Prune small branches the right way
Branches under 2 inches are homeowner-friendly if you cut in the right spot. Cutting wrong invites decay.
What you'll learn
- Where the branch collar is and why you never cut flush
- The 3-cut method for limbs over 1 inch (prevents bark tearing)
- When to prune each common SD species (dormant vs summer)
- Why sealing cuts is outdated advice for most species
Step by step
- Identify the branch collar, the slightly swollen ring where the branch meets the trunk.
- Make cut #1: an undercut about 6 inches out from the collar, a third of the way through.
- Make cut #2: a top cut an inch further out, drops the branch cleanly without tearing.
- Make cut #3: the final clean cut just outside the collar, not flush to the trunk.
- Leave the cut exposed. No pruning paint for most trees.
Safety note
Anything over 2 inches or above your shoulder, call us. Ladders and chainsaws combined are the single biggest cause of homeowner ER trips in tree work.
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