- Ask your arborist or tree care company if they prune according to the American National Standards Institute standard for tree pruning, which is called ANSI A300. This standard recommends, and in some cases requires, that the use of certain tools, cutting techniques and pruning methods be followed, and sets the standard definitions for terms the arborist will use in your estimate. Properly written work estimates for tree pruning should be written in accordance with ANSI A300 standards.
- Remember that poor pruning can cause damage that lasts for the life of the tree.
- Assess your trees after a storm to see if there is pruning needed.
- Do wear long sleeves and pants, safety glasses, and gloves (Sperian Safety Glasses, Garbotex Grain Leather Work Gloves.
- Do prune off any dead or diseased branches as soon as you see them, regardless of the type of tree or time of year.
- Prune without a good reason.
- Remove any more than 25 percent of foliage during a growing season.
- Prune a newly planted tree for the first year, unless you are removing dead or broken branches.
- Prune within 10 feet of a utility conductor – leave it to the pros.
- Try to tackle a pruning job that requires a chain saw and ladder work – leave it to the pros.
- Leave branch stubs, or cut off the branch collar (not make a flush cut).
- Climb the tree with climbing spikes.
- Use wound paint.
- Strip out inner foliage and branches. (also called lion-tailing)
- Don't prune a tree near power lines. Call an expert.