't you take that off?

[@sucapizda]

My oak acorns have just sprouted. Will be planting them in a open area with no traffic and no competing trees. Do I need to prune them right away so they don’t split in to a V? Or wait a few years and just prune the competing leaders like in this vid?? Thanx.

[@damonwells8629]

On that competing leader or trunk at the bottom right, what should be done? Should it be left in place or removed? I have a similar situation with a 5 year old red maple and don't know if I should leave it alone or cut it back.

[@ArbitraryLifestyle]

My main deciding factor with that branch is that removing it would be above the 25% recommended max you should remove from a tree at any given time. That is in addition to the other branches already removed. If removing your secondary leader wouldn't be above 25% of the tree I would cut it. Red maples don't do well with multiple leaders and the tree is still young enough to thrive after the cut.

[@Mike-su8si]

How many tree's do i know in my area i said all of them

[@expo2000000]

The branch sticking on the right-side of the tree (v-shape) would that be considered to be a competing branch and needs to be cut?

[@FixItWithMe]

When is it the best time to prune ornamental trees??? I live in NJ where we have cold winters. Thanks!

[@ArturoGarzaID]

Why did he leave that one at the bottom?

[@CxStark]

i know right

[@trashmix2184]

Probably because it's the truck but BIG BRAIN YOU HAVE

[@thomassullins8690]

Seem like it is the most "competing".

[@dakotabryson5465]

Its a codominant stem

[@ArbitraryLifestyle]

My reasoning would be that after trimming the upper branches, and then trimming that lower right branch would mean you've trimmed more than 25% of the tree. You never want to trim more than 25% of the tree in one given year.

[@A.E.Lanman777]

How much would you charge to do that.

[@Finom1]

Please turn the music down, thank you:)

[@dbenoit8862]

Mine is growing slowly

[@GregRothe]

Can I prune in the spring? My Ruby Falls weeping redbud has a split going up it. Can it be saved?

[@Mw1725k]

Hi how do I prune a one year old Chinese pistache tree? It's getting very top heavy and has new sprouts growing on the bottom. Thank you.

[@DogsOnAcid]

What happens if you just don't prune?

I have a question, what about cutting dominant branch of peer tree (a few feet of very top)? I heard that this action can damage whole tree.

[@pozzee2809]

I have a 15 year old Ginko tree growing in my front yard. I unfortunately wasn’t paying attention and it now has three long branches at the top wanting to be the leader. Unfortunately none of them is going up straight in a distinct “leader way”, they are more like three branches going up in a “vase” shape. Can it safely continue to grow this way? What should I do?