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Promote healthy tree growth with these cutting tips
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Whether you are trimming and pruning your tree or removing a rotten limb, cutting a limb from a tree is easy to do if you follow the proper 3-cut technique. Make 1 partial cut on the limb close to the tree trunk, then make a second cut a little further down on the limb to remove most of the branch. Cut your tree limb a final time just outside the branch collar. In this article, we’ll teach you all the steps to properly cut a limb from a tree, plus teach you which cuts to make to promote healthy growth.
The Best Way to Cut Off a Tree Limb
Use the 3-cut method for best results. First, make a cut on the underside of the limb, cutting about ¼ through the wood. Then, move out about a foot and cut from the top of the branch, sawing all the way through. With the weight of the branch gone, saw off the rest of the limb at the branch collar to promote healing.
Steps
Section 1 of 2:
Cutting the Tree Limb
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Wait until your tree is dormant in the winter to make your cuts. Pruning your tree when it’s dormant gives it time to heal before threatening pests arrive in the spring and summer. If you have particularly cold winters, wait until the coldest part of the season is over before pruning the tree. [1] X Research source
- Pruning in the winter will also help your tree grow more during the spring.
- Avoid pruning your tree during the growing season or you could stunt its growth.
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Use a chainsaw, bow saw, or hand saw to make your cuts. Using a chainsaw is the quickest and easiest method to chop down a limb. On the other hand, using a hand or bow saw gives you more control over your cuts, though they will take a bit more muscle and time to cut through a thick limb. [2] X Research source
- When using a hand or bow saw, move the saw back and forth quickly to make clean, straight cuts. Make an initial mark on the tree limb, then go back and saw it off.
- If using a chainsaw, handle the machine with care and read all safety warnings on the saw before you use it. Make sure to wear protective eyewear and gloves, as well.
- If the limbs are small (with a diameter of 3 ⁄ 4 in or 20 mm or less), use a pair of pruning shears or loppers to remove them. Small branches can be removed with a single cut at the tree’s branch collar.
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Make an undercut 2–3 feet (0.61–0.91 m) from the trunk. The best way to cut a tree limb is to use the 3 cut (or triple cut) method. First, make a small notch on the underside of the branch, about ¼ of the way through. This undercut, or notch cut, helps keep the bark from splitting. [3] X Research source
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Make a cut from the top side a little farther down from the notch cut. Move about .5–1 foot (0.15–0.30 m) away from your first cut, and place your blade on the top side of the limb. This time, cut entirely through the limb so it falls off the tree. This is called your “relief cut,” and it removes the weight of the branch so it will be easier to make your final cut. [4] X Research source
- If you skip over this cut and go right for your final cut, you might damage the trunk and expose your tree to pests and disease.
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Make a final cut where the branch collar meets the rest of the tree. The branch collar is where the swollen bump of the tree meets the smooth branch section. To make a healthy cut, move your saw along the slant of the branch collar to smoothly remove the remnants of the limb. [5] X Research source
- Sometimes, the slant of the branch collar can be tricky to reach. Make your cut from the bottom up if it’s easier than going from the top down.
- Make sure your hands are not in the way of your hand saw or chainsaw.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat time of year should Dutch Elms be cut down?Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.Cutting limbs off of a tree is best done when the tree is dormant. If you are cutting the tree all the way down and removing it, the timing doesn’t matter as much.
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QuestionCan I use paint or a stain to seal a cut off branch?Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.Using paint or stain is unnecessary to seal a cut branch. The tree will heal well on its own as long as the cut was made properly.
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QuestionI have one dying branch on my apple tree. What should I do?Community AnswerI would go ahead and carefully remove the dying branch. If the tree starts to die in other places, it may need to come down entirely.
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Things You'll Need
- Chainsaw, hand saw, or pruning shears
- Ladder
- Safety glasses
- Gardening gloves
Tips
- When deciding what limbs to chop down, look for those that are hazardous, unwanted, weak, or damaged. [12] X Research sourceThanks
- Use a ladder to help you reach tree limbs that are hard to reach.Thanks
- Start with a small tree limb if you are just starting out!Thanks
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Warnings
- Never overreach with a chainsaw. If you need to make a cut above shoulder height, try using a hand saw or consulting a professional.Thanks
- Consult with a professional if you cannot reach a tree limb without a ladder. For hard to reach limbs, it is best to hire a professional who has adequate equipment to safely remove a tree limb.Thanks
- Remove large tree limbs with care. Many large limbs are integral to the skeleton of the tree, and cutting them off could be hazardous to the health of your tree.Thanks
- Make sure to grip your chainsaw with both hands and that the area you are cutting is free of any obstructions.Thanks
- Always use caution when using a saw. If you use a chainsaw, be aware that a "kickback" may occur. "Kickback" refers to the reverse force that occurs when your chainsaw's tip touches an object. Always have control of the chainsaw to prevent any injury. [13] X Trustworthy Source University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Division of the University of Georgia focused on research and community education Go to sourceThanks
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References
- ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-trees-and-shrubs
- ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-trees-and-shrubs
- ↑ https://www.portland.gov/trees/tree-care-and-resources/how-prune-properly
- ↑ https://www.portland.gov/trees/tree-care-and-resources/how-prune-properly
- ↑ https://www.portland.gov/trees/tree-care-and-resources/how-prune-properly
- ↑ https://portal.ct.gov/CAES/Fact-Sheets/Plant-Pathology/Pruning-An-Introduction-to-Why-How-and-When
- ↑ https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/landscape/proper-pruning-techniques/
- ↑ https://extension.okstate.edu/articles/2022/pruning_wintertime.html
- ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-trees-and-shrubs
- ↑ https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/documents/thinning.pdf
- ↑ https://extension.umd.edu/resource/water-sprouts-or-suckers-trees/
- ↑ https://extension.umd.edu/resource/pruning-trees-home-landscape
- ↑ https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1243&title=chainsaw-safety-preventing-common-tree-felling-accidents
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